What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb pudrirse (to rot) in the imperative mood, en (in), el (the) and infierno (hell). Literally, it translates to "rot yourself in hell".
Which one should you use?
While púdrete en el infierno is a direct command to a single person, púdranse en el infierno is used when directing the curse at more than one person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form púdrete en el infierno uses the informal tú conjugation, which is standard for a direct, personal insult. You can also use the formal púdrase en el infierno via the usted form. While this is grammatically formal, the phrase remains highly offensive in tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the phrase from the imperative púdrete (rot yourself) to the subjunctive púdrase to express a wish that a third party rot in hell. To direct the curse at multiple people, the reflexive pronoun and verb ending must change to the plural púdranse en el infierno.
How do you pronounce it?
/pudɾete en el infjeɾno/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- ¡Púdrete en el infierno, malvado!Rot in hell, you evil man!
- No me importa tu dolor, púdrete en el infierno.I don't care about your pain, rot in hell.
Example conversation
Two enemies are having a final heated argument.
- Daniel¡Eres un monstruo!You are a monster!
- LucíaNo me importa lo que pienses de mí.I don't care what you think of me.
- Daniel¡Púdrete en el infierno!Rot in hell!
- Lucía¡Vete al diablo, Daniel!Go to hell, Daniel!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, infierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
