Inklingo

How to Say "vulgar" in Spanish

English → Spanish

común

AdjectiveB2general
Use 'común' when 'vulgar' refers to something lacking refinement or good taste in a general sense, often implying something ordinary or unexceptional.

Examples

La crítica rechazó su estilo por considerarlo demasiado común.

The critic rejected his style for considering it too crude/plain.

grosero

groh-SEH-roh/ɡɾoˈse.ɾo/

AdjectiveB1general
Choose 'grosero' specifically when 'vulgar' describes impolite or rude behavior or language, focusing on a lack of manners.
An illustration of a child rudely interrupting an adult who is speaking.

Examples

Fue muy grosero al no saludar a la dueña de casa.

He was very rude for not greeting the hostess.

No uses lenguaje grosero delante de los niños.

Don't use vulgar language in front of the children.

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, 'grosero' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'grosero' for masculine (el hombre grosero) and 'grosera' for feminine (la mujer grosera).

Using 'Estar' instead of 'Ser'

Mistake: “Él está grosero.”

Correction: Él es grosero. (Rudeness is usually considered a characteristic or personality trait, so we use 'ser'.)

vulgar

bool-GAR/bulˈɣaɾ/

adjectiveB2general
Use the direct cognate 'vulgar' when referring to something that is crude, tasteless, or offensive, often in terms of content or expression.
A single, brightly colored, oversized pink plastic flamingo decoration standing in a patch of simple green grass, symbolizing tastelessness.

Examples

El presentador hizo un comentario muy vulgar y tuvo que disculparse.

The host made a very vulgar comment and had to apologize.

No me gustó la decoración; la encontré un poco vulgar.

I didn't like the decor; I found it a bit tasteless.

Adjective Form

As an adjective, 'vulgar' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'un chiste vulgar' and 'una broma vulgar'). Only the ending changes for plural: 'vulgares'.

Confusing 'común' with 'vulgar'

Learners often confuse 'común' with the Spanish word 'vulgar'. Remember that 'común' relates more to being ordinary or lacking sophistication, while 'vulgar' specifically means crude or offensive.

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