ofensa
“ofensa” means “offense” in Spanish (hurt feelings or wounded pride).
offense, insult
Also: slight, violation
📝 In Action
No fue mi intención causarte ninguna ofensa.
A2It wasn't my intention to cause you any offense.
Él tomó su silencio como una ofensa personal.
B1He took her silence as a personal insult.
Proferir una ofensa contra el rey es un asunto serio en algunos países.
C1Uttering an insult against the king is a serious matter in some countries.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ofensa
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the most common way to say 'no offense'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'offensa,' which describes the act of striking against something or a stumbling block. It eventually evolved to mean a 'strike' against someone's honor.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'insulto' and 'ofensa'?
An 'insulto' is usually a specific bad word or name-calling. An 'ofensa' is broader; it can be an action, like not being invited to a party, that hurts your feelings or honor.
Can 'ofensa' mean a legal crime like in English?
Rarely. In English, we say 'criminal offense,' but in Spanish, we usually say 'delito.' 'Ofensa' is almost always about personal feelings or dignity.
Is 'ofensa' a rude word?
No, the word itself is perfectly polite to use in any conversation. It simply describes the concept of being insulted or hurt.