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B1 verb 15 دقيقة للقراءة

indignar

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح indignar في 30 ثانية

الشرح indignar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'indignar' very often, but it is good to know that it is a 'big' word for being very, very angry because something is not fair. Think of it like this: 'enojado' is when you are mad because you lost a game. 'Indignado' is when you are mad because someone cheated in the game. In Spanish, we use it like the word 'gustar'. We say 'Me indigna' (It makes me indignant). You might hear it in very simple stories or news for children when a character does something very mean or unfair. At this stage, just focus on recognizing the word and knowing it means 'super angry about unfair things'. It's a regular verb ending in -ar, so it follows the same patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar'. If you want to say you are feeling this way, you say 'Estoy indignado' (if you are a boy) or 'Estoy indignada' (if you are a girl). It's a useful word to have in your pocket for when you want to show that you are not just a little bit mad, but that you think something is really wrong. Even at A1, using a word like this occasionally can make you sound more expressive. Just remember, it's about fairness!

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you can start using 'indignar' to describe your feelings about daily life situations that feel unfair. You are likely learning about reflexive verbs and verbs like 'gustar', and 'indignar' fits perfectly into those lessons. You can say 'Me indigna que...' followed by something you don't like, though at this level, you might just use a noun after it, like 'Me indigna la mentira' (Lying outrages me). You might also start to see the word in simple news articles or social media posts. It's a step up from 'enojarse'. If your friend is late for the fifth time, you might be 'enojado'. But if your friend lies to you about why they were late, you might be 'indignado'. This level is about expanding your emotional vocabulary beyond the basics of 'happy', 'sad', and 'mad'. Practice saying things like 'Me indigna el precio del café' (The price of coffee outrages me - maybe a bit dramatic, but good practice!) or 'Ella se indignó con su hermano' (She got indignant with her brother). Remember to use the correct pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) when you use it reflexively.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, 'indignar' becomes a key vocabulary word for participating in debates and expressing opinions on social issues, which is a major part of this level's curriculum. You should be comfortable using the structure 'Me indigna que + [subjunctive]'. For example: 'Me indigna que los políticos no escuchen a la gente' (It outrages me that politicians don't listen to the people). This is a B1 milestone! You are now using a sophisticated verb to trigger a complex grammatical mood. You'll also encounter the noun 'indignación' and the adjective 'indignante' frequently in reading materials. At this stage, you should understand the nuance: 'indignar' is about a moral reaction. You can use it to talk about environmental issues, school rules, or workplace problems. It's also the level where you learn the history of 'Los Indignados' in Spain, which gives the word a rich cultural context. You should be able to conjugate it in the past tenses (preterite and imperfect) to describe how you felt about past events. 'Me indigné cuando vi el accidente' (I was outraged when I saw the accident). This word helps you move from basic communication to meaningful expression of values.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'indignar' with precision in both formal and informal contexts. You should understand the difference between 'indignarse por', 'indignarse con', and 'indignarse ante'. For instance, 'se indignó ante la pasividad del gobierno' suggests a more formal, observational reaction. You will encounter this word in complex texts, editorials, and literature. You should be able to use the past participle 'indignado' as both an adjective and a noun ('los indignados de la plaza'). At B2, you should also be able to use it in the conditional and future tenses to discuss hypothetical situations: 'Me indignaría mucho si eso sucediera' (I would be very outraged if that happened). Your ability to use 'indignar' correctly in a 'carta de queja' (letter of complaint) is a great way to demonstrate your level. It shows you can express strong emotions while maintaining a certain level of decorum and linguistic sophistication. You should also start noticing how it's used in different Spanish-speaking countries, as the intensity of the word can vary slightly, though the core meaning of moral outrage remains universal. It is a tool for high-level social and political commentary.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'indignar' and its place within the broader spectrum of verbs of anger and protest. You will use it to analyze texts and participate in high-level academic or professional discussions. You should be familiar with more obscure synonyms like 'soliviantar', 'exasperar', or 'sublevar' and know exactly when 'indignar' is the superior choice. You'll use it to describe subtle moral transgressions and systemic issues. For example, 'La sutil erosión de los derechos civiles es algo que debería indignar a cualquier demócrata'. You should also be able to use the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as the 'se' impersonal or passive: 'Se indignó a la población con promesas falsas'. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to persuade and to build a rhetorical argument. You understand the emotional resonance it has in Spanish history and can use it to evoke that same feeling in your own writing. Your use of 'indignar' should feel natural, reflecting a deep understanding of the 'worthiness' (dignitas) that lies at the heart of the word. You can also play with the word's register, using it sarcastically or emphatically to achieve specific stylistic effects.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'indignar' is a word you use with total mastery, often in literary or highly specialized contexts. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how they have evolved over centuries of Spanish literature. You can distinguish between the 'indignación' of a character in a 17th-century play and the 'indignación' of a modern-day activist. You are capable of using the word to explore philosophical concepts of justice, ethics, and human dignity. In your writing, 'indignar' is used with perfect collocations and within sophisticated syntactic structures. You might use it in the future perfect or pluperfect subjunctive without a second thought: 'Si no se hubieran indignado tanto, nada habría cambiado'. You can also identify and use the word in its most formal or archaic forms if necessary. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but cultural and historical; you know the weight it carries in the collective memory of Spanish-speaking societies. At this level, 'indignar' is more than just a verb; it is a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of human emotion and moral judgment. You can engage in a deep critique of a text based on the presence or absence of this emotion, and your speech reflects the gravitas that the word demands.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

indignar في 30 ثانية

Indignar is a Spanish verb for 'to outrage' or 'to make indignant', focusing on anger caused by a perceived moral injustice or unfairness.
It works like 'gustar' (Me indigna algo) or reflexively (Me indigno por algo), and often triggers the subjunctive mood in subordinate clauses.
The word is stronger than 'enojar' and is frequently used in news, politics, and social movements like Spain's 'Los Indignados'.
Common prepositions include 'por', 'con', and 'ante', and the adjective form 'indignante' is very common for describing unfair situations.

The Spanish verb indignar is a powerful term that transcends simple anger. While words like 'enojar' or 'enfadar' describe a general state of being mad, indignar specifically targets the feeling of moral outrage or righteous fury. It is deeply rooted in the perception of injustice, unfairness, or a violation of one's core values. When you use this word, you aren't just saying you're annoyed; you're saying that your sense of right and wrong has been offended. In the modern Spanish-speaking world, particularly since the '15-M' movement in Spain, the word has taken on a significant socio-political weight, representing the collective voice of those who feel marginalized or mistreated by systems of power.

Transitive Usage: In its transitive form, 'indignar' functions like 'gustar'. Something (the subject) causes the feeling of indignation in someone (the indirect object). For example, 'Me indigna tu actitud' (Your attitude indignates me/makes me feel indignant).
Reflexive Usage: When used reflexively as 'indignarse', it describes the act of becoming indignant. 'Él se indignó con la noticia' (He became indignant with the news). This emphasizes the internal emotional shift of the person.
The Subjunctive Trigger: Because it expresses a strong emotion or reaction to an external event, it often triggers the subjunctive mood in subordinate clauses. 'Me indigna que no haya justicia' (It outrages me that there is no justice).

Ver cómo maltratan a los animales me hace indignar profundamente cada vez que lo presencio.

To understand 'indignar', one must look at its Latin root, 'indignari', which means to consider something unworthy ('in-' meaning not, and 'dignus' meaning worthy). Therefore, when you feel indignant, you are essentially declaring that a situation is unworthy of your respect or unworthy of a civilized society. It is a word frequently found in newspaper headlines, political speeches, and passionate debates about human rights. It carries a certain level of formality and gravity that 'cabrearse' (slang for getting mad) lacks. If a politician is caught in a lie, the public doesn't just get 'enojado'; they get 'indignado'.

Es imposible no indignarse ante tanta desigualdad económica en el mundo actual.

Social Context: In Spain, the term 'Los Indignados' refers to the anti-austerity movement of 2011, highlighting how the word serves as a banner for social justice.

La falta de transparencia en la empresa logró indignar a todos los accionistas minoritarios.

Beyond the public sphere, 'indignar' is used in personal relationships to signal that a boundary has been crossed. If a friend betrays a deep secret, you might feel 'indignado' because the betrayal violates the 'worthiness' of the friendship. It is a word that demands a response or a change in behavior. It is not a passive anger; it is an active, evaluative emotion. When teaching this to English speakers, it is helpful to compare it to the difference between 'being mad' and 'being appalled'. 'Indignar' is much closer to 'appall' or 'outrage'.

Me indigna que pienses que no soy capaz de hacer este trabajo por mi cuenta.

No te dejes indignar por cosas pequeñas que no tienen importancia a largo plazo.

Intensity Levels: On a scale of 1 to 10, if 'molestar' is a 3 and 'enojar' is a 6, 'indignar' is a solid 9 or 10 because of its moral component.

Using indignar correctly requires an understanding of Spanish sentence structure, particularly the distinction between transitive and reflexive forms. Because it is a verb of emotion, it often interacts with other grammatical elements like pronouns and the subjunctive mood. Let's break down the most common patterns to ensure you can express your outrage with grammatical precision. Whether you are writing a formal complaint or discussing world events with friends, these structures will be your foundation.

Structure 1: The 'Gustar' Pattern: [Indirect Object Pronoun] + indignar + [Subject]. Here, the thing causing the anger is the subject. Example: 'Nos indigna su falta de respeto' (Their lack of respect outrages us). Note that the verb agrees with the subject (su falta), not the person feeling the emotion.
Structure 2: The Reflexive Form: [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + indignar + [Preposition] + [Noun/Infinitive]. Example: 'Me indigno con la burocracia' (I get indignant with the bureaucracy). This focuses on the person's reaction.
Structure 3: With Subjunctive: [Pronoun] + indigna + que + [Subjunctive Verb]. Example: 'Me indigna que no digas la verdad' (It outrages me that you aren't telling the truth). This is the most common way to express indignation about an action performed by someone else.

A los ciudadanos les suele indignar el aumento repentino de los impuestos sin previo aviso.

When using 'indignar' in the past tense, you must choose between the preterite and the imperfect. Use the preterite ('se indignó') for a specific moment of outrage: 'Cuando leyó la carta, se indignó'. Use the imperfect ('se indignaba') for a habitual state or a background feeling: 'Se indignaba cada vez que veía las noticias'. This distinction helps paint a clearer picture of the duration and impact of the emotion. Furthermore, the adjective 'indignante' is often used as a predicate: 'Es indignante que...', which follows the same subjunctive rules as the verb.

¿Te indignaste cuando te enteraste de que habían cancelado el proyecto sin consultarte?

Negative Sentences: To say something doesn't outrage you, simply place 'no' before the pronoun: 'No me indigna su opinión, me indigna su silencio'.

El profesor se indignó ante el plagio evidente en el ensayo final del estudiante.

In formal writing, such as an editorial or a legal document, 'indignar' is frequently paired with abstract nouns. Phrases like 'indignar a la opinión pública' (to outrage public opinion) or 'indignar a la comunidad internacional' (to outrage the international community) are standard. In these cases, the verb serves to elevate the discourse, moving from personal feelings to a collective moral stance. It is also common to see the past participle used as an adjective: 'un pueblo indignado' (an outraged people). This usage emphasizes the state resulting from an action.

Sus palabras fueron diseñadas específicamente para indignar a sus oponentes políticos durante el debate.

Siempre me voy a indignar cuando vea que se ignoran los derechos humanos fundamentales.

Questions: '¿Qué es lo que más te indigna del sistema actual?' (What is it that outrages you most about the current system?).

To truly master indignar, you need to recognize the environments where it thrives. This isn't a word you'll typically hear at a casual birthday party while discussing the weather. Instead, it is the language of the 'telediario' (news broadcast), the 'tertulia' (political talk show), and the 'manifestación' (protest). It is a word of the public square. If you open a Spanish newspaper like El País or El Mundo, you will likely find 'indignar' or its derivatives in the opinion sections, where writers critique government policies or social trends. It is a word that signals a call to action or a demand for accountability.

The News and Media: News anchors use 'indignar' to describe the public's reaction to scandals. 'La noticia del fraude ha indignado a la población' (The news of the fraud has outraged the population). It adds a layer of moral weight to the reporting.
Social Media (Twitter/X): In the digital age, 'indignar' is the verb of 'outrage culture'. Hashtags often revolve around things that 'indignan' the community. Users might tweet, 'Me indigna que esto siga pasando en 2024'.
Literature and Essays: Spanish authors use the word to explore characters' internal struggles with ethics. It is a frequent guest in philosophical essays about the nature of justice and human dignity.

En el documental, los activistas explicaron qué fue lo que los llevó a indignarse y salir a las calles.

You will also hear it in academic settings. In a university lecture on history or sociology, a professor might discuss how certain events served to 'indignar' a specific social class, leading to revolution or reform. In this context, 'indignar' is treated as a historical catalyst. It is also common in legal contexts, though perhaps less frequent than more technical terms; a lawyer might argue that a certain action was 'indignante' to emphasize the severity of a breach of contract or a violation of rights. The word carries a weight that forces the listener to pay attention to the moral dimension of the argument.

Es común escuchar a la gente indignarse por el precio de la vivienda en las grandes ciudades.

Movies and TV Series: In dramas, characters use 'indignar' during climactic confrontations. '¡No me hables así, me indignas!' is a high-stakes way of saying 'Don't talk to me like that, you're offending my dignity!'

El discurso del líder logró indignar a la multitud, provocando una serie de protestas pacíficas.

Finally, in everyday conversation among educated adults, 'indignar' is used to express a serious level of disagreement. If a colleague suggests something unethical, you might say, 'Eso me indigna'. It is a way of setting a firm moral boundary. It tells the other person that the topic is not just a matter of preference, but a matter of principle. By listening for 'indignar' in these various contexts, you will begin to feel the specific 'vibe' of the word—one of serious, justified, and often collective moral disapproval. It is a word that demands respect when spoken.

Al leer la biografía del dictador, muchos se suelen indignar por las atrocidades cometidas bajo su mando.

Me indigna que se gaste tanto dinero en armas mientras hay gente pasando hambre.

Workplace Dynamics: In a corporate setting, 'indignar' might be used in a HR meeting to describe a reaction to harassment or discrimination.

Learning indignar involves navigating several linguistic pitfalls that can make your Spanish sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect. Because it is a verb that deals with emotion and has both transitive and reflexive forms, English speakers often struggle with pronoun placement and mood selection. Understanding these common errors is the first step toward achieving fluency and ensuring your message of outrage is received exactly as intended. Let's examine the most frequent mistakes made by learners and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Reflexive 'Se': Many learners say 'Yo indigno' when they mean 'I get indignant'. In Spanish, you must use the reflexive form: 'Yo me indigno'. Without the 'me', the verb needs an object (you are indignating someone else). Correct: 'Me indigno con la injusticia'.
Mistake 2: Using the Indicative instead of the Subjunctive: After 'Me indigna que...', you must use the subjunctive. Saying 'Me indigna que tú *haces* eso' is incorrect. It must be 'Me indigna que tú *hagas* eso'. This is a classic 'WEIRDO' verb (Emotions).
Mistake 3: Confusing 'Indignar' with 'Enojar': While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Enojar' is generic anger. 'Indignar' is moral anger. Using 'indignar' for a trivial annoyance (like a broken pencil) can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.

No digas 'Me indigna que el café está frío' a menos que creas que es una injusticia moral grave.

Another frequent error involves the preposition choice. English speakers often want to use 'about' (sobre), but in Spanish, 'indignarse' is usually followed by 'por', 'con', or 'ante'. 'Estoy indignado sobre la situación' is less natural than 'Estoy indignado por la situación' or 'Me indigno ante la situación'. 'Ante' is particularly elegant and common in formal contexts, suggesting you are standing 'before' an event and reacting to it. Choosing the right preposition can significantly elevate your level of Spanish.

Muchos estudiantes se confunden y olvidan que indignar requiere un objeto indirecto en su forma no reflexiva.

Agreement Errors: In the 'gustar' style, remember the verb agrees with the cause. 'Me indignan (plural) tus mentiras (plural)'. A common mistake is saying 'Me indigna tus mentiras'.

Es un error común no indignarse por las razones correctas cuando se está aprendiendo el matiz de la palabra.

Finally, be careful with the adjective 'indigno'. While 'indignado' means 'feeling indignation', 'indigno' means 'unworthy' or 'shameful'. Saying 'Soy indigno' means 'I am unworthy', which is very different from 'Estoy indignado' (I am outraged). Confusing these two can lead to embarrassing misunderstandings where you accidentally insult yourself instead of expressing your anger at a situation. Always double-check if you are describing the person feeling the emotion (indignado) or the quality of the action/person being criticized (indigno/indignante).

El comportamiento del jefe fue indigno de su cargo, lo cual hizo que todo el equipo se llegara a indignar.

Si intentas indignar a alguien a propósito, asegúrate de tener argumentos sólidos.

Word Order: In questions, the pronoun usually stays close to the verb: '¿Te indigna esto?' rather than '¿Indigna te esto?'.

Spanish is rich with verbs that describe various shades of anger. Knowing when to use indignar versus its synonyms will make your Spanish much more precise and expressive. While 'indignar' focuses on the moral aspect, other words might focus on the intensity, the duration, or the physical manifestation of the anger. By building a comparative map of these terms, you can navigate emotional conversations with the nuance of a native speaker. Let's look at how 'indignar' stacks up against its closest linguistic neighbors.

Indignar vs. Enojar/Enfadar: 'Enojar' and 'enfadar' are the standard words for 'to get mad'. They are neutral. 'Indignar' adds a layer of 'this is wrong/unjust'. You 'enojas' when you lose your keys; you 'indignas' when someone steals them and the police do nothing.
Indignar vs. Ofender: 'Ofender' is more personal. It means someone's dignity or feelings were hurt directly. 'Indignar' can be collective. You can be 'indignado' by a law that doesn't affect you personally, but you are 'ofendido' by a personal insult.
Indignar vs. Escandalizar: 'Escandalizar' means to shock or cause a scandal. It's about public propriety. 'Indignar' is deeper; it's about the violation of a moral principle. A provocative dress might 'escandalizar' a conservative town, but a corrupt judge will 'indignar' them.

A veces, una situación puede indignar y escandalizar al mismo tiempo, dependiendo de quién la observe.

For even more intensity, you might consider 'enfurecer' (to infuriate) or 'encolerizar' (to make someone fly into a rage). These words focus on the heat and violence of the emotion. 'Indignar' is often a 'colder', more intellectualized form of anger. It involves a judgment. If you want to describe a nagging, persistent annoyance that leads to indignation, 'exasperar' is a great choice. 'Me exaspera tu lentitud' implies you are losing patience, which might eventually lead you to 'indignarte' if that slowness causes a major problem.

Es importante no confundir indignar con simplemente estar de mal humor por razones triviales.

Irritar: 'Irritar' is lower on the scale. It's about being bothered. 'Me irrita el ruido' is common. 'Me indigna el ruido' would imply the noise is a violation of your rights or a sign of total disrespect for neighbors.

La injusticia social tiene el poder de indignar incluso a las personas más tranquilas y pacientes.

In political discourse, you might also hear 'sublevar'. This goes a step beyond 'indignar' and implies that the indignation is leading to an actual uprising or revolt. 'La noticia sublevó a las masas' means they were so indignant they were ready to fight. Understanding these gradations allows you to choose the exact word for the context. If you are writing an essay about social change, 'indignar' is your primary tool; if you are describing a riot, 'sublevar' or 'enfurecer' might be more appropriate. Each word is a different tool in your linguistic toolbox.

El objetivo del autor no era solo informar, sino indignar al lector para que buscara un cambio real.

No permitas que las mentiras de los demás te lleguen a indignar hasta el punto de perder tu propia paz mental.

Rebelar: Related to 'sublevar', 'rebelarse' is the action of resisting. Indignation is often the 'why', and rebellion is the 'what'.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word is a direct cousin of 'dignity'. When you are indignant, you are literally saying that a situation lacks the 'dignity' it should have.

دليل النطق

UK /in.diɡˈnaɾ/

US /in.diɡˈnɑːr/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'nar'.

يتقافى مع

hablar cantar mar lugar pesar altar azar bienestar

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing it like the English 'indignant' with the stress on the second syllable.
Dropping the 'g' sound completely.
Using a hard English 'r' at the end.
Making the 'd' too hard (it should be dental).
Nasalizing the first 'i' too much.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize if you know 'indignant'.

الكتابة 4/5

Requires mastering the 'gustar' structure and the subjunctive mood.

التحدث 3/5

Easy to conjugate, but requires the right emotional tone.

الاستماع 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually emphasized by the speaker.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

enojar enfadar justo malo digno

تعلّم لاحقاً

sublevar reivindicar quejarse protestar justicia

متقدم

soliviantar exacerbar oprobio ignominia afrentar

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verbs of Emotion + Subjunctive

Me indigna que (él) no *venga*.

Reflexive Pronouns for Emotional Change

Yo *me* indigno, tú *te* indignas.

Gustar-like verbs (Indirect Object Pronouns)

*Le* indigna la noticia.

Prepositions with Verbs of Feeling

Indignarse *por* algo.

Adjective Agreement with Nouns

Las situaciones *indignantes*.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Me indigna la mentira.

Lying outrages me.

Uses the 'gustar' structure with a noun.

Él está indignado.

He is outraged.

Adjective 'indignado' with verb 'estar'.

¿Te indigna este video?

Does this video outrage you?

Interrogative form with indirect object pronoun 'te'.

No me indigno fácilmente.

I don't get indignant easily.

Reflexive form 'indignarse' in the negative.

Ella se indignó mucho.

She got very indignant.

Preterite reflexive form.

Es una situación indignante.

It is an outrageous situation.

Adjective 'indignante' describing a situation.

Nos indigna el ruido.

The noise outrages us.

Plural indirect object 'nos' with singular verb.

Quiero indignar a mi jefe.

I want to outrage my boss.

Infinitive use as a transitive verb.

Me indigna que no me escuches.

It outrages me that you don't listen to me.

Introduction to 'que' + subjunctive (though A2 might struggle with the mood, the structure is key).

Se indignaron con la noticia del periódico.

They got indignant with the newspaper news.

Reflexive preterite with 'con'.

Es indignante ver basura en la playa.

It's outrageous to see trash on the beach.

Indignante + infinitive.

Mi madre se indigna si no limpio mi cuarto.

My mother gets indignant if I don't clean my room.

Reflexive present in a conditional 'if' clause.

¿Por qué te indignas por todo?

Why do you get indignant about everything?

Question with reflexive 'te' and preposition 'por'.

La película me indignó por su final injusto.

The movie outraged me because of its unfair ending.

Transitive preterite with 'por'.

Estamos indignados con el servicio del hotel.

We are outraged with the hotel service.

Plural adjective with 'estar'.

No te indignes, es solo un juego.

Don't get indignant, it's just a game.

Negative imperative (subjunctive used as command).

Me indigna que los precios suban tanto cada mes.

It outrages me that prices go up so much every month.

Subjunctive 'suban' triggered by 'me indigna'.

Los ciudadanos se indignaron ante la falta de agua.

The citizens became indignant at the lack of water.

Reflexive preterite with 'ante'.

Siempre me indignaba cuando el profesor nos daba mucha tarea.

I always used to get indignant when the teacher gave us a lot of homework.

Imperfect tense for habitual action.

Es indignante que no haya más transporte público.

It's outrageous that there isn't more public transport.

Subjunctive 'haya' with impersonal expression.

Se indignó al ver cómo trataban al nuevo empleado.

He got indignant upon seeing how they treated the new employee.

'Al + infinitive' structure.

Tu falta de puntualidad me indigna profundamente.

Your lack of punctuality outrages me deeply.

Transitive present with adverb 'profundamente'.

No creo que se indignen por este pequeño error.

I don't think they'll get indignant over this small mistake.

Subjunctive 'indignen' after 'no creo que'.

La comunidad se ha indignado por el cierre del parque.

The community has become indignant over the park's closure.

Present perfect reflexive.

Me indigna que se ignoren las leyes de protección ambiental.

It outrages me that environmental protection laws are being ignored.

Passive 'se' in the subjunctive clause.

El ministro se indignó ante las acusaciones de corrupción.

The minister was outraged by the accusations of corruption.

Formal use of 'ante' with a noun phrase.

Fue una respuesta indignante que no resolvió nada.

It was an outrageous response that solved nothing.

Adjective 'indignante' modifying 'respuesta'.

Si me hubieras dicho la verdad, no me habría indignado tanto.

If you had told me the truth, I wouldn't have been so outraged.

Third conditional with pluperfect subjunctive and conditional perfect.

Sus acciones indignaron a toda la comunidad internacional.

His actions outraged the entire international community.

Transitive preterite with a collective object.

Es normal indignarse cuando uno ve tanta desigualdad.

It's normal to get indignant when one sees so much inequality.

Impersonal 'se' with infinitive.

Me indigna pensar que perdimos tanto tiempo por su culpa.

It outrages me to think that we lost so much time because of them.

Indignar + infinitive 'pensar'.

La población se mantiene indignada tras el escándalo financiero.

The population remains outraged after the financial scandal.

Verb 'mantenerse' with adjective 'indignada'.

Me indigna sobremanera que se priorice el beneficio económico sobre la vida humana.

It outrages me exceedingly that economic profit is prioritized over human life.

Use of 'sobremanera' to intensify the verb.

La pasividad de los testigos logró indignar a los investigadores del caso.

The passivity of the witnesses managed to outrage the investigators of the case.

Transitive use where the subject is an abstract concept.

No podemos permitir que nos indigne la crítica constructiva.

We cannot allow ourselves to be outraged by constructive criticism.

Subjunctive 'indigne' after 'permitir que'.

Se indignó de tal manera que perdió los estribos en público.

He got indignant in such a way that he lost his temper in public.

Consecutive clause 'de tal manera que'.

Resulta indignante la ligereza con la que se tratan estos temas tan graves.

The lightness with which these serious issues are treated is outrageous.

Impersonal 'resulta' with adjective.

Aquel discurso, lejos de calmar los ánimos, solo sirvió para indignar más a la multitud.

That speech, far from calming spirits, only served to further outrage the crowd.

Contrastive structure 'lejos de... solo sirvió para...'

Me indigno ante la idea de que el esfuerzo no siempre se vea recompensado.

I get indignant at the idea that effort is not always rewarded.

Reflexive 'indigno' with the prepositional phrase 'ante la idea de que'.

Es una obra que busca indignar al espectador para forzar una reflexión ética.

It is a work that seeks to outrage the viewer to force an ethical reflection.

Transitive infinitive used with a specific purpose.

Sería un error suponer que la población no se va a indignar ante tal atropello a la razón.

It would be a mistake to assume that the population will not be outraged by such an affront to reason.

Future periphrasis in a subordinate clause.

La prosa del autor destila una rabia contenida que acaba por indignar al lector más escéptico.

The author's prose exudes a contained rage that ends up outraging even the most skeptical reader.

Verbal periphrasis 'acabar por' + infinitive.

Me indigna profundamente que se pretenda reescribir la historia con fines partidistas.

It outrages me deeply that there is a pretense of rewriting history for partisan purposes.

Subjunctive 'se pretenda' expressing a claim or intent.

No hay nada que indigne más a un hombre justo que la impunidad de los malvados.

There is nothing that outrages a just man more than the impunity of the wicked.

Relative clause in the subjunctive after 'nada que'.

La medida, tildada de indignante por la oposición, fue aprobada por decreto ley.

The measure, branded as outrageous by the opposition, was approved by decree-law.

Passive voice with a qualifying participle 'tildada'.

Indignarse es, en última instancia, un acto de reafirmación de la propia dignidad.

To get indignant is, ultimately, an act of reaffirmation of one's own dignity.

Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.

A pesar de su aparente calma, se podía percibir que se estaba indignando por momentos.

Despite their apparent calm, one could perceive they were getting more indignant by the moment.

Continuous aspect 'se estaba indignando'.

Resulta casi imposible no indignarse ante el cinismo con el que se justifican ciertas políticas.

It is almost impossible not to be outraged by the cynicism with which certain policies are justified.

Double negation for emphasis 'imposible no indignarse'.

تلازمات شائعة

indignar profundamente

indignar a la opinión pública

indignarse ante la injusticia

indignarse con alguien

indignarse por un motivo

lograr indignar

no poder evitar indignarse

indignar soberanamente

indignar a las masas

indignarse por doquier

العبارات الشائعة

Me indigna que...

— It outrages me that... (Used to express a moral reaction to something).

Me indigna que no digas la verdad.

Es indignante

— It is outrageous. (A common way to comment on a situation).

Es indignante el trato que reciben.

Grito de indignación

— A cry of indignation. (Often used in journalism).

Hubo un grito de indignación en la plaza.

Sentimiento de indignación

— Feeling of indignation.

Un sentimiento de indignación recorrió el país.

Indignarse por nada

— To get indignant over nothing (often used critically).

No te puedes indignar por nada.

Causa de indignación

— Cause of indignation.

La causa de la indignación fue el despido.

Indignado con la vida

— Outraged with life (feeling that life is unfair).

Parece que está indignado con la vida.

Movimiento de los indignados

— The 'Indignados' movement (political context).

El movimiento de los indignados cambió la política.

Indignar a propios y extraños

— To outrage everyone (both friends and strangers/opponents).

Su decisión indignó a propios y extraños.

Mostrar indignación

— To show indignation.

El presidente mostró su indignación en televisión.

يُخلط عادةً مع

indignar vs indigno

Indigno means 'unworthy'. Indignado means 'outraged'. Saying 'Soy indigno' is self-deprecating; 'Estoy indignado' is expressing anger.

indignar vs indigencia

Indigencia means 'poverty' or 'destitution'. It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning related to lack of resources.

indignar vs indigestar

To cause indigestion. Don't confuse physical stomach upset with moral outrage!

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Ponerse de uñas"

— To get very defensive or angry, similar to the initial stage of indignation.

Se puso de uñas cuando mencioné el dinero.

informal

"Subirse por las paredes"

— To be climbing the walls with anger or frustration.

Mi padre se subía por las paredes de la indignación.

informal

"Perder los estribos"

— To lose one's stirrups (lose control/temper).

Se indignó tanto que perdió los estribos.

neutral

"Echar chispas"

— To be sparking (very angry).

Estaba echando chispas de pura indignación.

informal

"Hervirle la sangre a alguien"

— To make someone's blood boil (intense indignation).

Me hierve la sangre cuando veo esa injusticia.

neutral

"Poner el grito en el cielo"

— To cry out to heaven (protest loudly in indignation).

Pusieron el grito en el cielo por el nuevo impuesto.

neutral

"Ver las estrellas"

— Usually means to see stars from pain, but can metaphorically describe a sharp shock of anger.

Me hizo ver las estrellas con su comentario.

informal

"No caber en sí de..."

— To be bursting with (emotion).

No cabía en sí de indignación.

formal

"Sacar de quicio"

— To drive someone crazy/out of their mind with anger.

Sus mentiras me sacan de quicio y me indignan.

informal

"Tomarse a pecho"

— To take something to heart (often leading to indignation).

Se tomó a pecho la crítica y se indignó.

neutral

سهل الخلط

indignar vs enojar

Both mean to get angry.

Enojar is general anger. Indignar is anger because something is unfair or immoral.

Me enoja perder las llaves, pero me indigna que me las roben.

indignar vs ofender

Both involve a reaction to something bad.

Ofender is usually personal. Indignar can be about a general situation or someone else's suffering.

Me ofende que me insultes, pero me indigna que insultes a los ancianos.

indignar vs enfadar

Synonyms for anger.

Enfadar is common in Spain for 'to get mad'. Indignar is more serious and formal.

Me enfada que llueva, pero me indigna que el gobierno no arregle las goteras.

indignar vs molestar

Being bothered.

Molestar is to annoy. Indignar is much stronger and involves a moral judgment.

Me molesta el humo, pero me indigna que fumen en un hospital.

indignar vs escandalizar

Both relate to public reaction.

Escandalizar is about shock or propriety. Indignar is about justice.

Su ropa escandalizó a la iglesia, pero su robo indignó a toda la ciudad.

أنماط الجُمل

Me indigna [Noun].

Me indigna el hambre.

Se indignó con [Person].

Se indignó con su amigo.

Me indigna que [Subjunctive].

Me indigna que no ayudes.

Indignarse ante [Abstract Noun].

Se indignó ante la injusticia.

Resultar [Adverb] indignante.

Resulta verdaderamente indignante su actitud.

[Noun Phrase] destila indignación.

Su discurso destila indignación por los poros.

Estar indignado por [Infinitive].

Estoy indignado por tener que pagar tanto.

No poder evitar indignarse.

No pudo evitar indignarse al oír la mentira.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

indignación (indignation)

indignado (outraged person)

الأفعال

indignar (to outrage)

indignarse (to become outraged)

الصفات

indignante (outrageous)

indignado (outraged)

indigno (unworthy)

مرتبط

dignidad

digno

dignificar

fidedigno

condigno

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High in news and formal discussions; medium in casual conversation.

أخطاء شائعة

Yo indigno por la noticia. → Me indigno por la noticia.
You must use the reflexive pronoun 'me' because you are the one experiencing the change in emotion.
Me indigna que tú estás aquí. → Me indigna que tú estés aquí.
The verb 'indignar' expresses an emotion, which triggers the subjunctive mood in the following clause.
Estoy indigno con el servicio. → Estoy indignado con el servicio.
'Indigno' means 'unworthy'. 'Indignado' means 'outraged'. You want the participle form to describe your state.
Me indigna sus mentiras. → Me indignan sus mentiras.
In the 'gustar' structure, the verb must agree with the subject. Since 'mentiras' is plural, the verb must be 'indignan'.
Me indigno sobre la situación. → Me indigno por la situación.
While 'sobre' is sometimes used, 'por' or 'ante' are much more natural prepositions to use with 'indignarse'.

نصائح

Subjunctive Alert

Always use the subjunctive after 'Me indigna que...'. It's a classic emotion trigger. For example: 'Me indigna que *seas* tan egoísta'.

Choose Your Anger

Use 'enojar' for everyday annoyances and 'indignar' for moral outrages. This distinction will make your Spanish sound more native and precise.

Historical Context

Remember the 'Indignados' movement. Knowing this history helps you understand why the word has such strong political connotations in Spain.

Soft G

The 'g' in 'indignar' is soft, like the 'g' in 'sugar' in some dialects, but it must be there. Don't skip it!

Formal Tone

In formal letters, 'indignar' is a great way to express dissatisfaction without sounding like you're just complaining. It adds a level of ethical weight.

Emphasis

Stress the last syllable 'nar'. If you stress the middle, it will sound like the English word and might be harder to understand.

Context Clues

If you hear 'indignar' on the news, look for words like 'corrupción', 'injusticia', or 'escándalo' nearby.

Root Word

Link it to 'dignity'. Indignation = seeing something that lacks dignity. This etymological link is the best way to remember the meaning.

Reflexive vs Transitive

Decide if you are the one *becoming* angry (reflexive: me indigno) or if something is *making* you angry (transitive: me indigna).

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it for every little thing. If you use it too much for trivialities, it loses its impact and makes you sound perpetually offended.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'IN-DIG-NAR'. When something is unfair, you want to DIG into the truth because it makes you feel like you are IN a state of NAR (not-all-right).

ربط بصري

Imagine a judge throwing their gavel in anger because a criminal went free. That moral anger is 'indignación'.

Word Web

Injusticia Enojo Dignidad Moral Protesta Valores Verdad Rabia

تحدٍّ

Write three sentences about things that 'indignan' you in your city using the subjunctive mood.

أصل الكلمة

From the Latin 'indignari', which means 'to consider unworthy'. It is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'dignus' (worthy).

المعنى الأصلي: To be displeased at something that is considered unworthy of oneself or of a standard of justice.

Romance (Latin)

السياق الثقافي

Be careful using 'indignar' for personal petty grievances, as it can sound like you are equating your minor problem with a major social injustice.

In English, we often say 'I'm appalled' or 'I'm outraged'. 'Indignar' covers both but feels slightly more common in daily Spanish political talk than 'appall' does in casual English.

The book '¡Indignaos!' by Stéphane Hessel (translated from French 'Indignez-vous !'). The '15-M' protests in Madrid. Songs by Calle 13 often use themes of indignation.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Politics

Indignación popular
Medidas indignantes
Indignarse ante la corrupción
Voto de indignación

Customer Service

Me indigna este trato
Servicio indignante
Estoy indignado con su empresa
Hoja de reclamación por indignación

Personal Relationships

Me indignas cuando mientes
No te indignes conmigo
Indignarse por una traición
Sentirse indignado por un desplante

Environment

Indignante contaminación
Indignarse por la deforestación
Grito indignado por el planeta
La falta de acción nos indigna

Workplace

Despido indignante
Indignarse por el sueldo
Trato indigno en la oficina
Me indigna la falta de ética del jefe

بدايات محادثة

"¿Qué es lo que más te indigna de la situación política actual?"

"¿Alguna vez te has indignado tanto que tuviste que salir a protestar?"

"¿Te indigna más una mentira pequeña o un secreto grande?"

"¿Crees que es bueno indignarse o es mejor mantener la calma siempre?"

"¿Qué noticia reciente te ha indignado profundamente?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe una situación en la que te sentiste indignado. ¿Qué pasó y por qué sentiste que era injusto?

Escribe una carta ficticia a una empresa expresando por qué su servicio te indigna.

¿Cómo crees que la indignación colectiva puede cambiar una sociedad para mejor?

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre estar enojado y estar indignado en tu propia vida.

¿Qué valores son los más importantes para ti? ¿Qué sucede cuando alguien los viola y te hace indignar?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No. It is reflexive ('indignarse') when the person is the subject feeling the emotion. It is transitive (like 'gustar') when the cause is the subject: 'Me indigna la mentira'.

You can, but it sounds dramatic. Use it for small things only if you want to emphasize that they are a matter of principle. For example, 'Me indigna que no recicles' implies a moral stance on the environment.

'Indignado' is the person who feels the outrage (e.g., 'Estoy indignado'). 'Indignante' is the thing that causes it (e.g., 'Es una noticia indignante').

Yes, when you use the structure 'Me indigna que...' or 'Es indignante que...', the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood because you are expressing an emotion.

Common prepositions are 'por' (reason), 'con' (person), and 'ante' (situation). Example: 'Se indignó por el retraso', 'Se indignó con el jefe', 'Se indignó ante la injusticia'.

Yes, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world with the same meaning and grammatical structures, especially in news and social discourse.

No, it is exclusively for negative feelings of outrage and moral disapproval.

You can say 'estar indignado/a' or 'sentirse indignado/a'. Both are very common.

Yes, the noun is 'indignación'. Example: 'Su indignación era evidente'.

Verbs like 'complacer', 'satisfacer', or 'tranquilizar' can be considered opposites depending on the context.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات