détester
/de.tɛs.te/
The English verb 'to hate' can be translated into French as détester or haïr.
Meaning: to dislike intensely (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| détester | /de.tɛs.te/ |
| haïr | /a.iʁ/ (Europe) /a.iʁ/ (Canada) |
Both terms describe intense dislike. Détester is frequently used to express a strong dislike for things or activities, such as saying Je déteste le sport. In contrast, haïr is often reserved for people or deep-seated animosity.
Which one should you use?
While both verbs mean to hate, haïr is more intense and formal than détester. Détester is the more common, everyday way to express strong dislike or hatred.
How does it change in a sentence?
The two verbs conjugate differently in the first-person singular present indicative. Détester is regular, appearing as je déteste. However, haïr is irregular and appears as je hais.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.tɛs.te/
Did you know?
- The verb haïr comes from a Germanic root that originally meant 'to hunt' or 'to attack'.
- The spelling of haïr with a tréma (the two dots over the i) is a vital guide to pronunciation, ensuring the 'a' and the 'i' are pronounced as two separate sounds.
- In French literature, haïr is frequently used to describe a 'passion' because intense hatred is seen as the emotional opposite of intense love.
Examples in context
- Les haïsseurs vont haïr.Haters gonna hate.This sentence shows the use of the verb haïr.Tatoeba #8691310 by Julien_PDC, translation #660289 by szaby78
- Je commence à la détester.I'm beginning to hate her.This sentence demonstrates how to use détester to express hatred toward a person.Tatoeba #1102402 by sacredceltic, translation #1102297 by CK
- Vous semblez détester Tom.You seem to hate Tom.This sentence shows how to use détester to express hatred toward someone.Tatoeba #7805453 by Rockaround, translation #5859820 by CK
- J’ai vraiment détesté cette expérience.I really hated that experience.
- J'ai en horreur les araignées.I absolutely hate spiders.
- J'éprouve du dégoût pour les mensonges.I feel disgust towards lies.
- Je déteste grave les cours de math.I really hate math class.
- Je hais le lundi matin.I hate Monday mornings.
- Je ne supporte pas la musique trop forte.I can't stand loud music.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hate” translations and entries détester, haïr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries détester, haïr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
