How to Say “Goddamnit” in Spanish

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maldita sea
/malˌdita ˈsea/
The English phrase "goddamnit" can be translated into Spanish as maldita sea.
maldita sea is used as an interjection to express frustration, annoyance or bad luck, similar to how an English speaker uses "goddamnit" or "damn it". Other informal ways to express frustration include ¡Maldición! (curse or damnation) or ¡Por Dios! (By God!).

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the feminine singular adjective maldita (cursed) and the present subjunctive form of ser (to be), literally translating to "may it be cursed".

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

While it expresses frustration, maldita sea is considered a relatively mild or "cleaner" way to express anger compared to more vulgar profanities in Spanish. Other expressions like ¡Maldición! and ¡Por Dios! are also informal.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In certain Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina or Colombia, ¡Carajo! is used to express frustration.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase can change gender to maldito sea if the speaker is referring specifically to a masculine noun or situation, though maldita sea is the most common fixed idiomatic expression.

How do you pronounce it?

/malˌdita ˈsea/

Did you know?

  • In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using religious-based interjections like maldita sea can be perceived as more taboo or offensive than vulgarity, depending on the level of religious devotion in the region.
  • The word maldita is a linguistic relative of the English word 'malice', as both derive from the Latin word 'malus' meaning 'bad'.
  • Spanish has many expressions of anger built on the root mal meaning 'bad', rather than words based on 'sin', which is a common pattern in English cursing.

Examples in context

  • ¡Maldita sea, perdí mis llaves!
    Goddamnit, I lost my keys!
  • Maldita sea, el tren ya se fue.
    Goddamnit, the train already left.
  • ¡Maldita sea la lluvia!
    Goddamnit, this rain!

Example conversation

Elena and Alejandro are trying to fix a broken computer.

  1. Elena

    ¡Maldita sea, no enciende!
    Goddamnit, it won't turn on!
  2. Alejandro

    Tranquila, Elena, déjame revisarlo.
    Calm down, Elena, let me check it.
  3. Elena

    Es que necesito terminar este trabajo ahora.
    It's just that I need to finish this work now.
  4. Alejandro

    Lo arreglaré, no te preocupes.
    I will fix it, don't worry.

Sources

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Joe Luke
Joe LukeHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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