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How to Say "i reject" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rechazo

ray-CHAH-soreˈtʃaso

verbA2general
Use 'rechazo' when you are formally declining an offer, proposal, or idea, often in a strong or definitive way.
A person politely holding up a hand to decline a tray of cookies being offered to them.

Examples

Yo rechazo cualquier tipo de violencia.

I reject any type of violence.

Si me ofrecen el trabajo, lo rechazo.

If they offer me the job, I'll turn it down.

Spelling Change

When the 'z' in the base word meets an 'e', it changes to a 'c' (like in 'rechacé' or 'rechace'). This keeps the sound consistent.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Saying 'Mi rechazo es...' when you mean 'Yo rechazo...'”

Correction: Use 'rechazo' alone to mean 'I reject'. Use 'El rechazo' with a capital letter or article to mean 'The rejection'.

desecho

deh-SEH-chohdeˈsetʃo

verbB2general
Use 'desecho' when you are discarding or dismissing an idea, plan, or suggestion, implying it's no longer being considered.
A person dropping a piece of trash into a bin.

Examples

Desecho esta idea porque es muy cara.

I discard this idea because it is very expensive.

Desecho la ropa vieja cada año.

I throw away old clothes every year.

Inmediatamente desecho cualquier pensamiento negativo.

I immediately reject any negative thoughts.

It's the 'I' form

Remember that 'desecho' is specifically the form you use when you are talking about yourself ('Yo') doing the action right now.

Confusion with 'Basura'

Mistake: “Saying 'Yo basura el papel'.”

Correction: Basura is only a noun. Use 'Yo desecho el papel' or 'Yo tiro el papel' if you want to say you are throwing it away.

Choosing between 'desecho' and 'rechazo'

Learners often confuse 'desecho' and 'rechazo' because both mean 'to reject.' Remember that 'rechazo' is more common for declining offers or stating strong opposition, while 'desecho' implies discarding something as no longer relevant or feasible.

Related Translations

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