Inklingo

How to Say "to tarnish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ensuciar

/en-swah-syahr//enswaˈsjaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'ensuciar' when you want to say that someone's actions or behavior have made a reputation or honor dirty or impure.
A shiny golden trophy being covered by thick black ink drips.

Examples

Sus acciones ensuciaron la reputación de toda la familia.

His actions tarnished the reputation of the whole family.

No dejes que una mentira ensucie tu buen nombre.

Don't let a lie stain your good name.

Figurative Meaning

Just like in English, words for physical dirt are often used for moral dirtiness.

manchar

/mahn-CHAR//manˈtʃaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'manchar' when you want to emphasize that a reputation or honor has been permanently damaged or stained by a scandal or wrongdoing.
A shiny gold medal with a dark, muddy thumbprint on its surface.

Examples

Ese escándalo va a manchar su reputación para siempre.

That scandal is going to tarnish his reputation forever.

No permitiré que manches el buen nombre de mi familia.

I won't allow you to blemish my family's good name.

Un solo error puede manchar un expediente perfecto.

A single mistake can tarnish a perfect record.

Figurative Staining

Just like in English, physical words for dirt are used for moral issues. This meaning follows the exact same regular conjugation as the physical meaning.

Choosing Between 'Ensuciar' and 'Manchar'

Learners often confuse 'ensuciar' and 'manchar' because both mean to damage a reputation. While often interchangeable, 'ensuciar' focuses more on making something dirty, while 'manchar' implies a more indelible stain or mark.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.