What does it mean word for word?
The prefix re- in the verb from which this is derived functions as an intensifier or indicates a reversal or backwards motion.
Which one should you use?
While rechazado is a standard way to say rejected, you may encounter more specific terms depending on the context. In legal or formal contexts, desestimado is often used to mean that a claim or motion has been dismissed. For a more formal way to express that something has been rejected or discarded, you can use descartado for males or descartada for females.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must change to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use rechazada for a feminine singular noun, rechazados for a masculine plural noun and rechazadas for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/retʃaˈθado/
Did you know?
- While rechazado is the standard term for rejected, Spanish speakers often use the phrase dar calabazas literally meaning 'to give pumpkins' to say someone was rejected romantically.
- The word descartado used for rejection comes from the noun carta meaning 'card', implying the act of discarding a card from a deck during a game.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the verb rechazar is used in sports to describe a goalkeeper who deflects or pushes a ball away from the goal.
Examples in context
- Mi plan fue rechazado.My plan was rejected.This sentence uses rechazado to show a plan being rejected.Tatoeba #1431007 by peibolvig, translation #250749 by CK
- Han rechazado mi oferta por la casa.They've rejected my offer on the house.This sentence uses rechazado to show an offer being rejected.Tatoeba #9130484 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9130487 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Deberías haber rechazado una respuesta tan injusta.You should've rejected such an unfair proposal.This sentence uses rechazado to show an unfair proposal being rejected.Tatoeba #1406449 by marcelostockle, translation #1396371 by CK
- Desafortunadamente, su solicitud ha sido rechazada.Unfortunately, your application has been rejected.
- El proyecto fue rechazado durante la reunión.The project was rejected during the meeting.
- Tenemos que informarle que su propuesta no ha sido aceptada.We have to inform you that your proposal has not been accepted.
- Tu idea para el nuevo proyecto ha sido descartada debido a múltiples inconvenientes.Your idea for the new project has been rejected due to several inconveniences.
- Los diseños no cumplen con los requisitos y serán descartados.The designs do not meet the requirements and will be discarded.
- No entiendo por qué me dejaste de lado en esa actividad.I don't understand why you left me out of that activity.
- Mi propuesta de negocio no tuvo éxito y fue rechazada por los inversores.My business proposal didn't have success and was rejected by the investors.
- Intenté hablar con ella, pero no tuve éxito y me rechazó.I tried to talk to her, but I didn't have success, and she rejected me.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing his job application.
- DanielSofía, mi currículum fue rechazado.Sofía, my resume was rejected.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, Daniel.I am very sorry, Daniel.
- DanielNo sé por qué fui rechazado.I don't know why I was rejected.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, encontrarás algo mejor.Don't worry, you will find something better.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rechazado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
