crítico
/ˈkɾitiko/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'judgemental' is translated as crítico.
The word is used to describe someone who forms negative opinions about others too quickly. Note that while it is a common way to express being judgmental, crítico can also mean 'critical' in a constructive or analytical sense, such as describing a critical thinker.
Which one should you use?
The term crítico can be used to mean 'judgmental' in a negative sense, but it is also the standard word for being 'critical' in an analytical or constructive way. For more informal ways to express being judgmental or openly critical, you might use criticón or criticona.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described: use crítica for a woman. When describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form críticos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾitiko/
Did you know?
- The same word used for being judgmental, crítico, is also used to describe a patient in 'critical condition' as en estado crítico.
- The suffix in criticón is an 'augmentative', which in this case transforms a neutral description into a negative personality trait.
- The term crítico shares its root with the Greek word κριτικός, which refers to the ability to discern or separate, a process used both in judging people and in scientific analysis.
Examples in context
- Juan es muy crítico con las elecciones de los demás.Juan is very judgmental about other people's choices.
- No seas tan juzgón, nadie es perfecto.Don't be so judgmental, nobody is perfect.
- María siempre es muy criticona con las decisiones de los demás.María is always very judgmental and critical about other people's decisions.
- No seas tan crítico con los demás.Don't be so judgmental of others.
- Su comentario fue demasiado crítico.His comment was too judgmental.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a person's behavior at a party.
- Javier¿Te parece que él es un poco crítico?Do you think he is a bit judgmental?
- LucíaSí, siempre juzga a todo el mundo.Yes, he is always judging everyone.
- JavierEs un hombre muy crítico con la ropa.He is a very judgmental man regarding clothes.
- LucíaTienes razón, es muy difícil estar con él.You are right, it is hard to be with him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crítico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crítico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
