joder
“joder” means “to screw up” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to screw up
Also: to annoy, to be screwed
📝 In Action
He jodido el ordenador con el café.
B1I've screwed up the computer with the coffee.
No me jodas mientras estoy trabajando.
B1Don't bother me while I'm working.
Si no estudiaste, ahora te jodes.
B2If you didn't study, now you're screwed (deal with it).
damn, fuck
Also: wow
📝 In Action
¡Joder, qué calor hace!
B1Damn, it's so hot!
¡Joder, me he olvidado las llaves!
B1Fuck, I forgot my keys!
He ganado la lotería. -¡Joder, qué bien!
B2I won the lottery. -Wow, that's great!
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: joder
Question 1 of 3
If someone says '¡Joder, qué sorpresa!', how are they likely feeling?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'futuere', which originally referred to sexual intercourse but evolved into a general-purpose exclamation and verb for ruin or annoyance.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'joder' as bad as the 'F-word' in English?
In terms of literal translation, yes. However, in Spain, its frequency makes it feel slightly less heavy than the English F-word, though it is still vulgar and should be avoided in formal settings.
Can I use 'joder' with my friends?
Yes, it is extremely common among friends in Spain to show emphasis or frustration, but be careful in Latin America where it can be taken more seriously depending on the country.
What is 'joderse'?
It is the reflexive form of the verb, used when someone has to 'suck it up' or deal with a bad situation they can't change.