desagradable
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
The English word 'unkind' is translated into Spanish as desagradable.
desagradable is used to describe someone who is unkind in terms of their personality. However, it is more frequently used to describe things that are unpleasant or disagreeable to the senses or temperament.
Meaning: cruel (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix des- functions similarly to the English prefix 'un-' or 'dis-' to indicate negation or reversal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective desagradable is invariable in gender, so it remains the same whether describing a masculine or feminine noun. To make the word plural, add '-s' to form desagradables.
How do you pronounce it?
/desaɡɾaˈdable/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone desagradable can be a much stronger social insult than 'unkind' sounds in English, often implying they are repulsive rather than just mean.
- The verb hidden within the adjective, agradar, is used to express whether something 'pleases' someone, making the adjective literally mean 'not-pleasing-able'.
- The root of desagradable shares an ancestor with the English word 'displeasure', as both come from the Latin prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away'.
Examples in context
- Prefiero un hombre muy feo pero amable a uno guapo pero desagradable.I prefer a very ugly but kind man to a handsome but unkind one.This sentence is useful for comparing a kind man to one who is desagradable.Tatoeba #11342393 by carlosalberto, translation #11341881 by carlosalberto
- Él fue muy desagradable conmigo durante la reunión.He was very unkind to me during the meeting.
- No me gusta cómo me habla, siempre es grosera.I don't like how she talks to me. She's always unkind.
- No te preocupes por él, siempre ha sido antipático con todos.Don't worry about him. He has always been unkind to everyone.
- Últimamente, ha sido un poco desagradable conmigo.Lately, he/she has been somewhat unkind to me.
- Fue un comentario muy desagradable.It was a very unkind comment.
- No seas desagradable con los niños.Don't be unkind to the children.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a coworker's behavior.
- JavierEse jefe es muy desagradable.That boss is very unkind.
- LucíaSí, siempre es grosero con nosotros.Yes, he is always rude to us.
- JavierNo merece nuestro respeto.He does not deserve our respect.
- LucíaTienes toda la razón, Javier.You are absolutely right, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desagradable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desagradable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
