How to Say "resentment" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “resentment” is “coraje” — use 'coraje' when the resentment is a strong, immediate feeling of anger or frustration, often due to an unfair situation or outcome..
coraje
/koh-RAH-heh//koˈɾa.xe/
Examples
Le dio mucho coraje que su equipo perdiera el partido.
It made him very angry that his team lost the game.
El niño gritó con coraje cuando no le dieron el dulce.
The boy yelled in anger when they didn't give him the candy.
Using 'Dar Coraje'
To say 'something makes me angry,' use the phrase 'dar coraje,' often structured like 'gustar': 'Me da coraje que...' (It gives me anger that...).
Verb Choice
Mistake: “Estoy coraje. (I am anger.)”
Correction: Use the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'sentir' (to feel): 'Tengo/Siento coraje.' (I have/feel anger.)
rencor
/rren-kor//reŋˈkoɾ/
Examples
Ella todavía siente rencor por cómo la trataron en ese trabajo.
She still feels resentment over how they treated her at that job.
No puedes vivir feliz si guardas tanto rencor en tu corazón.
You cannot live happily if you hold so much bitterness in your heart.
Después de años, el rencor entre los hermanos se había disipado finalmente.
After years, the grudge between the siblings had finally faded away.
Always Masculine
Even though many abstract nouns ending in '-or' are masculine, remember that 'rencor' always uses the masculine article ('el rencor').
Always Singular
'Rencor' is treated as an uncountable feeling, like 'anger' or 'love.' You almost never use it in the plural form.
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “Tener rencor *a* alguien. (Incorrect use of 'a')”
Correction: Tener rencor *hacia* alguien (or *contra* alguien). Use 'hacia' or 'contra' to show who the negative feeling is directed toward.
Coraje vs. Rencor
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