Inklingo

How to Say "spiteful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

envenenado

/en-ben-en-ah-doh//embenenˈaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'envenenado' when describing a person's inner state or a deep-seated, emotional bitterness that fuels their spiteful actions or words.
A grumpy-looking cartoon storm cloud with a sharp frown and dark shadows under its eyes.

Examples

Su rencor lo había vuelto un hombre envenenado.

His resentment had turned him into a spiteful man.

Él tiene un corazón envenenado por el rencor.

He has a heart poisoned by resentment.

Lanzó un comentario envenenado contra su rival.

He made a spiteful comment against his rival.

Figurative description

When describing a person's character, we usually use the word 'corazón' (heart) or 'alma' (soul) together with 'envenenado'.

venenoso

/beh-neh-NOH-soh//be.neˈno.so/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'venenoso' specifically for describing words, comments, or actions that are sharp, malicious, and intended to cause immediate hurt or offense.
A green snake with glowing purple eyes hissing.

Examples

Lanzó una crítica venenosa sobre su actuación.

He launched a spiteful critique of her performance.

Hizo un comentario venenoso sobre mi ropa.

He made a spiteful comment about my clothes.

No quiero estar en una relación tan venenosa.

I don't want to be in such a toxic relationship.

Su mirada era venenosa.

Her look was malicious.

Figurative usage

Just like in English, you can use physical 'poison' words to describe people's behavior. It functions exactly like an adjective describing a person's character.

Intensity

Envenenado vs. Venenoso

Learners often confuse these by using 'envenenado' for sharp comments. Remember, 'envenenado' refers more to an internal, emotional state of bitterness, while 'venenoso' directly describes the hurtful nature of words or actions themselves.

Related Translations

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