palabras hirientes
/palabɾas iɾjentes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "mean words" is translated into Spanish as palabras hirientes.
This phrase refers to words that are intended to be cruel or to cause emotional pain to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of palabras (words) and hirientes (hurtful/stinging).
Which one should you use?
You may use palabras crueles to mean "cruel words". If the words are specifically intended to belittle someone or show contempt, the more precise term is palabras despectivas (derogatory words).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is palabra hiriente.
How do you pronounce it?
/palabɾas iɾjentes/
Did you know?
- The adjective hiriente can also describe a physical sensation, such as a wind that is so cold it feels like it is cutting the skin.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'mean words' are often categorized under the umbrella of 'faltas de respeto', or 'lack of respect', which is a more serious social transgression than just being 'mean'.
- While palabras hirientes is neutral, in some Latin American countries, saying someone has a lengua viperina (viper tongue) is a common way to describe a person who habitually uses mean words.
Examples in context
- No me gustan tus palabras hirientes.I don't like your mean words.
- Ella usó palabras hirientes durante la discusión.She used mean words during the argument.
- Evita decir palabras hirientes a los demás.Avoid saying mean words to others.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a fight they had.
- MateoElena, perdóname por decirte palabras hirientes ayer.Elena, forgive me for saying mean words to you yesterday.
- ElenaAcepto tus disculpas, Mateo, pero me sentí muy mal.I accept your apologies, Mateo, but I felt very bad.
- MateoNo volveré a hablarte así nunca más.I will never speak to you like that again.
- ElenaGracias, valoro mucho que reconozcas tu error.Thank you, I really value that you recognize your mistake.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
