Inklingo

How to Say "to defy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desafiar

/deh-sah-fyahr//desafiˈaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'desafiar' when the defiance involves actively challenging or confronting authority, rules, or a person.
A small kitten sitting still and looking up at a large dog, refusing to move from its spot.

Examples

El equipo decidió desafiar las tácticas del oponente.

The team decided to defy the opponent's tactics.

Ella decidió desafiar las leyes injustas.

She decided to defy the unjust laws.

Los escaladores desafiaron el frío extremo para llegar a la cima.

The climbers braved the extreme cold to reach the summit.

Su éxito desafía toda lógica.

His success defies all logic.

Abstract Objects

When 'desafiar' means to defy a concept (like logic, gravity, or law), you don't use the 'a' particle. Use it only for people or personified things.

Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “Desafiar con la tormenta.”

Correction: Desafiar la tormenta. (In Spanish, you defy the thing directly; you don't need 'con'.)

desobedecer

/dess-oh-beh-deh-SEHR//desoβeðeˈseɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'desobedecer' when the defiance is simply a refusal to follow orders or obey rules or authority figures.
A child playing with a toy instead of putting it away in a toy box as instructed.

Examples

Mis hijos a veces desobedecen las instrucciones.

My children sometimes defy my instructions.

El perro desobedece a su dueño a veces.

The dog disobeys his owner sometimes.

Es peligroso desobedecer las señales de tráfico.

It is dangerous to disobey traffic signs.

Los soldados se negaron a desobedecer las órdenes.

The soldiers refused to disobey the orders.

The 'ZC' Spell Check

For this verb, when you use 'yo' in the present tense, or any form of the 'wishes and commands' mood, the 'c' changes to 'zc' to keep the sound consistent. So, it's 'desobedezco' not 'desobedeco'.

Using 'a' with People

When you disobey a specific person (like a teacher or parent), you must put the word 'a' before their title. Example: 'Desobedeció a la maestra'.

Missing the 'Z'

Mistake: “Yo desobedeco mis padres.”

Correction: Yo desobedezco a mis padres. (Don't forget the 'z' in the first person and the personal 'a' for people!)

Choosing between 'desafiar' and 'desobedecer'

Learners often confuse these two words. Remember that 'desafiar' implies a more active challenge or confrontation, while 'desobedecer' is a more straightforward failure to obey.

Related Translations

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