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A child making a sour face and pushing away a bowl of broccoli.

detestar Present Conjugation

detestarto detest

B1regular -ar★★★
Quick answer:

The present tense of detestar is regular: detesto, detestas, detesta, detestamos, detestáis, detestan.

detestar Present Forms

yodetesto
detestas
él/ella/usteddetesta
nosotrosdetestamos
vosotrosdetestáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdetestan

When to Use the Present

Use the present tense to express a strong, ongoing dislike or hatred for something in general. It is perfect for stating your preferences or personality traits regarding things you cannot stand.

Notes on detestar in the Present

Detestar is completely regular in the present tense, following the standard -ar verb pattern without any stem changes.

Example Sentences

  • Yo detesto levantarme temprano los domingos.

    I detest getting up early on Sundays.

    yo

  • Ella detesta el olor del tabaco.

    She detests the smell of tobacco.

    él/ella/usted

  • Nosotros detestamos las mentiras.

    We detest lies.

    nosotros

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Using 'detesto de' followed by an infinitive.

    Correct: detesto (verb)

    Why: Detestar is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition like 'de' before the object or action.

Master Spanish verbs in context

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Related Tenses