detestar in 30 Sekunden
- Detestar: To strongly dislike or loathe.
- Use for intense negative feelings, not minor dislikes.
- Regular -ar verb, easy to conjugate.
- Common in everyday speech and media.
Understanding 'Detestar'
The Portuguese verb 'detestar' is a strong word used to express a deep and intense dislike or hatred for something or someone. It goes beyond simply not liking something; it signifies a powerful aversion. Think of it as the Portuguese equivalent of 'to detest' or 'to loathe' in English. People use 'detestar' when they want to convey a significant negative feeling, often with a sense of revulsion or strong disapproval. It's not typically used for minor annoyances but for things that genuinely upset or disgust the speaker. For instance, you might hear someone say they 'detest' a particular food they find repulsive, or a situation that causes them great distress. It can also be used to express a strong dislike for certain behaviors or habits that the speaker finds unacceptable. The intensity of the word makes it impactful in conveying strong negative emotions.
- Usage Context
- Expressing intense dislike, aversion, or loathing. It implies a strong emotional reaction, not just mild disapproval.
- Intensity
- Higher than 'não gostar' (not like) or 'não gostar muito' (not like much).
Eu detesto acordar cedo nos fins de semana.
When learning Portuguese, understanding the nuances of verbs like 'detestar' is crucial for expressing yourself accurately and with the right emotional weight. It's a word that should be used thoughtfully, as its strong meaning can be quite impactful. Consider situations where you feel a profound sense of disapproval or even disgust. These are the moments when 'detestar' is the most appropriate and effective choice of word. The emotional charge it carries makes it a valuable addition to your vocabulary when you want to express more than just a casual dislike.
Imagine a scenario where someone is forced to eat a food they find absolutely revolting. In such a case, saying 'Eu detesto isto!' (I detest this!) conveys the depth of their negative reaction much more effectively than simply saying 'Eu não gosto disto' (I don't like this). Similarly, if a person witnesses an act of cruelty, they might express their strong disapproval by saying 'Eu detesto essa crueldade' (I detest that cruelty). This highlights the verb's capacity to express moral outrage or deep-seated aversion. The context in which 'detestar' is used will often provide clues to the specific reason for the strong dislike, whether it's sensory, emotional, or moral. Mastering this verb allows for a richer and more expressive use of the Portuguese language.
Putting 'Detestar' into Practice
Conjugating 'detestar' correctly is key to using it effectively. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation follows a predictable pattern in most tenses. In the present tense, for example, the 'eu' form is 'detesto', 'tu' is 'detestas', 'ele/ela/você' is 'detesta', 'nós' is 'detestamos', 'vós' is 'detestais', and 'eles/elas/vocês' is 'detestam'. This regular pattern makes it relatively easy to learn and apply. When forming sentences, remember that 'detestar' often takes a direct object, which is what is being disliked. This object can be a noun, a pronoun, or even an infinitive verb. For instance, you can 'detestar' a food ('Eu detesto brócolos'), a person ('Eu detesto mentiras'), or an activity ('Eu detesto ficar em casa em dias de sol').
- Present Tense Conjugation
- Eu detesto, Tu detestas, Ele/Ela/Você detesta, Nós detestamos, Vós detestais, Eles/Elas/Vocês detestam.
- Preterite Tense Conjugation
- Eu detestei, Tu detestaste, Ele/Ela/Você detestou, Nós detestamos, Vós detestastes, Eles/Elas/Vocês detestaram.
- Imperfect Tense Conjugation
- Eu detestava, Tu detestavas, Ele/Ela/Você detestava, Nós detestávamos, Vós detestáveis, Eles/Elas/Vocês detestavam.
Consider the following examples to see 'detestar' in action across different contexts and tenses. Notice how the verb is placed and how it connects with the rest of the sentence to convey strong dislike.
No passado, eu detestava estudar matemática.
Eles detestam a injustiça social.
Você detesta esperar em filas?
Using 'detestar' with an infinitive verb is also common and very useful. For example, 'Eu detesto ter que trabalhar aos domingos' (I detest having to work on Sundays). This structure effectively communicates a strong dislike for an action or a situation. When constructing your own sentences, try to vary the subjects and objects to practice the different conjugations and to express a wider range of dislikes. Remember to consider the intensity of your feeling; if it's a mild dislike, 'não gostar' might be more appropriate. However, for genuine aversion, 'detestar' is the word to use.
Real-World Encounters with 'Detestar'
You'll encounter 'detestar' in everyday conversations, media, and literature, especially when people express strong opinions or deep-seated feelings. In informal settings, friends might say, 'Eu detesto segunda-feira!' (I detest Mondays!) to complain about the start of the work week. On television shows or in movies, characters might use it to convey intense negative emotions towards an antagonist or a particularly unpleasant situation. For example, a character might declare, 'Eu detesto a forma como ele me trata!' (I detest the way he treats me!).
- Informal Conversations
- Friends discussing dislikes, complaining about daily routines or certain foods.
- Media and Entertainment
- Characters in movies, TV shows, and books expressing strong negative emotions.
- Literature
- Authors using it to describe characters' intense feelings or to add dramatic effect.
In news reports or opinion pieces, you might see 'detestar' used to describe public sentiment towards certain policies or events that are widely unpopular. For instance, 'Muitas pessoas detestam a nova lei de trânsito' (Many people detest the new traffic law). Its presence in song lyrics also highlights its emotional weight, often used to express heartbreak or strong disapproval of a situation. Listening to Portuguese music or watching Brazilian telenovelas can be excellent ways to hear 'detestar' used naturally in various contexts. Notice how the tone of voice and surrounding words help to convey the full intensity of the dislike.
A atriz disse que detesta a pressão da fama.
As crianças detestam comer vegetais crus.
Furthermore, 'detestar' can appear in more formal contexts, such as political speeches or public announcements, when conveying strong opposition to something. For example, a politician might state, 'Nós detestamos a corrupção e lutaremos contra ela' (We detest corruption and will fight against it). This demonstrates its versatility, capable of expressing profound moral indignation. When you hear this word, consider the speaker's tone and the context to fully grasp the intensity of their dislike. It's a word that adds significant emotional color to the Portuguese language.
Avoiding Pitfalls with 'Detestar'
One common mistake for learners is using 'detestar' too casually, applying it to situations where a milder expression like 'não gostar' (not like) would be more appropriate. Because 'detestar' implies a strong, deep dislike, using it for minor annoyances can sound overly dramatic or insincere. For example, saying 'Eu detesto esta chuva' (I detest this rain) might be understood, but if it's just a light drizzle, it could be perceived as an exaggeration. It's better to reserve 'detestar' for things that truly provoke a strong negative reaction.
- Overuse
- Using 'detestar' for mild dislikes can sound exaggerated or insincere.
- Incorrect Conjugation
- Misconjugating the verb in different tenses, especially in the past or subjunctive mood.
- Confusing with Similar Verbs
- Confusing it with verbs that express a less intense dislike.
Mistake: Eu detesto um pouco o barulho. (I detest a little the noise.)
Another common error is incorrect conjugation, particularly for beginners. Forgetting to change the verb ending according to the subject or tense can lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying 'Eu detestar' instead of 'Eu detesto' in the present tense. Always double-check your conjugations, especially when using less common tenses like the subjunctive or imperfect. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'detestar' with verbs that express a less intense dislike, such as 'não gostar' (not like) or 'achar desagradável' (find unpleasant). While related, 'detestar' carries a much stronger emotional weight. Using it appropriately requires understanding this distinction.
Finally, ensure you are using the correct preposition or structure following 'detestar'. While it often takes a direct object, sometimes it's followed by 'que' and the subjunctive mood, or an infinitive. For example, 'Eu detesto que você se atrase' (I detest that you are late) is correct, whereas 'Eu detesto você se atrasar' would be grammatically incorrect. Paying attention to these grammatical details will help you avoid common mistakes and communicate your strong dislikes accurately and effectively in Portuguese.
Exploring Alternatives to 'Detestar'
While 'detestar' expresses a very strong dislike, Portuguese offers a range of other verbs and phrases to convey varying degrees of negative sentiment. Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise and nuanced expression.
- Não gostar
- This is the most common and neutral way to say 'not like'. It's suitable for mild dislikes and everyday situations. Example: 'Eu não gosto de café frio.' (I don't like cold coffee.)
- Não gostar muito
- This phrase means 'not like very much' and indicates a stronger dislike than 'não gostar' but still less intense than 'detestar'. Example: 'Eu não gosto muito de filmes de terror.' (I don't like horror movies very much.)
- Odiar
- Similar in intensity to 'detestar', 'odiar' means 'to hate'. It can sometimes imply a more personal animosity or a deeper emotional resentment. Example: 'Ele odeia ser ignorado.' (He hates being ignored.)
- Aborrecer-se com
- This means 'to be annoyed by' or 'to be fed up with'. It focuses more on the feeling of irritation or boredom caused by something. Example: 'Eu me aborreço com a lentidão da internet.' (I get annoyed by the slow internet.)
Choosing the right word depends on the specific feeling you want to convey. If you simply don't enjoy something, 'não gostar' is sufficient. If something causes you significant frustration or irritation, 'aborrecer-se com' might be more fitting. 'Odiar' and 'detestar' are both strong choices for expressing intense dislike or hatred, with subtle differences in connotation. 'Odiar' can sometimes feel more personal, while 'detestar' can be used for a broader range of strong aversions, including moral disapproval. It's important to practice using these words in context to develop an intuitive understanding of their nuances.
Comparação: Eu detesto o barulho alto. vs. Eu não gosto do barulho alto.
Consider the context: If you're talking about a food you find unappetizing, 'não gostar' is usually sufficient. If you have a visceral reaction of disgust, 'detestar' might be more appropriate. For expressing animosity towards a person or a group, 'odiar' is often used. By understanding these distinctions, you can express your feelings in Portuguese with greater accuracy and impact.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The original meaning of 'detestar' in Latin was quite severe, involving invoking curses or divine wrath. Over time, its meaning softened and broadened to encompass a strong dislike or loathing, losing the direct implication of cursing someone.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 't' sounds too softly, making them sound like 'th'.
- Not rolling the 'r' at the end, or pronouncing it too strongly.
- Incorrect vowel sounds, especially in the unstressed first syllable.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Recognizing 'detestar' in reading is generally straightforward due to its strong meaning. The main challenge lies in understanding the context that warrants such a strong word, distinguishing it from milder expressions of dislike.
Using 'detestar' correctly in writing requires careful consideration of the intensity of the emotion being conveyed. Overusing it for minor dislikes can weaken its impact. Correct conjugation in various tenses is also crucial.
Pronouncing 'detestar' correctly and using it appropriately in spoken Portuguese requires practice. Learners need to develop an ear for the right situations to employ such a strong verb to avoid sounding overly dramatic or insincere.
Understanding 'detestar' when heard is usually not difficult due to its distinct sound and strong meaning. The context will help determine the speaker's level of aversion.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Conjugation of regular -ar verbs in the present tense.
The verb 'detestar' follows the pattern: eu detesto, tu detestas, ele/ela/você detesta, nós detestamos, vós detestais, eles/elas/vocês detestam.
Using infinitive verbs as direct objects.
'Detestar' can be followed by an infinitive verb: Eu detesto fumar. (I detest smoking.)
Using 'que' + subjunctive clause after verbs of emotion.
Eu detesto que você faça isso. (I detest that you do this. - 'faça' is subjunctive of 'fazer')
Formation of the preterite perfect tense.
Eu detestei a comida. (I detested the food. - Simple past tense)
Formation of the imperfect tense.
Eu detestava acordar cedo. (I used to detest waking up early. / I was detesting waking up early.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
Eu não gosto de barulho.
I don't like noise.
Simple present tense of 'gostar'.
Não gosto de acordar cedo.
I don't like waking up early.
Infinitive verb 'acordar' used as an object.
Ela não gosta de chuva.
She doesn't like rain.
Third-person singular present tense of 'gostar'.
Nós não gostamos de esperar.
We don't like to wait.
First-person plural present tense of 'gostar'.
Eu não gosto muito de vegetais.
I don't like vegetables very much.
Using 'muito' to modify the dislike.
Ele não gosta de estudar.
He doesn't like to study.
Infinitive verb 'estudar' used as an object.
Vocês não gostam de filmes de terror?
Don't you (plural) like horror movies?
Question form using 'vocês'.
Eu não gosto de acordar tarde.
I don't like waking up late.
Contrast with waking up early.
Eu detesto acordar cedo aos sábados.
I detest waking up early on Saturdays.
Present tense of 'detestar' + time expression.
Eles detestam comida picante.
They detest spicy food.
Present tense of 'detestar' + noun.
Ela detesta ter que esperar.
She detests having to wait.
Present tense of 'detestar' + infinitive clause.
Nós detestamos o trânsito da cidade.
We detest the city traffic.
Present tense of 'detestar' + noun phrase.
Você detesta mentiras?
Do you detest lies?
Question form with 'detestar'.
Eu detestei o filme que vimos ontem.
I detested the movie we saw yesterday.
Preterite tense of 'detestar'.
Ele detesta quando chove no verão.
He detests when it rains in the summer.
Present tense of 'detestar' + subordinate clause.
Eles detestam a ideia de mudar.
They detest the idea of moving.
Present tense of 'detestar' + noun phrase.
Eu detesto a injustiça social e a desigualdade.
I detest social injustice and inequality.
Expressing strong disapproval of abstract concepts.
Ela detestava a rotina monótona do seu antigo emprego.
She detested the monotonous routine of her old job.
Imperfect tense of 'detestar' describing a past habit or state.
Nós detestamos ter que lidar com burocracia.
We detest having to deal with bureaucracy.
'Detestar' + infinitive clause expressing dislike for an action.
Ele detesta ser o centro das atenções.
He detests being the center of attention.
Gerund phrase as the object of 'detestar'.
Vocês detestam quando as pessoas falam alto no cinema?
Do you (plural) detest when people talk loudly in the cinema?
Question form using 'detestar' with a subordinate clause.
Eu detestaria ter que escolher entre eles.
I would detest having to choose between them.
Conditional tense of 'detestar' expressing a hypothetical strong dislike.
Eles detestam a ideia de que seus filhos não vão para a faculdade.
They detest the idea that their children won't go to college.
'Detestar' + noun clause expressing strong disapproval of a situation.
A professora detesta quando os alunos não fazem os trabalhos de casa.
The teacher detests when students don't do their homework.
Present tense of 'detestar' + subordinate clause.
Detesto a hipocrisia em qualquer forma que ela se apresente.
I detest hypocrisy in any form it presents itself.
Expressing strong aversion to abstract negative qualities.
Ele detestava a sensação de impotência que sentia em situações de crise.
He detested the feeling of powerlessness he felt in crisis situations.
Imperfect tense of 'detestar' describing a recurring strong negative feeling in the past.
Nós detestamos ser forçados a tomar decisões precipitadas sem informação suficiente.
We detest being forced to make hasty decisions without sufficient information.
'Detestar' + passive infinitive clause.
Ela detesta qualquer tipo de preconceito, seja ele racial, social ou de gênero.
She detests any type of prejudice, be it racial, social, or gender-based.
Using 'qualquer tipo de' with 'detestar' to express broad aversion.
Vocês detestam a ideia de que a tecnologia possa substituir completamente as interações humanas?
Do you (plural) detest the idea that technology might completely replace human interactions?
Question form with 'detestar' + noun clause expressing concern.
Eu detestaria viver num lugar onde não houvesse liberdade de expressão.
I would detest living in a place where there was no freedom of expression.
Conditional tense of 'detestar' with a hypothetical scenario.
Eles detestam o desperdício de recursos naturais e a falta de consciência ambiental.
They detest the waste of natural resources and the lack of environmental awareness.
Expressing strong dislike for negative societal issues.
O crítico detestou a falta de originalidade na nova peça de teatro.
The critic detested the lack of originality in the new play.
Preterite tense of 'detestar' in a specific professional context.
Detesto a complacência com que certas autoridades lidam com a corrupção.
I detest the complacency with which certain authorities deal with corruption.
Expressing strong disapproval of attitudes and behaviors in positions of power.
Ele detestava a superficialidade das conversas que frequentemente ocorriam nos eventos sociais.
He detested the superficiality of the conversations that frequently occurred at social events.
Imperfect tense of 'detestar' describing a recurring dislike for social dynamics.
Nós detestamos a imposição de ideologias que limitam o pensamento crítico e a autonomia individual.
We detest the imposition of ideologies that limit critical thinking and individual autonomy.
'Detestar' + noun phrase expressing opposition to ideological control.
Ela detesta a ambiguidade calculada em discursos políticos, que visa manipular a opinião pública.
She detests the calculated ambiguity in political discourse, which aims to manipulate public opinion.
Expressing strong dislike for manipulative communication strategies.
Vocês detestam a perspectiva de um futuro em que a inteligência artificial domine completamente as decisões humanas?
Do you (plural) detest the prospect of a future where artificial intelligence completely dominates human decisions?
Question form with 'detestar' + noun clause expressing deep concern about technological advancement.
Eu detestaria ter que testemunhar o colapso dos valores éticos que considero fundamentais.
I would detest having to witness the collapse of the ethical values I consider fundamental.
Conditional tense of 'detestar' with a hypothetical negative societal event.
Eles detestam o cinismo que permeia certas esferas da vida pública, minando a confiança e o progresso.
They detest the cynicism that permeates certain spheres of public life, undermining trust and progress.
Expressing strong dislike for pervasive negative attitudes.
O filósofo detestava a tendência humana de se contentar com respostas simplistas para questões complexas.
The philosopher detested the human tendency to settle for simplistic answers to complex questions.
Preterite tense of 'detestar' describing a philosophical aversion.
Detesto a insidiosa erosão da verdade factual em nome de narrativas convenientes.
I detest the insidious erosion of factual truth in favor of convenient narratives.
Expressing profound disapproval of the subversion of truth.
Ele detestava a vacuidade existencial que advinha da ausência de propósito genuíno.
He detested the existential emptiness that arose from the absence of genuine purpose.
Imperfect tense of 'detestar' describing a deep philosophical aversion to a state of being.
Nós detestamos a mercantilização da experiência humana, onde tudo é reduzido a um valor de troca.
We detest the commodification of human experience, where everything is reduced to an exchange value.
'Detestar' + noun phrase expressing strong opposition to the reduction of human value.
Ela detesta a demagogia que explora medos e preconceitos para obter poder político.
She detests the demagoguery that exploits fears and prejudices to gain political power.
Expressing strong dislike for manipulative political tactics.
Vocês detestam a possibilidade de um futuro distópico moldado pela vigilância onipresente e pelo controle algorítmico?
Do you (plural) detest the possibility of a dystopian future shaped by omnipresent surveillance and algorithmic control?
Question form with 'detestar' + noun clause expressing profound concern about societal control.
Eu detestaria ter que viver numa sociedade onde a individualidade é suprimida em prol de uma conformidade forçada.
I would detest having to live in a society where individuality is suppressed in favor of forced conformity.
Conditional tense of 'detestar' with a hypothetical scenario of societal oppression.
Eles detestam o relativismo moral que obscurece a distinção entre o certo e o errado, levando à anomia social.
They detest the moral relativism that obscures the distinction between right and wrong, leading to social anomie.
Expressing strong dislike for a philosophical stance with negative societal consequences.
O historiador detestava a reescrita revisionista da história que visava justificar atrocidades passadas.
The historian detested the revisionist rewriting of history that aimed to justify past atrocities.
Preterite tense of 'detestar' describing a strong intellectual and moral aversion to historical distortion.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— This is a direct and strong exclamation of dislike. It's used when something is particularly unpleasant.
Que cheiro horrível! Eu detesto!
— This phrase is used to express a strong dislike for having to do something, often an obligation or an unpleasant task.
Detesto ter que ir ao dentista.
— Used to describe someone else's strong dislike for something.
Ele detesta filmes de terror porque se assusta facilmente.
— Used by a group to express a shared strong dislike.
Nós detestamos acordar muito cedo.
— A question asking if someone (plural) strongly dislikes something.
Vocês detestam comer brócolos?
— A common expression of strong dislike for the act of waking up.
Detesto acordar antes das 8 da manhã.
— Expresses a strong dislike for the act of waiting.
Eu detesto esperar na fila do banco.
— Expresses a strong aversion to dishonesty.
Eu detesto mentiras e valorizo a honestidade.
— A strong dislike for loud or annoying sounds.
Detesto o barulho dos vizinhos à noite.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Very similar in meaning and intensity, often interchangeable. 'Odiar' can sometimes imply a more personal or deep-seated hatred.
'Não gostar' means 'not like' and is much milder than 'detestar'. Using 'detestar' for a slight dislike can sound exaggerated.
'Aborrecer' means 'to annoy' or 'to bore'. It's generally less intense than 'detestar' and focuses more on irritation or tedium.
Leicht verwechselbar
Both 'detestar' and 'odiar' express strong negative emotions and are often translated as 'to hate' or 'to detest'.
'Detestar' often implies a strong aversion based on disgust, moral disapproval, or intense dislike for something unpleasant. 'Odiar' can sometimes carry a more personal and intense animosity, closer to 'to hate' in a more profound sense. However, they are frequently used interchangeably in everyday conversation.
Eu detesto mentiras. (I detest lies.) vs. Eu odeio quem me trai. (I hate those who betray me.)
Both express dislike, but 'não gostar' is significantly weaker.
'Não gostar' simply means 'not to like' and is used for mild preferences or dislikes. 'Detestar' signifies a powerful, visceral aversion. Using 'detestar' for something you only mildly dislike can sound overly dramatic.
Eu não gosto de pimenta. (I don't like pepper - mild) vs. Eu detesto comida apimentada. (I detest spicy food - strong aversion)
Both describe negative feelings towards something.
'Aborrecer' usually means 'to annoy', 'to bore', or 'to be fed up with'. It implies irritation or tedium. 'Detestar' is a stronger emotion, indicating genuine disgust or loathing, not just annoyance.
Esse barulho me aborrece. (This noise annoys me - irritation) vs. Eu detesto esse barulho. (I detest this noise - strong aversion)
Both involve a negative stance towards something.
'Rejeitar' means 'to reject', which is an action of refusing or not accepting something or someone. While dislike ('detestar') can be a reason for rejection, 'rejeitar' focuses on the act of refusal itself. 'Detestar' is the feeling, 'rejeitar' is often the resulting action.
Eu detesto essa ideia. (I detest this idea - the feeling) vs. Eu rejeitei essa ideia. (I rejected this idea - the action)
Both convey strong negative sentiment.
'Desprezar' means 'to despise' or 'to scorn', implying a feeling of contempt and looking down on something or someone. 'Detestar' is a strong dislike, but not necessarily with the same level of contempt. You can detest an action without necessarily despising the person who performs it.
Eu detesto a falta de pontualidade. (I detest lack of punctuality - strong dislike) vs. Ele despreza quem é preguiçoso. (He despises those who are lazy - contempt)
Satzmuster
Subject + não gostar + Noun
Eu não gosto de brócolos.
Subject + detestar + Noun
Eu detesto café.
Subject + detestar + Infinitive Verb
Ela detesta estudar.
Subject + detestar + que + Subjunctive Clause
Eu detesto que ele <strong>chegue</strong> tarde.
Subject + detestar + Noun Phrase
Nós detestamos o trânsito.
Subject + detestar + Gerund Phrase
Ele detesta ser o centro das atenções.
Preterite Tense of Detestar + Noun/Infinitive
Eu detestei o filme.
Conditional Tense of Detestar + Infinitive/Noun
Eu detestaria viver sem internet.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Medium
-
Using 'detestar' for mild dislikes.
→
Eu não gosto muito de chuva.
Saying 'Eu detesto chuva' for a light drizzle sounds exaggerated. 'Não gostar muito' (not like very much) is more appropriate for less intense feelings.
-
Incorrect conjugation in the present tense.
→
Eu detesto acordar cedo.
Forgetting the 'o' ending for 'eu' (I) or using the wrong ending for other subjects is common. Always conjugate correctly: eu detesto, tu detestas, ele detesta, etc.
-
Confusing 'detestar' with 'aborrecer'.
→
Esse barulho me aborrece.
'Aborrecer' means to annoy or bore. 'Detestar' means to detest or hate. The intensity is different. Use 'aborrecer' for irritation and 'detestar' for strong aversion.
-
Incorrect use of 'que' + subjunctive.
→
Eu detesto que você <strong>faça</strong> barulho.
When 'detestar' is followed by a clause expressing dislike for someone else's action, 'que' is needed, and the verb in the clause must be in the subjunctive mood ('faça' instead of 'faz').
-
Using 'detestar' too frequently in writing.
→
Eu não aprecio a falta de respeito.
Overusing 'detestar' can make writing repetitive and less impactful. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms or less intense expressions when appropriate.
Tipps
Stress the Final Syllable
Remember that the stress in 'detestar' falls on the last syllable: de-tes-TAR. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural to native speakers.
Match Intensity
Only use 'detestar' when you truly feel a strong dislike. Overusing it for minor annoyances can make your communication less effective and sound insincere. Consider 'não gostar' for milder feelings.
Infinitive Object
A common and useful structure is 'detestar' followed by an infinitive verb, like 'Eu detesto ler'. This is a great way to express dislike for specific actions.
Create Associations
Link 'detestar' to a strong negative image or sound. For example, imagine someone spitting out something foul and exclaiming 'Detest!' This visceral connection can help solidify the word's meaning.
Detestar vs. Odiar
'Detestar' and 'odiar' are very close in meaning ('to detest'/'to hate'). While often interchangeable, 'detestar' can sometimes lean towards disgust or strong disapproval, while 'odiar' might imply deeper personal animosity. Observe their usage in context.
Active Recall
Try to use 'detestar' in your own sentences daily. Write them down, say them aloud, or use them in conversations. The more you actively use it, the more comfortable you'll become.
Emotional Expression
Portuguese cultures often value emotional expression. 'Detestar' is a tool to convey strong feelings authentically. Embrace its power when appropriate.
Subjunctive Mood
After 'detestar' expressing dislike for a situation or someone's action, you'll often need the subjunctive mood. For example: 'Eu detesto que ele fale assim.' (I detest that he speaks like that.)
Nuance Matters
Understand the spectrum of dislike. 'Não gostar' is mild, 'aborrecer' is annoying, 'detestar' and 'odiar' are strong. Choosing the right word accurately reflects your feelings.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine someone saying 'De-test!' when they encounter something they strongly dislike, like a terrible smell. The 'De-' sounds like 'the', and 'test' sounds like the word 'test'. So, 'The test was so bad, I detest it!'
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a person dramatically recoiling from a plate of food, making a face of disgust, and shouting 'Detesto!' Visualize a strong red 'X' over something you dislike intensely.
Word Web
Herausforderung
For the next week, whenever you feel a strong dislike towards something, try to consciously think of the word 'detestar' and see if it fits the intensity of your feeling. Note down instances where you would use 'detestar' versus a milder phrase like 'não gostar'.
Wortherkunft
The Portuguese verb 'detestar' originates from the Latin word 'detestari', which itself comes from 'de-' (meaning 'away from' or 'down from') and 'testari' (meaning 'to bear witness' or 'to invoke'). Therefore, the literal sense was to 'call down curses upon' or 'to curse'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To curse, to execrate, to invoke divine displeasure upon.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseKultureller Kontext
While 'detestar' is a strong word, its usage is generally acceptable when expressing personal feelings of dislike. However, using it to describe entire groups of people or sensitive topics without careful consideration could be perceived as overly harsh or offensive. Always consider the context and audience.
While English has 'detest' and 'loathe', the frequency and context of use might differ slightly. 'Detest' is a fairly strong word in English too, often used for things one finds morally objectionable or deeply unpleasant.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Expressing dislike for food or drinks.
- Eu detesto café amargo.
- Ela detesta marisco.
- Nós detestamos comida muito picante.
Talking about daily routines or activities.
- Eu detesto acordar cedo.
- Ele detesta esperar em filas.
- Nós detestamos ter que fazer trânsito.
Expressing opinions on social issues or behaviors.
- Eu detesto a injustiça.
- Ela detesta mentiras.
- Eles detestam preconceito.
Describing preferences for weather or seasons.
- Eu detesto o frio.
- Ele detesta o calor excessivo.
- Nós detestamos dias chuvosos.
Reacting to unpleasant situations or environments.
- Eu detesto o barulho.
- Ela detesta lugares lotados.
- Nós detestamos o mau atendimento.
Gesprächseinstiege
"What is something you absolutely detest doing?"
"Can you think of a food you detest, no matter how it's prepared?"
"Is there a common phrase or saying that you detest hearing?"
"What kind of weather do you detest the most and why?"
"If you could ban one thing from the world, what would you detest so much that you'd want it gone?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you felt a strong sense of detestation towards a situation or person. Describe the feelings and the context.
Consider something you used to detest but now tolerate or even like. What changed?
Reflect on why certain things evoke such strong feelings of detestation in you. Is it personal experience, upbringing, or something else?
If you could express your detestation for something in a creative way (a song, a painting, a story), what would it be?
How does the word 'detestar' compare to other words for dislike in your native language? When is it appropriate to use such a strong word?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'detestar' is a strong word in Portuguese, equivalent to 'to detest' or 'to loathe' in English. It signifies an intense dislike or aversion. It's important to use it when you genuinely feel a strong negative emotion, rather than for minor annoyances, to maintain its impact.
Yes, 'detestar' can be used for people, but it implies a very strong negative feeling, close to hatred. It's usually reserved for people whose actions or character you find profoundly objectionable. For milder dislikes, verbs like 'não gostar' (not like) are more appropriate.
'Detestar' and 'odiar' are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'to hate' or 'to detest'. 'Detestar' can sometimes imply a stronger sense of disgust or moral objection, while 'odiar' might suggest a more personal and intense animosity. In everyday use, the distinction is often subtle.
'Detestar' is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as follows: eu detesto, tu detestas, ele/ela/você detesta, nós detestamos, vós detestais, eles/elas/vocês detestam.
Yes, you can use 'detestar' followed by an infinitive verb. This structure expresses a strong dislike for performing that action. For example: 'Eu detesto falar em público.' (I detest speaking in public.)
A common mistake is overusing 'detestar' for mild dislikes. Because it's a strong word, using it casually can sound exaggerated or insincere. It's better to reserve it for situations where you feel a genuine, intense aversion.
Yes, the noun form is 'detestação', which means 'detestation' or 'loathing'. For example: 'Sua detestação pela injustiça era evidente.' (His detestation for injustice was evident.)
You would use the conditional tense of 'detestar'. For example: 'Eu detestaria ter que fazer isso.' (I would detest having to do that.)
Use 'não gostar' (not like) for general preferences or mild dislikes. Use 'detestar' only when you feel a strong aversion, disgust, or intense dislike for something.
While direct idioms might be less common, the verb itself is used idiomatically to express strong feelings. Phrases like 'detesto acordar cedo' are very common expressions of strong personal aversion.
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Summary
'Detestar' is a strong verb in Portuguese meaning 'to detest' or 'to loathe'. Use it when you feel intense dislike or aversion, going beyond simple disapproval. It's a regular -ar verb with predictable conjugations, making it accessible for learners.
- Detestar: To strongly dislike or loathe.
- Use for intense negative feelings, not minor dislikes.
- Regular -ar verb, easy to conjugate.
- Common in everyday speech and media.
Stress the Final Syllable
Remember that the stress in 'detestar' falls on the last syllable: de-tes-TAR. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural to native speakers.
Match Intensity
Only use 'detestar' when you truly feel a strong dislike. Overusing it for minor annoyances can make your communication less effective and sound insincere. Consider 'não gostar' for milder feelings.
Infinitive Object
A common and useful structure is 'detestar' followed by an infinitive verb, like 'Eu detesto ler'. This is a great way to express dislike for specific actions.
Context is Key
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'detestar'. The context will often reveal why they feel such a strong aversion, whether it's due to moral reasons, personal experience, or sensory disgust.
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