Inklingo

How to Say "to brand" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to brand” is “catalogar” — use 'catalogar' when you are identifying or classifying someone or something as having a particular quality or characteristic, often based on observation or general opinion..

English → Spanish

catalogar

/kah-tah-loh-GAR//kata'loɣar/

verbB2general
Use 'catalogar' when you are identifying or classifying someone or something as having a particular quality or characteristic, often based on observation or general opinion.
A person placing a small colorful sticker onto a large glass jar to sort it into a group.

Examples

Mucha gente lo cataloga de egoísta.

Many people label him as selfish.

No deberías catalogar a alguien sin conocerlo.

You shouldn't label someone without knowing them.

La crítica catalogó la película como una obra maestra.

The critics branded the movie as a masterpiece.

Using 'De' to Describe Labels

When labeling a person as something (like 'a hero' or 'lazy'), use the word 'de' after the verb. Example: 'Lo catalogan de valiente' (They label him as brave).

Confusing 'De' and 'Como'

Mistake: “Me catalogan ser perezoso.”

Correction: Say 'Me catalogan DE perezoso' or 'Me catalogan COMO perezoso'. You need a connector to describe the label.

tachar

/ta-char//taˈtʃaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'tachar' when you are publicly accusing or denouncing someone of something negative, implying a strong, often unfounded, judgment.
A group of people pointing at a sad person standing alone.

Examples

Lo tacharon de mentiroso sin tener pruebas.

They labeled him a liar without having proof.

No puedes tachar a todo el grupo de irresponsable.

You can't brand the whole group as irresponsible.

Muchos lo tachan de loco por sus ideas tan radicales.

Many call him crazy because of his radical ideas.

The 'de' requirement

When using this word to label someone, you must follow the pattern: [Person] + tachar + de + [Adjective]. Example: 'Me tacharon de loco' (They labeled me as crazy).

Missing the 'de'

Mistake: “Saying 'Me tacharon loco'.”

Correction: Always include 'de' before the label: 'Me tacharon DE loco'.

Catalogar vs. Tachar

Learners often confuse 'catalogar' and 'tachar'. Remember that 'catalogar' is a more neutral classification, while 'tachar' carries a strong negative connotation of public accusation or denouncement.

Related Translations

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