detractor
/detɾaɡˈtoɾ/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'hater' can be translated as detractor, referring to one who expresses hatred through envy.
The term detractor is used to describe someone who specifically criticizes or disparages the reputation of a person or an idea. If you want to describe someone who is acting with negative intentions, you might use the adjective malintencionado(a) (ill-intentioned or malicious). To highlight a person's confrontational and critical nature, the word hostil (hostile) is also appropriate.
Meaning: one who expresses hatred by envy (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use 'hater' to describe someone expressing intense dislike or envy, the Spanish detractor is more specifically focused on the act of criticizing or undermining the reputation of a person or an idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun detractor can change to detractora to specify a female detractor. The plural form of the noun is detractores.
How do you pronounce it?
/detɾaɡˈtoɾ/
Did you know?
- In a legal context, the root verb of detractor, detraer, is used to describe the act of deducting a sum of money from an estate.
- In modern digital culture across Spain and Latin America, Spanish speakers often use the English word 'hater' directly instead of detractor when referring to social media trolls.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a person who is a 'hater' or a constant critic is colloquially called a criticon or criticona, which focuses more on their habit of judging than on their envy.
Examples in context
- No deberías prestar atención a comentarios malintencionadosYou shouldn't pay attention to ill-intentioned comments
- No escuches a ese detractor.Don't listen to that detractor.
- El detractor criticó mi nuevo proyecto.The detractor criticized my new project.
- Es solo un detractor sin fundamento.He is just a detractor without any basis.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a negative comment on social media.
- Daniel¿Viste el comentario de ese detractor?Did you see that detractor's comment?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, es muy envidioso.Yes, Daniel, he is very envious.
- DanielNo dejes que su odio te afecte.Don't let his hatred affect you.
- MaríaTienes razón, lo ignoraré.You are right, I will ignore him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry detractor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
