What does it mean word for word?
odio is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb odiar, and las matemáticas means math or mathematics.
Which one should you use?
While odio las matemáticas is the standard way to express this, you can use different versions depending on the setting. Odio las mates is an informal version using an abbreviation, while Detesto las matemáticas is a more formal way to say it. If you want to be very formal and express a deep sense of aversion, you can say Siento una gran aversión hacia las matemáticas. For a more lighthearted or indirect approach in informal speech, you might say Las matemáticas no son lo mío (math is not my thing) or Le tengo fobia a las matemáticas to express your dislike humorously.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the subject matemáticas is almost always used in the plural form with a definite article.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the definite article las before matemáticas, but it is required in this context.
Did you know?
- While odio is a strong word, using it for a school subject is common and not considered as aggressive as using it toward a person.
- The word odio shares the same Latin root as the English word 'odium', which refers to a state of intense dislike or resentment.
- The word matemáticas is a feminine noun, which is why the feminine plural article las is required.
Examples in context
- En mi opinión, las matemáticas son una asignatura muy difícil y las detesto.In my opinion, math is a very challenging subject, and I detest it.
- Siento una gran aversión hacia las matemáticas. No logro entender los conceptos y me genera mucha frustración.I feel a great aversion towards math. I can't grasp the concepts, and it generates a lot of frustration for me.
- No soporto estudiar. ¡Odio las mates!I can't stand studying. I hate math!
- No puedo evitarlo, le tengo fobia a las matemáticas. ¡Me estresan demasiado!I can't help it, I have a phobia of math. They stress me out too much!
- Odio las matemáticas, son muy difíciles.I hate math, they are very difficult.
- No puedo estudiar porque odio las matemáticas.I cannot study because I hate math.
- Si te soy sincero, odio las matemáticas.To be honest with you, I hate math.
Example conversation
Two students are sitting in a library discussing their homework.
- Daniel¿Quieres ayuda con la tarea?Do you want help with the homework?
- MaríaNo, gracias, es que odio las matemáticas.No, thanks, it's just that I hate math.
- DanielA mí también me pasa lo mismo.The same thing happens to me too.
- María¡Qué mal, Daniel!That's too bad, Daniel!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries las, odio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
