desagradable
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
The English word 'nasty' can be translated into Spanish as desagradable.
desagradable is used to describe something that is nasty in the sense of being unpleasant, offensive or disagreeable.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word desagradable is composed of the prefix des- (un-) and agradable (pleasant).
Which one should you use?
While desagradable describes something that is unpleasant or offensive, if you want to refer specifically to physical dirt or filth, the more direct word is sucio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective desagradable must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming desagradables for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
Did you know?
- While desagradable means unpleasant, Spanish speakers often use the word asqueroso to describe something truly 'nasty' or disgusting, especially when it involves a smell or taste.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone desagradable is considered a very strong personal insult, whereas in English 'nasty' can sometimes be used jokingly between friends.
- If a person's behavior is 'nasty' in terms of being mean, a Spanish speaker might use antipático instead of desagradable to describe their personality.
Examples in context
- Ziri dijo algo muy desagradable.Ziri said something so nasty.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe something said by a person using desagradable.Tatoeba #10511009 by Seael, translation #10210631 by Amastan
- El asbesto es un material desagradable y puede causar cáncer de pulmón si se inhala el polvoAsbestos is nasty stuff, and it can cause lung cancer if you breathe in the dust.This sentence is useful for describing a material as being desagradable.Tatoeba #1869163 by Andrezs, translation #1869162 by Andrezs
- El comportamiento del empleado fue desagradable.The employee's behavior was unpleasant.
- Sí, fue realmente inapropiado y repugnante.Yes, it was truly inappropriate and nasty.
- Sí, la música era horrible y el escenario estaba asqueroso.Yes, the music was terrible, and the stage was nasty.
- Ese lugar tiene un olor desagradable.That place has a nasty smell.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are cleaning a messy kitchen.
- ElenaMira este trapo, está desagradable.Look at this cloth, it is nasty.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena. Tíralo a la basura.You are right, Elena. Throw it in the trash.
- ElenaAhora vamos a limpiar la mesa.Now let's clean the table.
- AlejandroDe acuerdo, Alejandro lo hará.Okay, Alejandro will do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desagradable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
