Inklingo

How to Say "damn it!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

madres

MA-dres/ˈma.ðɾes/

interjectionC1informal
Use 'madres' to express strong frustration, outrage, or disbelief, often when something is unfair or has gone seriously wrong.
A simple cartoon character with wide eyes and an open mouth, throwing their hands up in an exaggerated gesture of frustration next to a small, spilled object on the ground.

Examples

¡Qué poca madre! No puedo creer que me hayan cancelado el vuelo.

Damn it! I can't believe they canceled my flight.

¡Qué poca madre!

That's terrible! / That's messed up! (Literally 'what little mother' - expressing outrage)

No me dijo ni madres sobre la reunión.

He didn't tell me a damn thing about the meeting.

¡A qué horas, madres!

What the heck time is it?

The Power of Negation

When used with a negative word (like 'no' or 'ni'), 'madres' strongly emphasizes that absolutely nothing happened or exists: 'No hay ni madres' (There is absolutely nothing).

Using Slang Formally

Mistake: “Using 'madres' in a professional or respectful setting.”

Correction: This usage is highly vulgar and offensive in many contexts. Stick to 'cosas' or 'nada' for neutral settings.

miércoles

interjectionB1informal
Use 'miércoles' for a milder expression of frustration or annoyance, similar to 'shoot!' or 'darn it!' when something inconvenient happens.

Examples

¡Miércoles! Se me olvidó la cartera en casa.

Damn it! I forgot my wallet at home.

Choosing between 'madres' and 'miércoles'

Learners often confuse 'madres' and 'miércoles' because both express frustration. Remember that 'madres' is for more serious outrage or disbelief, while 'miércoles' is a lighter, more common expression of everyday annoyance.

Related Translations

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