Inklingo

How to Say "resentful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ofendido

oh-fehn-DEE-doh/ofenˈdido/

adjectiveB1
Use 'ofendido' when the bitterness stems from feeling personally slighted, hurt, or disrespected, often due to someone's actions or words.
A small bird with crossed wings and a grumpy expression, looking away from a crumb.

Examples

Se sintió ofendido por el comentario sarcástico de su jefe.

He felt resentful of his boss's sarcastic comment.

Él se siente ofendido porque no lo invitaste a la fiesta.

He feels offended because you didn't invite him to the party.

No te pongas ofendida, solo era una broma.

Don't get offended (female), it was just a joke.

Habló con un tono de voz ofendido.

He spoke with an offended tone of voice.

Matching the Person

This word changes its ending based on who you are talking about. Use 'ofendido' for a man and 'ofendida' for a woman.

Being vs. Feeling

We usually use this word with 'estar' (to be in a state) or 'sentirse' (to feel) because it describes a temporary emotion, not a permanent personality trait.

Watch the 'a'

Mistake:ofendido con el comentario

Correction: ofendido por el comentario

sentido

/sen-TEE-doh//senˈti.ðo/

adjective / past participleB1
Use 'sentido' when the bitterness is deep, profound, and emotionally charged, often implying a strong sense of personal grievance or sorrow.
A person holding a letter close to their chest, where a glowing, symbolic heart is visible, representing deep, heartfelt emotion.

Examples

Todavía guarda un profundo resentimiento por la injusticia que sufrió.

He still harbors a deep resentment for the injustice he suffered.

Fue un discurso muy sentido y emocionante.

It was a very heartfelt and emotional speech.

Ella está muy sentida contigo porque no la llamaste.

She is very offended with you because you didn't call her.

Mis más sentidas condolencias.

My most heartfelt condolences.

A Word That Describes

'Sentido' is the past participle of the verb 'sentir' (to feel). This means it can be used like an adjective to describe a noun. Because it's an adjective, it must change to match the noun it describes: 'un discurso sentido' (a heartfelt speech) but 'una carta sentida' (a heartfelt letter).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake:Mi amiga está muy sentido.

Correction: Mi amiga está muy sentida. Because 'amiga' is feminine, the adjective 'sentida' must also be feminine.

Ofendido vs. Sentido

Learners often confuse 'ofendido' and 'sentido' because both can imply hurt. Remember that 'ofendido' is usually about a specific offense or slight, while 'sentido' suggests a deeper, more pervasive emotional pain or grievance.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.