How to Say "sarcasm" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sarcasm” is “ironía” — use 'ironía' when the ironic statement is intended to be humorous or to subtly convey a meaning opposite to the literal words, without necessarily being harsh or contemptuous.
Use 'ironía' when the ironic statement is intended to be humorous or to subtly convey a meaning opposite to the literal words, without necessarily being harsh or contemptuous.
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Choose 'sarcasmo' when the ironic tone is used specifically to insult, mock, or express disdain in a biting way.
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Examples
Su comentario sobre mi nuevo corte de pelo fue claramente una ironía.
His comment about my new haircut was clearly irony.
sar-KAS-mosaɾˈkasmo
Examples
No estoy seguro si me está ayudando o si es puro sarcasmo.
I'm not sure if he's helping me or if it's pure sarcasm.
No entiendo si hablas en serio o si es puro sarcasmo.
I don't know if you're being serious or if it's pure sarcasm.
Usa el sarcasmo como un escudo para no mostrar sus sentimientos.
He uses sarcasm as a shield to avoid showing his feelings.
El sarcasmo puede ser divertido, pero a veces hiere a las personas.
Sarcasm can be funny, but sometimes it hurts people.
The 'El' Rule
Since this word ends in 'o', it is a masculine word. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (el sarcasmo, un sarcasmo).
Using it as a Description
To describe a person using this word, don't say 'él es sarcasmo.' Instead, change the ending to 'sarcástico' (he is sarcastic).
Mixing up Nouns and Adjectives
Mistake: “Él tiene un tono muy sarcasmo.”
Correction: Say 'Él tiene un tono muy sarcástico' because you are describing the tone (adjective), not naming the concept (noun).
Ironía vs. Sarcasmo: The Nuance
Learners often confuse 'ironía' and 'sarcasmo' because 'sarcasmo' is a type of 'ironía'. Use 'sarcasmo' for biting, contemptuous remarks. If the irony is gentler, more playful, or simply about saying the opposite of what you mean without malice, 'ironía' is usually the better fit.
Related Translations
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