púdrete en el infierno
/pudɾete en el infjeɾno/from spelling rules
The English phrase "burn in hell" is translated into Spanish as púdrete en el infierno.
This expression is used to wish eternal suffering or damnation upon someone who is hated.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase púdrete en el infierno literally translates to "rot in hell" rather than "burn in hell".
Which one should you use?
While púdrete en el infierno is the most common idiomatic equivalent for wishing damnation, a more literal translation for "burn" would be quémate en el infierno.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Que se queme en el infierno means "May he/she burn in hell". In Mexico, Que se vaya al carajo is a colloquial expression meaning "May he/she go to hell". In Argentina, Que se pudra en el infierno translates to "May he/she rot in hell".
How do you pronounce it?
/pudɾete en el infjeɾno/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the colloquial expression Que se vaya al carajo is used as an equivalent for 'May he go to hell', though 'carajo' originally referred to a specific part of a ship.
- Despite looking identical, the Spanish word el is a false cognate of the Arabic definite article al. They developed independently despite the heavy Arabic influence on the Spanish language.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, saying púdrete on its own is used as a harsh way to tell someone to 'get lost' or 'go away' without mentioning any religious damnation.
Examples in context
- ¡Púdrete en el infierno, traidor!Rot in hell, traitor!
- Vete de aquí y púdrete en el infierno.Get out of here and rot in hell.
Example conversation
Elena is confronting Alejandro after discovering his betrayal.
- Elena¡No puedo creer lo que me hiciste, Alejandro!I can't believe what you did to me, Alejandro!
- AlejandroNo fue para tanto, Elena.It wasn't that big of a deal, Elena.
- Elena¡Púdrete en el infierno!Rot in hell!
- AlejandroEstá bien, me voy.Fine, I'm leaving.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, infierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
