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How to Say "rude person" in Spanish

English → Spanish

grosero

groh-SEH-roh/ɡɾoˈse.ɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'grosero' for someone who is generally impolite, lacks manners, or behaves in a way that offends others, often in a direct or noticeable manner.
An illustration of a character acting as a rude person by bumping into someone else and ignoring them.

Examples

El grosero me empujó sin pedir disculpas.

The rude person pushed me without apologizing.

No quiero invitar a esos groseros a mi fiesta.

I don't want to invite those rude people (louts) to my party.

Gender Change

To refer to a rude woman, change the ending and the article: 'el grosero' (the rude man) becomes 'la grosera' (the rude woman).

borde

BOAR-deh/ˈboɾ.ðe/

nounB2informal
Choose 'borde' to describe someone who is deliberately curt, unfriendly, or even aggressive in their rudeness, often implying a more confrontational attitude.
A simple colorful illustration of an adult person with a harsh, scowling expression, standing stiffly with crossed arms, indicating rudeness or being unpleasant.

Examples

El camarero fue un borde, ni siquiera nos miró al servir.

The waiter was a jerk; he didn't even look at us while serving.

No seas borde y pide disculpas.

Don't be rude and apologize.

Used as Adjective and Noun

In this context, 'borde' can be used as a noun ('es un borde') or as an adjective ('es muy borde'). It usually doesn't change form based on gender, even when referring to a woman.

Grosero vs. Borde

Learners often confuse 'grosero' and 'borde'. While 'grosero' is a more general term for rudeness, 'borde' implies a sharper, more confrontational, or intentionally unpleasant manner. Think of 'borde' as a more intense, often informal, version of 'grosero'.

Related Translations

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