detesto
“detesto” means “I detest” in Spanish (Expressing strong dislike).
I detest, I hateAlso: I loathe
📝 In Action
Detesto levantarme temprano los fines de semana.
B1I hate getting up early on weekends.
Si detesto el ajo, ¿por qué lo pones en todo?
B1If I detest garlic, why do you put it in everything?
Detesto la injusticia, es algo que no tolero.
B2I detest injustice; it's something I can't tolerate.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detesto
Question 1 of 2
Which of these phrases is the correct way to say 'I detest that movie'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin verb *detestari*, which literally meant 'to curse by calling a deity to witness' or 'to denounce.' Over time, the meaning softened from denouncing something publicly to simply holding a strong, hateful feeling toward it.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'detesto' stronger than 'odio' (I hate)?
They are very close in meaning and often interchangeable. 'Detestar' sometimes carries a slightly more formal or profound sense of aversion than 'odiar,' but both express intense hatred or dislike.
Can I use 'detesto' to talk about people?
Yes, absolutely. You can say 'Detesto a mi jefe' (I detest my boss), but remember to use the personal 'a' when the object of your hatred is a specific person or people.