vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Awful" is an adjective which is often translated as "horrible", and "dreadful" is an adjective which is often translated as "espantoso". Learn more about the difference between "awful" and "dreadful" below.
awful(
a
-
fuhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (dreadful)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
An awful lot has been written on the subject.Se ha escrito un montón sobre el tema.
He's an awful tease.Es muy bromista.
3. (literary) (old-fashioned) (awesome)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
a. formidable
The thief fled as the knight drew his awful sword to kill him.El ladrón huyó cuando el caballero sacó su formidable espada para matarlo.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
4. (colloquial) (extremely) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
It's awful hot in the office.Hace un calor tremendo en la oficina.
That puppy is awful cute!¡Ese cachorro es monísimo!
dreadful(
drehd
-
fuhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (awful)
a. espantoso
The entire community was shocked by the dreadful crime.Toda la comunidad quedó impactada por el crimen espantoso.
b. horroroso
It was at that precise moment that he made the dreadful mistake of licking the cold metal pole.Fue en ese momento preciso que hizo el error horroroso de lamer la barra de metal fría.
c. terrible
We came running as soon as we heard the dreadful news.Vinimos corriendo apenas supimos de la terrible noticia.
d. horrible
I was finally freed from the dungeon after spending 20 years in that dreadful place.Por fin fui liberado del calabozo tras pasar 20 años en ese horrible lugar.
