How to Say "to humiliate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to humiliate” is “humillar” — use 'humillar' when the focus is on causing someone to feel shame or embarrassment, often publicly..
humillar
/oo-mee-YAR//umiˈʝaɾ/
Examples
No es necesario humillar a nadie para ganar.
It's not necessary to humiliate anyone to win.
El equipo rival nos humilló con un marcador de cinco a cero.
The rival team humiliated us with a score of five to zero.
Ella se sintió humillada cuando el profesor la corrigió frente a todos.
She felt humiliated when the teacher corrected her in front of everyone.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you are humillating a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before the person, like: 'Humilló a su hermano'.
Humillar vs. Humillarse
When you humiliate someone else, use 'humillar'. If you are talking about someone lowering their own pride, use the form 'humillarse' (to humble oneself).
Spelling with 'i'
Mistake: “humilliar”
Correction: humillar (There is no 'i' after the 'll' in this verb).
degradar
/deh-grah-dahr//deɣɾaˈðaɾ/
Examples
No permitas que nadie te degrade.
Don't let anyone humiliate you.
Esas condiciones de trabajo degradan a los empleados.
Those working conditions debase the employees.
La violencia degrada al ser humano.
Violence debases human beings.
Abstract Subjects
This meaning often uses abstract nouns as the thing doing the action, such as 'La pobreza degrada' (Poverty debases).
Humillar vs Degradante
Mistake: “Me siento degradado.”
Correction: Me siento humillado (usually).
pisotear
/pee-so-teh-ahr//piso.teˈaɾ/
Examples
No permitas que nadie pisotee tu dignidad.
Don't let anyone trample on your dignity.
Ese jefe siempre pisotea a sus empleados.
That boss is always walking all over his employees.
Han pisoteado los derechos humanos durante años.
They have trampled on human rights for years.
Using 'a' with people
When you are figuratively trampling or walking all over a person, remember to use the 'personal a': 'Pisotear a alguien'.
Confusion with physical stepping
Mistake: “Él pisoteó mis sentimientos con sus zapatos.”
Correction: You don't need 'con sus zapatos' (with his shoes) when talking about feelings. It's a metaphor!
Humillar vs. Degradar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.