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insolente

in-so-LEN-teh/in.so.ˈlen.te/

“insolente” means “disrespectful” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

disrespectful

Also: cheeky, insolent
Adjectivem or fB1
A child sticking their tongue out at a stern guard in a uniform.

📝 In Action

No me hables con ese tono insolente.

B1

Don't talk to me with that disrespectful tone.

El empleado fue despedido por ser insolente con el cliente.

B2

The employee was fired for being rude to the customer.

Su respuesta insolente sorprendió a todos en la mesa.

C1

His cheeky response surprised everyone at the table.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • irrespetuoso (disrespectful)
  • descarado (shameless/brazen)
  • malcriado (spoiled/rude child)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mirada insolente – a defiant/disrespectful look
  • tono insolente – disrespectful tone
  • actitud insolente – rude attitude

insolent person

Also: brat
Nounm or fB2
A person with their feet on a dining table while another person looks upset.

📝 In Action

¡Eres un insolente! No vuelvas a hablarme así.

B2

You are a brat! Don't you ever speak to me like that again.

Aquel insolente no quiso pedir disculpas.

C1

That rude person refused to apologize.

Es una insolente que no respeta a sus mayores.

B2

She is a disrespectful person who doesn't respect her elders.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • un pequeño insolente – a little brat

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "insolente" in Spanish:

brat→cheeky→disrespectful→insolent→insolent person→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: insolente

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the most accurate translation for 'una respuesta insolente'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
insolencia(insolence/rudeness) — Noun
insolentemente(insolently) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'insolens.' In Latin, 'in-' means 'not' and 'solens' means 'accustomed.' Originally, it described someone doing something unusual or 'not the custom,' which eventually evolved to mean someone acting outside the 'customary' bounds of polite behavior.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: insolentFrench: insolentItalian: insolente

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'insolente' worse than 'grosero'?

Not necessarily, but they are different. 'Grosero' is generally 'rude' or 'vulgar' (bad manners). 'Insolente' specifically implies that you are being rude to someone you should be respecting, like a boss, parent, or teacher.

Can I use 'insolente' for a funny situation?

Yes! In some contexts, like between friends, calling someone 'un insolente' can be a playful way of saying they are being 'cheeky' or 'bold'.

Does it have a plural form?

Yes! Just add -s: 'Los niños insolentes' (The disrespectful children).