Inklingo

How to Say "damn!" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “damn!” is “mierda” — use this common and informal exclamation for general frustration or disappointment, similar to 'shit!' in English.

mierda🔊A1

Use this common and informal exclamation for general frustration or disappointment, similar to 'shit!' in English.

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maldiciónA2

This is a direct translation of 'curse' or 'damn' and is suitable for expressing anger or frustration, slightly more formal than 'mierda'.

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hostia🔊B2

A very common, informal exclamation in Spain to express shock, surprise, or annoyance, similar to 'bloody hell!' or 'damn!'.

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carajo🔊C1

A strong and vulgar exclamation used to express intense annoyance, frustration, or anger, comparable to 'damn it!' or 'fuck!'

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verga🔊B2

This is a vulgar exclamation, primarily used in parts of Latin America, to express strong frustration or annoyance, similar to 'shit!' or 'fuck!'

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cristo🔊B1

Used informally to express sudden pain or a significant fright, often translated as 'Jeez!' or 'Christ!'

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English → Spanish

mierda

MYER-dahˈmjeɾ.ða

interjectionA1informal
Use this common and informal exclamation for general frustration or disappointment, similar to 'shit!' in English.
A frustrated character with a cartoonish angry expression holding a broken toy.

Examples

¡Mierda! He perdido el autobús.

Shit! I missed the bus.

¡Ay mierda, qué susto me has dado!

Oh crap, you scared me!

¡Mierda, se me rompió el móvil!

Damn, my phone broke!

Standalone Power

As an exclamation, it doesn't need to follow any grammar rules; you just shout it when something goes wrong!

Adding Emphasis

You can add '¡Qué...!' before it, but usually, it stands alone for maximum impact.

Underestimating Strength

Mistake: “Using it as a substitute for 'darn' in front of your host family.”

Correction: It is much stronger than 'darn.' Use 'miércoles' (Wednesday) or 'jolines' if you want a polite alternative.

maldición

interjectionA2
This is a direct translation of 'curse' or 'damn' and is suitable for expressing anger or frustration, slightly more formal than 'mierda'.

Examples

¡Maldición! Olvidé las llaves en casa.

Damn! I forgot the keys at home.

hostia

OSS-tyahˈostja

interjectionB2informal
A very common, informal exclamation in Spain to express shock, surprise, or annoyance, similar to 'bloody hell!' or 'damn!'.
A colorful storybook illustration of a surprised character with wide eyes and hands on their cheeks.

Examples

¡Hostia! Se me han olvidado las llaves en casa.

Damn! I forgot my keys at home.

¡Hostia, qué coche más bonito!

Wow, what a beautiful car!

¡Hostias! ¿Has visto eso?

Holy cow! Did you see that?

Singular vs. Plural

You can say '¡Hostia!' or '¡Hostias!'. Both mean the same thing when used as an exclamation of surprise.

Using it as a mild 'oops'

Mistake: “Saying '¡Hostia!' for a tiny mistake in front of a teacher.”

Correction: It's a bit too strong. Use '¡Ostras!' (a softer version) or '¡Vaya!' for small accidents.

carajo

ka-RA-hokaˈɾa.xo

interjectionC1vulgar
A strong and vulgar exclamation used to express intense annoyance, frustration, or anger, comparable to 'damn it!' or 'fuck!'
A small child character with a dramatic, frustrated expression, hopping on one foot and holding the other, having just stubbed their toe on a brightly colored toy block.

Examples

¡Carajo, se me olvidaron las llaves otra vez!

Damn it, I forgot the keys again!

¿Pero qué carajo estás haciendo aquí?

What the hell are you doing here?

¡Carajo! Me pegué en el dedo del pie.

Fuck! I stubbed my toe.

verga

behr-gahˈbeɾɣa

interjectionB2vulgar
This is a vulgar exclamation, primarily used in parts of Latin America, to express strong frustration or annoyance, similar to 'shit!' or 'fuck!'
A person looking very surprised with wide eyes and hands on their cheeks.

Examples

¡Verga! Se me olvidaron las llaves en la casa.

Shit! I forgot my keys at home.

¡A la verga! ¿Viste ese rayo?

Holy shit! Did you see that lightning?

¡Qué verga! No me digas que perdimos otra vez.

Damn it! Don't tell me we lost again.

Stand-alone Power

This word functions as a complete sentence when used as an exclamation to show strong emotion.

Overuse

Mistake: “Using 'verga' as every other word in a conversation.”

Correction: While common in some youth cultures, it makes your Spanish sound limited and aggressive.

cristo

kris-tohkɾisto

interjectionB1informal
Used informally to express sudden pain or a significant fright, often translated as 'Jeez!' or 'Christ!'
A cartoon character with wide eyes and exaggerated features, throwing their hands up and leaning back in a gesture of intense surprise and frustration next to a small, unexpected disaster.

Examples

¡Cristo, qué susto me has dado!

Jeez, you gave me such a fright!

¡Ay, cristo! Me he golpeado el dedo.

Oh, damn! I hit my finger.

Interjections are standalone

When used as an exclamation, 'cristo' stands alone and usually has an exclamation mark (¡!) around it to show strong feeling.

Context is key

Mistake: “Using this interjection in formal or professional settings.”

Correction: This usage is highly informal and can sometimes be seen as slightly vulgar or overly dramatic. Stick to 'Dios mío' (My God) for less intense situations.

Choosing the Right Level of Exasperation

Learners often struggle with the register and intensity. 'Mierda' and 'hostia' are very common but informal; 'carajo' and 'verga' are vulgar and stronger. 'Maldición' is a safer, more neutral choice for general frustration, while 'cristo' is specific to pain or shock.

Related Translations

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