detesto
deh-TES-toh
Quick Reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the 'I' Form
'Detesto' is the present tense form used only when the action is done by 'yo' (I). It means 'I detest' right now or generally.
Following with Nouns
When you detest a general thing (like 'noise' or 'broccoli'), you usually need to use the definite article (el, la, los, las) right after the verb: 'Detesto el frío' (I hate the cold).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Intensity
Mistake: "I detesto el café."
Correction: Detesto el café. ('Detestar' is often slightly stronger or more formal than 'odiar' (to hate), though they are usually interchangeable.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Stronger than 'No Me Gusta'
Use 'detesto' when 'I don't like' (no me gusta) isn't strong enough. It expresses a deep, emotional aversion.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ 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
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.