Inklingo

How to Say "i hate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

odio

/OH-dyoh//ˈo.ðjo/

VerbA2Informal to Neutral
Use 'odio' for a general, strong feeling of dislike or aversion, often used in everyday conversation.
A simplified character with a strong frown and crossed arms, glaring intensely at a massive, overflowing pile of brightly colored laundry, signifying intense dislike.

Examples

Odio levantarme temprano los domingos.

I hate getting up early on Sundays.

Odio cuando la gente habla en el cine.

I hate when people talk in the movie theater.

Te soy sincero, odio las sorpresas.

I'll be honest with you, I hate surprises.

Hating Things vs. Hating Actions

You can hate a thing: 'Odio el tráfico' (I hate traffic). To say you hate doing something, just follow 'odio' with the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of a verb: 'Odio esperar' (I hate to wait).

Hating People? Add an 'a'

Mistake: “Odio mi vecino.”

Correction: Odio a mi vecino. (When the person or pet you hate is specific, you need to add the little word 'a' right after the verb. It's called the 'personal a' and it shows you're talking about a living being.)

detesto

deh-TES-toh/deˈtesto/

VerbB1Neutral to Formal
Use 'detesto' to express a more formal or intense aversion, signifying a profound dislike or loathing.
A simple cartoon person with a visibly disgusted expression recoiling strongly from a single large green vegetable on a table, holding their hand up in a 'stop' gesture.

Examples

Detesto levantarme temprano los fines de semana.

I hate getting up early on weekends.

Si detesto el ajo, ¿por qué lo pones en todo?

If I detest garlic, why do you put it in everything?

Detesto la injusticia, es algo que no tolero.

I detest injustice; it's something I can't tolerate.

Using the 'I' Form

'Detesto' is the present tense form used only when the action is done by 'yo' (I). It means 'I detest' right now or generally.

Following with Nouns

When you detest a general thing (like 'noise' or 'broccoli'), you usually need to use the definite article (el, la, los, las) right after the verb: 'Detesto el frío' (I hate the cold).

Confusing Intensity

Mistake: “I detesto el café.”

Correction: Detesto el café. ('Detestar' is often slightly stronger or more formal than 'odiar' (to hate), though they are usually interchangeable.)

Distinguishing 'Odio' and 'Detesto'

Learners often confuse 'odio' and 'detesto' by using 'detesto' too often. While 'detesto' implies a deeper loathing, 'odio' is the more common and versatile word for everyday dislikes. Stick to 'odio' unless you want to emphasize a particularly strong or formal aversion.

Related Translations

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