Learning how to express disgust or distaste in different languages is not only useful for communication but also adds depth and cultural understanding to your language skills. In Spanish, there are various ways to convey the sentiment of “ew,” whether informally or formally. This guide will provide you with a plethora of tips, examples, and variations, both regional and otherwise.
Table of Contents
1. Informal Ways to Say “Ew” in Spanish
When it comes to expressing disgust informally, Spanish offers several options. Below are some commonly used phrases and expressions:
1. ¡Puaj!
Translation: Ew!/Yuck!
This exclamation is frequently used by Spanish speakers, especially among friends or in casual conversations. It captures the feeling of disgust in an informal and expressive way.
Example: ¡Puaj! Esta comida tiene un sabor horrible. (Ew! This food tastes awful.)
2. ¡Qué asco!
Translation: How disgusting!
This phrase is often employed to express strong disgust or revulsion towards something unpleasant or repulsive.
Example: ¡Qué asco! No puedo creer que hayas tocado eso. (How disgusting! I can’t believe you touched that.)
3. ¡Bleh!
Translation: Bleh!/Yuck!
While “bleh” is not a Spanish word, it has been adopted and is commonly used to express disgust or aversion, especially among younger generations.
Example: ¡Bleh! No puedo comer eso, tiene un olor horrible. (Yuck! I can’t eat that, it has a horrible smell.)
2. Formal Ways to Say “Ew” in Spanish
When it comes to expressing disgust formally, it’s important to choose your words carefully. The phrases provided below can be used in more polite or professional settings:
1. Me resulta desagradable.
Translation: I find it unpleasant.
This phrase conveys a sense of personal distaste while maintaining a formal tone suitable for professional settings or conversations with individuals you are not familiar with.
Example: Me resulta desagradable el olor de esa colonia. (I find the smell of that cologne unpleasant.)
2. Me produce rechazo.
Translation: It disgusts me.
This expression implies a strong sense of personal aversion without sounding overly informal or impolite.
Example: Esa película me produce rechazo, no puedo verla. (That movie disgusts me, I can’t watch it.)
3. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in many countries, each with its own unique vocabulary and distinct expressions. While the phrases listed above are widely understood and accepted, it’s important to note that there may be regional differences. Here are a few examples:
1. ¡Guácala! (Mexico)
Translation: Yuck!/Ew!
In Mexico, people often use “¡Guácala!” to express disgust or repulsion, particularly when referring to unpleasant textures, tastes, or smells.
2. ¡Ay, qué ascazo! (Spain)
Translation: Oh, how disgusting!
In Spain, it is common to extend the phrase with “asco” to emphasize the intensity of the disgust. This variant is often used playfully or to exaggerate one’s aversion towards something.
Conclusion
Now that you have familiarized yourself with various ways to say “ew” in Spanish, both informally and formally, you can confidently express your feelings of disgust or distaste in any given situation. Remember to adapt your choice of phrases based on the formality of the context and the region in which you are conversing. ¡Puaj! or ¡Qué asco! Your Spanish vocabulary has just gained a dose of expressions that will help you communicate your “ew” moments effectively.
