ōdī
defective
The English phrase 'hate' can be translated into Latin as ōdī or odiō.
Meaning: to dislike intensely (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| ōdī | defective |
| odiō |
The verb ōdī is used to express a lasting state of intense dislike. For more specific nuances of hate, Latin offers other terms: Invidia describes hate born from envy or resentment, while Detestatio refers to feelings of extreme disgust and loathing.
Which one should you use?
ōdī is the verb meaning 'I hate', whereas odiō is the noun meaning 'hatred' or 'an object of hatred'.
How does it change in a sentence?
ōdī is the first-person singular present indicative active form, meaning 'I hate'. This verb is defective, meaning it is primarily used in the present tense to express a lasting state of hatred.
Did you know?
- The word detestatio comes from de- and testari, meaning to 'curse' or 'call upon witnesses' against someone. To hate in this sense was a formal, almost legal act of condemnation.
- Romans used invidia to describe a specific kind of hate that literally means 'looking upon' someone with a bad eye. This links the feeling of hatred directly to the physical act of glancing or staring.
- The English word 'odious', meaning 'extremely unpleasant', is a direct descendant of the Latin 'odiō'.
Examples in context
- Hunc vīcum ōdī.I hate this village.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb ōdī.Tatoeba #11152759 by alexmarcelo, translation #5953526 by mailohilohi
- Hanc servitutem ōdī.I hate this servitude.
- Verba eius ōdī.I hate his words.
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are discussing their preferences for food.
- LuciaHunc cibum ōdī.I hate this food.
- GaiusCur hunc cibum ōdistī, Lucia?Why do you hate this food, Lucia?
- LuciaSapor eius est malus.Its taste is bad.
- GaiusEgo autem eum amō.But I love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hate” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
