desagradable
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
In Spanish, the English word 'nasty' is translated as desagradable.
Desagradable is used to describe things that are nasty or unpleasant, covering both physical sensations, such as a nasty smell and social behaviors, such as a nasty comment.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word desagradable is composed of the prefix des- (meaning un-) and agradable (meaning pleasant), so it literally means 'unpleasant'.
Which one should you use?
While desagradable is used for things that are 'nasty' in a sensory or behavioral sense, the word sucio is the specific term used for physical dirt or filth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear the informal term marrano/a used to describe something that is dirty or filthy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective desagradable follows standard Spanish adjective agreement and becomes desagradables in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
Did you know?
- While desagradable is a general term for 'nasty', the word sucio can shift from meaning 'dirty' to meaning 'perverted' or 'lewd' depending on the context.
- To describe a 'nasty' habit or something 'gross', Spanish speakers often use the word asqueroso, which specifically evokes a feeling of nausea or disgust.
- The word marrano, used in Spain for something filthy, literally means 'pig'.
Examples in context
- Ziri dijo algo muy desagradable.Ziri said something so nasty.This sentence shows how desagradable can describe a nasty comment.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 illustrates the use of desagradable to describe a nasty material.Tatoeba #1869163 by Andrezs, translation #1869162 by Andrezs
- El sabor es asquerosoThe taste is nasty
- El olor es extremadamente desagradableThe smell is extremely nasty
- ¡Qué asco!How nasty!
- El olor de este cubo de basura es muy desagradable.The smell of this trash can is very nasty.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are looking at a dirty kitchen counter.
- AlejandroMira qué desagradable está la mesa.Look how nasty the table is.
- LucíaTienes razón, hay mucha grasa.You are right, there is a lot of grease.
- AlejandroVoy a limpiar todo ahora.I am going to clean everything now.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, yo te ayudo.Thanks, Alejandro, I will help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desagradable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
