detestar
“detestar” means “to detest” in Spanish (to dislike intensely).
to detest, to hate
Also: to loathe, to abhor
📝 In Action
Detesto el olor del tabaco.
A2I detest the smell of tobacco.
Ella detesta llegar tarde a las citas.
B1She hates arriving late to appointments.
Detesto que me interrumpan cuando estoy trabajando.
B2I hate being interrupted when I am working.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detestar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I detest the cold' in Spanish?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'detestari', which originally meant to 'curse while calling a witness.' It comes from 'de-' (down/against) and 'testari' (to bear witness).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detestar' stronger than 'odiar'?
Generally, 'odiar' is more common for 'hate' in a personal or broad sense, while 'detestar' often implies a more intellectual or physical disgust, but they are very close in intensity.
Does 'detestar' have irregular forms?
No, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar'.
Can I use 'detestar' for food?
Yes! It is very common to use it when you really cannot stand the taste of something.