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How to Say "despicable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “despicable” is “despreciable” — use this for a direct moral judgment, indicating that something is worthy of contempt or strong disapproval based on ethical standards..

English → Spanish

despreciable

/des-pre-SYAH-bleh//despreˈθjaβle/

adjectiveB2general
Use this for a direct moral judgment, indicating that something is worthy of contempt or strong disapproval based on ethical standards.
A shadowy figure in a dark cloak stealing a small toy from a crying child's hand.

Examples

Mentirle a un amigo es un acto despreciable.

Lying to a friend is a despicable act.

Ese hombre es una persona despreciable por cómo trata a los demás.

That man is a despicable person because of how he treats others.

One size fits all

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change whether you are talking about a man or a woman. You can say 'un hombre despreciable' or 'una mujer despreciable'.

Don't confuse with 'depreciable'

Mistake: “Using 'despreciable' when talking about a car losing value.”

Correction: Use 'depreciable' for financial value and 'despreciable' for moral value or tiny amounts.

asquerosa

/as-keh-RO-sah//askeˈɾosa/

adjectiveB1informal
This term conveys extreme disgust or revulsion, often used for behavior that is morally foul or extremely unpleasant.
A grumpy child deliberately knocking over a friend's tall tower of wooden blocks.

Examples

Ella fue muy asquerosa conmigo sin motivo.

She was very nasty to me for no reason.

Dijo una mentira asquerosa sobre su amiga.

She told a vile lie about her friend.

Describing People

When you call a woman 'asquerosa', you are usually saying she is a 'nasty person' or has a 'repulsive personality'.

miserable

mee-seh-RAH-bleh/mi.seˈɾa.βle/

adjectiveB2general
Use this to describe someone or something as contemptible, morally base, or pitifully wicked.
A shifty-eyed fox running quickly while holding a large, overflowing basket of stolen red apples.

Examples

Solo un miserable haría algo tan cruel.

Only a despicable person (a scoundrel) would do something so cruel.

No seas tan miserable y comparte tus galletas.

Don't be so mean-spirited (or stingy) and share your cookies.

Using it as a Noun

You can use 'miserable' just like a noun (a person) by adding 'el' or 'la.' This is a very strong insult, calling someone a 'wretch' or 'scoundrel'.

villano

/bee-YAH-noh//biˈʝano/

adjectiveB2general
This word specifically describes actions or behavior that are wicked, base, or characteristic of a villain.
A small hand-drawn style illustration of a person hiding a child's toy behind their back with a mean smirk.

Examples

Fue una acción villana que nadie esperaba.

It was a wicked action that nobody expected.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective (a describing word), 'villano' must match the person or thing it describes. Say 'un hombre villano' but 'una mujer villana'.

canalla

kah-NAH-yah/kaˈnaʎa/

adjectiveC1informal
This term is best for describing an action as dishonorable, mean-spirited, or perfidious.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a grumpy adult character deliberately kicking over a child's sandcastle on a beach. A small child looks distressed.

Examples

Fue un gesto canalla dejar a su amigo solo en el problema.

It was a despicable gesture to leave his friend alone with the problem.

Su comportamiento canalla en la reunión ofendió a todos.

His vile behavior at the meeting offended everyone.

Adjective Placement

As an adjective, canalla usually follows the noun it describes (un gesto canalla), which is common for adjectives that express strong judgment or quality.

Choosing Between 'Despreciable' and 'Asquerosa'

Learners often confuse 'despreciable' and 'asquerosa'. Remember that 'despreciable' is a more direct moral judgment, while 'asquerosa' implies a stronger sense of disgust and revulsion towards the act or person.

Related Translations

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