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How to Say "rough" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rough” is “rudo” — use 'rudo' when describing something or someone that is coarse in texture, appearance, or manners, implying a lack of refinement or politeness..

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rudo

ROO-doh/ˈru.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'rudo' when describing something or someone that is coarse in texture, appearance, or manners, implying a lack of refinement or politeness.
A close-up illustration of a gray stone with a visibly coarse, uneven texture, emphasizing its roughness.

Examples

Su lenguaje era muy rudo y ofendió a varios invitados.

His language was very crude and offended several guests.

La tela de la chaqueta se siente ruda y pica.

The jacket fabric feels rough and itchy.

El trato que recibió fue rudo e injusto.

The treatment he received was harsh and unfair.

Agreement

Since 'rudo' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'ruda' (feminine singular), 'rudos' (masculine plural), 'rudas' (feminine plural).

Rudo vs. Grosero

Mistake: “Using 'rudo' when you strictly mean 'impolite' or 'disrespectful' in a social setting.”

Correction: While 'rudo' works, 'grosero' is often the better choice for describing someone who is simply rude or ill-mannered in a social context. 'Rudo' often implies a lack of refinement or physical roughness.

bravo

BRAH-voh/ˈbɾaβo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'bravo' to describe turbulent or wild conditions, specifically for water (like a rough sea or river) or sometimes terrain.
A powerful, dark brown bull with large horns standing defiantly in a rugged, overgrown field, symbolizing wildness and being untamed.

Examples

Tuvimos que cruzar el río bravo, lleno de rocas y mucha corriente.

We had to cross the wild river, full of rocks and a strong current.

Cuidado con ese perro, es muy bravo y muerde.

Be careful with that dog, it is very fierce/aggressive and bites.

Describing Nature

When describing natural elements like oceans or rivers, 'bravo' emphasizes danger, roughness, or untamed power.

bruto

/broo-toh//ˈbɾuto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'bruto' to describe actions or people exhibiting excessive physical force or clumsiness, often implying a lack of care.
A simple drawing of a thick, rough-hewn piece of unpolished grey stone.

Examples

No seas tan bruto, vas a romper el juguete.

Don't be so rough, you're going to break the toy.

¡Qué bruto soy! Olvidé las llaves adentro.

How stupid of me! I left the keys inside.

Changing for Gender

Remember to change the ending to 'bruta' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.

Bruto vs. Grosero

Mistake: “Using 'bruto' to mean 'rude' in a polite sense.”

Correction: Use 'bruto' for someone who is rough or clumsy; use 'grosero' if they are being mean or impolite with words.

grosero

groh-SEH-roh/ɡɾoˈse.ɾo/

adjectiveB2general
Opt for 'grosero' when referring to a coarse or rough texture, especially concerning surfaces or materials like fabric or bristles.
A close-up illustration of a hand feeling the rough, coarse texture of burlap fabric.

Examples

El pintor usó un pincel de cerdas muy groseras.

The painter used a brush with very coarse bristles.

Necesitamos sal grosera para sazonar la carne.

We need coarse salt to season the meat.

Physical Description

In this sense, 'grosero' describes the physical quality or texture of an object, like sand, fabric, or salt.

Roughness in Manners vs. Texture

Learners often confuse 'rudo' and 'grosero'. Remember that 'rudo' is typically used for impolite behavior or coarse manners, while 'grosero' usually describes a physical, coarse texture or surface.

Related Translations

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