Inklingo

How to Say "to criticize" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atacar

ah-tah-KAHR/ataˈkaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'atacar' when the criticism is strong, direct, and often public, whether spoken or written, aiming to attack someone's actions or ideas.
A figure with an angry expression aggressively pointing a finger at a second figure who looks sad and is covering their ears.

Examples

La oposición atacó duramente el nuevo presupuesto.

The opposition fiercely criticized the new budget.

En su discurso, el político atacó a sus rivales sin piedad.

In his speech, the politician attacked his rivals mercilessly.

Figurative Use

When used in this sense, 'atacar' means to direct strong negative words or arguments toward a person, idea, or policy.

juzgar

hooz-GAR/xuzˈɣaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'juzgar' when the criticism involves forming a negative opinion or passing judgment on someone, often based on limited information or appearance.
A thoughtful person holding a red apple in one hand and a green apple in the other, looking intently at them as if evaluating their quality.

Examples

No debes juzgar un libro por su portada.

You shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

¿Quién eres tú para juzgar mi decisión?

Who are you to judge my decision?

Ella juzga a los demás con mucha dureza.

She judges others very harshly.

The '-gar' Spelling Change

When conjugating 'juzgar,' the 'g' changes to 'gu' before an 'e' sound. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (juzgué) and across the entire present subjunctive (juzgue, juzgues, etc.).

Missing the 'u'

Mistake: “Using *juzge* instead of *juzgue* in the subjunctive.”

Correction: Always remember the 'u' after the 'g' in the subjunctive and preterite 'yo' form to keep the hard 'g' sound: *juzgue*.

Atacar vs. Juzgar

Learners often confuse 'atacar' and 'juzgar' because both can imply negative judgment. Remember that 'atacar' is for strong, direct verbal or written attacks, while 'juzgar' is for forming negative opinions, often more subtly or based on appearance.

Related Translations

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