From escalating political tensions to unprecedented global divisions, 2025 has been defined by extremes. Throughout the year, we've witnessed a world increasingly split between opposing viewpoints, where moderation seems to have taken a back seat. This reality has led us to select a word that perfectly captures the spirit of our times. Let's reveal Yabla's Spanish Word of the Year 2025.

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Radical: The Spanish Word of the Year 2025

The word radical is our Spanish Word of the Year 2025. Political polarization, extreme positions, and a growing divide in public discourse have made this term constantly appear in news headlines and everyday conversations across the Spanish-speaking world.

In Spanish, just like in English, radical functions as both an adjective and a noun. The word carries multiple meanings depending on context:

As an adjective:

• Extreme or drastic (cambio radical - radical change)

• Fundamental (reforma radical - fundamental reform)

• In politics, describing extreme ideological positions

As a noun:

A person who holds extreme political or lifestyle views

El amigo neohippie radical salsapunk:

The radical salsapunk neohippie:

Caption 49, Juan Sánchez Personajes

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The word radical in Spanish is pronounced rah-dee-KAHL, with the stress on the final syllable.

Radical in Everyday Use

One of the most common expressions with radical is cambio radical (radical change), which refers to a profound or permanent transformation:

encontraron un cambio radical para su vida.

found a radical change for their lives.

Caption 7, Instinto de conservación Parque Tayrona - Part 5

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Related Terms

The word radical belongs to a family of related terms that have also been prominent this year:

• Radicalización (radicalization) - The process of adopting extreme positions

• Radicalizar (to radicalize) - To make or become radical

• Radicalismo (radicalism) - The ideology or practice of radical politics

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Runners-up for 2025 Spanish Word of the Year

While radical captured the essence of 2025, several other words defined key moments throughout the year:

• Dron (drone)

From military operations in conflict zones to airport disruptions and expanding delivery services, drones have been everywhere in 2025. The Spanish word dron comes from the English "drone."

cámaras, trípodes, palo selfie, drones, etcétera,

cameras, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, etc.,

Caption 30, Viajando con Fermín El Caminito del Rey - Part 1

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• Deportación (deportation)

Immigration policies and enforcement dominated headlines throughout 2025, making deportación a frequently discussed topic across the Spanish-speaking world.

• Polarización (polarization)

This word describes the growing divide in societies worldwide, where finding common ground has become increasingly challenging.

• Aranceles (tariffs)

Trade tensions and tariff policies shaped economic discussions in 2025, making aranceles a term frequently heard in business news and political debates.

So there you have it - our Spanish Word of the Year 2025. What are your thoughts on choosing radical? Can you think of other words that deserved this title? Share your ideas with us, and feel free to tell us what words defined your 2025!