Inklingo

How to Say "to detest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

odiar

oh-dee-ahroˈðjaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'odiar' when you want to express a powerful, often visceral dislike or hatred towards something or someone, frequently used for things that cause strong negative emotions.
A grumpy child crossing their arms and looking away from a plate of broccoli with a scowl.

Examples

Odio cuando la gente habla alto en el cine.

I hate it when people talk loudly in the cinema.

Odio levantarme temprano los lunes.

I hate getting up early on Mondays.

Ella odia la injusticia en el mundo.

She hates injustice in the world.

No te odio, solo estoy decepcionado.

I don't hate you, I'm just disappointed.

The 'Personal A'

When you hate a specific person or pet, you must put the word 'a' after 'odiar'. Example: 'Odio a ese personaje' (I hate that character).

Using Actions

To say you hate doing something, use the base form of the second verb (the one ending in -ar, -er, or -ir). Example: 'Odio cocinar' (I hate cooking).

Too much 'A'

Mistake: “Odio a la lluvia.”

Correction: Odio la lluvia. Don't use 'a' for objects or concepts, only for people or personified pets.

detestar

deh-tehs-TARdetesˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'detestar' to express a strong dislike or aversion, often for specific things, actions, or qualities that you find unpleasant or objectionable.
A child making a sour face and pushing away a bowl of broccoli.

Examples

Detesto la injusticia en todas sus formas.

I detest injustice in all its forms.

Detesto el olor del tabaco.

I detest the smell of tobacco.

Ella detesta llegar tarde a las citas.

She hates arriving late to appointments.

Detesto que me interrumpan cuando estoy trabajando.

I hate being interrupted when I am working.

Using 'Personal A'

When the thing you hate is a specific person or a pet, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Detesto a ese actor' (I detest that actor).

Expressing Opinions with 'Que'

When you say 'Detesto que...' to talk about someone else's actions, the following verb needs a special 'subjunctive' ending. Example: 'Detesto que grites' (I hate that you shout).

Don't use it like 'Gustar'

Mistake: “Me detesta el brócoli.”

Correction: Detesto el brócoli. 'Detestar' follows the same pattern as English 'I hate' (I do the hating), unlike 'Gustar' which flips the subject.

Odiar vs. Detestar

Learners often use 'odiar' for any strong dislike, but it carries a heavier meaning of 'hate.' Reserve 'odiar' for truly intense negative feelings. For strong dislikes of specific things or situations, 'detestar' is often a more appropriate and nuanced choice.

Related Translations

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