Inklingo

How to Say "resentment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “resentment” is “coraje” — use 'coraje' when the 'resentment' is more about intense anger or frustration, often stemming from a specific event that feels unfair or upsetting in the moment.

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coraje

koh-RAH-hehkoˈɾa.xe

nounB1
Use 'coraje' when the 'resentment' is more about intense anger or frustration, often stemming from a specific event that feels unfair or upsetting in the moment.
A cartoon character with a bright red face, clenched fists, and steam coming out of their head, symbolizing intense rage.

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.)

indignación

nounB1
Choose 'indignación' when the feeling of resentment is specifically rooted in a sense of injustice or unfair treatment, a strong moral outrage.

Examples

Siento mucha indignación por la noticia.

I feel a lot of outrage because of the news.

resentimiento

reh-sen-tee-mee-en-tohresentiˈmjento

nounB2
Use 'resentimiento' for a general feeling of bitterness or displeasure about something that happened in the past, without necessarily implying deep anger or outrage.
A person sitting alone on a wooden bench, looking down with a crossed-arm posture and a frown, with a dark storm cloud hovering directly above them in a bright field.

Examples

No guardo ningún resentimiento hacia él.

I don't hold any resentment toward him.

Su voz estaba llena de resentimiento.

Her voice was full of bitterness.

Es difícil superar el resentimiento después de una traición.

It is hard to overcome resentment after a betrayal.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-miento', it's a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Using 'por' to show cause

When you want to say why someone feels resentment, use the word 'por' (because of). For example: 'resentimiento por el pasado'.

Using 'en' for targets

Mistake: “Siento resentimiento en él.”

Correction: Siento resentimiento hacia él (or 'contra él'). Use 'hacia' (toward) or 'contra' (against) to point the emotion at a person.

rencor

rren-korreŋˈkoɾ

nounB2
Opt for 'rencor' when the resentment is a deep, long-lasting, and often bitter feeling that has festered over time, implying a desire for payback or holding a grudge.
A solitary figure with a downturned expression tightly hugging a large, heavy, dark purple rock covered in sharp thorns, symbolizing emotional pain.

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

Learners often confuse 'coraje' and 'rencor'. Remember that 'coraje' is typically a more immediate, intense anger or frustration, while 'rencor' implies a deeper, more sustained bitterness and ill will that lasts over time.

Related Translations

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