Meaning
To feel extreme fear or anxiety suddenly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people are quite expressive. You might hear 'No te rayes' as a more colloquial way to tell someone not to panic or overthink. In Mexico, the verb 'paniquearse' is very common in informal speech among younger generations. Argentines might use 'entrar en crisis' or 'hacerse mala sangre' to describe the stress leading up to panic. There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'serenidad' (serenity) in the face of crisis, often reflected in religious or family advice.
Use the Past Tense
Since panic is usually a sudden event, you'll use this phrase in the preterite (entré, entró) 90% of the time when telling stories.
Preposition Alert
Never forget the 'en'. 'Entrar pánico' sounds like you are literally bringing panic into a room like a piece of furniture.
Meaning
To feel extreme fear or anxiety suddenly.
Use the Past Tense
Since panic is usually a sudden event, you'll use this phrase in the preterite (entré, entró) 90% of the time when telling stories.
Preposition Alert
Never forget the 'en'. 'Entrar pánico' sounds like you are literally bringing panic into a room like a piece of furniture.
The 'Le' Variation
To sound more native, use 'Le entró el pánico' (Panic entered him/her). It sounds more natural in casual conversation.
Drama is Key
In Spanish, don't be afraid to use this phrase for small things (like losing your phone) to sound more expressive and native.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'entrar en pánico' in the preterite.
Cuando el avión se movió bruscamente, todos los pasajeros ______.
The preterite 'entraron' is used for a completed action in the past.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The collocation always requires the preposition 'en'.
Match the situation with the most likely reaction.
Match the pairs:
Losing a passport is a high-stress emergency that triggers panic.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: ¡Ayuda! ¡Hay fuego en la cocina! B: ¡Tranquilo! No ______.
The imperative (command) form 'no entres' is used to tell someone what to do.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fear Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCuando el avión se movió bruscamente, todos los pasajeros ______.
The preterite 'entraron' is used for a completed action in the past.
Choose the correct option:
The collocation always requires the preposition 'en'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Losing a passport is a high-stress emergency that triggers panic.
A: ¡Ayuda! ¡Hay fuego en la cocina! B: ¡Tranquilo! No ______.
The imperative (command) form 'no entres' is used to tell someone what to do.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNot exactly. 'Entrar en pánico' is the action of panicking. A panic attack is 'un ataque de pánico'. You can 'entrar en pánico' without having a clinical 'ataque de pánico'.
Yes, that describes your current state (I am in panic), whereas 'entrar en pánico' describes the moment you started panicking.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or read it in a newspaper.
The best opposite is 'mantener la calma' or 'quedarse tranquilo'.
Yes! 'El perro entró en pánico con los fuegos artificiales' is a very common sentence.
In Spanish, we 'enter in' (entrar en) states of mind or physical places. 'Entrar a' is sometimes used for physical places in Latin America, but for emotions, 'en' is standard.
Usually, we don't use 'un'. We just say 'entrar en pánico'. You only use 'un' if you add an adjective, like 'un pánico terrible'.
It's common in some Latin American countries as slang, but it's not considered 'correct' in formal writing. Stick to 'entrar en pánico' for exams.
You say 'No entres en pánico' (informal) or 'No entre en pánico' (formal).
It means 'panic is spreading'. It's used for groups of people.
Yes, Spanish speakers often use it hyperbolically. 'Entré en pánico cuando vi que no había café'.
Yes, it is {el|m} pánico.
'Miedo' is fear. 'Pánico' is extreme, uncontrollable fear that makes you stop thinking.
You put more force on the 'PA' sound. It's a sharp, high note.
Related Phrases
Cundir el pánico
similarWhen panic spreads through a group.
Pánico escénico
specialized formStage fright.
Perder los nervios
synonymTo lose one's nerves.
Mantener la calma
contrastTo stay calm.
Ataque de pánico
builds onPanic attack.
