Welcome! If you’re looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary, this guide will provide you with various ways to express the word “rotten” in Spanish. We’ll cover both formal and informal alternatives, giving you the flexibility to use the appropriate term in different contexts. While regional variations may exist, we’ll primarily focus on widely understood terms. So, let’s dive in and explore the many ways to say “rotten” in Spanish!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Rotten in Spanish
When it comes to formal situations or professional settings, you’ll want to use more sophisticated vocabulary. Here are some formal alternatives for the word “rotten”:
1. Podrido/a
This term is the most widely recognized formal translation for “rotten” in Spanish. It is versatile and can be used to describe various objects or organic matter that has decayed or gone bad.
Example: El pescado está podrido. (The fish is rotten.)
2. Descompuesto/a
This formal alternative emphasizes the decomposition or spoiling of something. It is commonly used to describe perishable items such as food.
Example: La leche está descompuesta. (The milk is rotten.)
Informal Ways to Say Rotten in Spanish
When speaking casually with friends or family, you can use more colloquial expressions. Here are a few informal options:
1. Chuchurrido/a
This term is widely used in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, to express that something is rotten or spoiled.
Example: Esa fruta está chuchurrida. (That fruit is rotten.)
2. Picado/a
In some regions, especially in Spain, “picado/a” is used informally to describe something that has gone bad, often referring to food or produce.
Example: ¡No comas esa manzana, está picada! (Don’t eat that apple, it’s rotten!)
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s important to note that regional variations may exist. Here are a few additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:
1. Consider Local Expressions
When traveling or interacting with Spanish speakers from specific regions, it’s helpful to learn local expressions for “rotten” to better assimilate and connect with native speakers. For instance:
- Argentina: En mal estado (in bad condition)
- Colombia: Podrido hasta los tuétanos (rotten to the bone)
- Venezuela: Quemado/a (burnt)
2. Adapt for Nouns of Different Genders
In Spanish, adjectives must match the gender of the noun they modify. Remember to adjust the adjective accordingly. For example:
Example: Las naranjas están podridas. (The oranges are rotten.)
Example: Los plátanos están podridos. (The bananas are rotten.)
3. Use Synonyms and Related Terms
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms and related terms will enrich your linguistic skills. Here are a few additional options:
- Maloliente: Stinky
- Pudrido/a: Putrid
- Caducado/a: Expired
- Deteriorado/a: Spoiled
Remember to use these terms based on the appropriate formality and context.
Now that you have a comprehensive overview of how to say “rotten” in Spanish, both formally and informally, as well as some regional variations, you can confidently express yourself in various situations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
