Inklingo

How to Say "to mistreat" in Spanish

English → Spanish

maltratar

/mahl-trah-tahr//maltɾaˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'maltratar' when referring to the physical or emotional abuse of people or animals, implying harsh or cruel treatment.
A sad, lonely dog sitting outside in the rain while a door remains closed.

Examples

Los niños no deben maltratar a sus mascotas.

Children should not mistreat their pets.

Nunca debemos maltratar a los animales.

We must never mistreat animals.

Ella siente que su jefe la maltrata psicológicamente.

She feels that her boss is psychologically abusing her.

Es un delito maltratar a los prisioneros de guerra.

It is a crime to mistreat prisoners of war.

The 'Personal A'

In Spanish, when the person or animal being mistreated follows the verb, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'No maltrates a tu gato'.

Missing the 'a' with people

Mistake: “Él maltrata su hermano.”

Correction: Él maltrata a su hermano. Because 'hermano' is a person receiving the action, you need the 'personal a'.

ajar

/ah-HAR//aˈxaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'ajar' specifically for actions that damage or degrade something, often through neglect or rough handling, particularly with objects, but can extend metaphorically to dignity.
A single, old leather boot with visible holes, frayed edges, and a faded color.

Examples

No ajes las páginas del libro con descuido.

Don't mistreat the book's pages carelessly.

Ten cuidado con ese libro antiguo, no vayas a ajar sus páginas.

Be careful with that old book; don't wear out its pages.

El tiempo terminó por ajar la frescura de su rostro.

Time eventually withered the freshness of her face.

No dejes la ropa amontonada así o se va a ajar toda.

Don't leave the clothes piled up like that or they will all get rumpled.

Using the Past Participle

You will most often see the word as 'ajado' (worn out), which acts like an adjective to describe something that has lost its shine or freshness.

Ajar vs. Marchitar

While both mean 'to wither,' use 'marchitar' for flowers and 'ajar' for fabrics, paper, or more general descriptions of a person's appearance looking tired.

Confusing with Alejar

Mistake: “No quiero ajarme de ti.”

Correction: No quiero alejarme de ti (I don't want to move away from you). 'Ajar' means to wear out, 'alejar' means to distance.

Maltratar vs. Ajar

Learners often confuse 'maltratar' and 'ajar' because both can imply damage. Remember that 'maltratar' is primarily for mistreating living beings (people, animals), while 'ajar' is more about damaging or degrading inanimate objects or, metaphorically, dignity.

Related Translations

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