Significado
Expressing strong dislike or aversion for something.
Contexto cultural
The French 'râlage' (complaining) is a national pastime. Saying 'Je déteste' is often the start of a long, enjoyable conversation about why something is bad. In Quebec, 'Je déteste' is used but often supplemented by 'C'est plate' (It's boring/lame) or 'Ça m'énarve' (That annoys me). Swiss French speakers might use 'Je déteste' but often follow it with a more reserved explanation, reflecting a slightly more reserved public culture. Belgian French is very similar to Hexagonal French in this regard, though they might use 'Ça me casse les pieds' as a common synonym.
The Article Rule
Always remember the article! It's 'Je déteste LE café', not 'Je déteste café'.
Too Strong?
If you're in a job interview, use 'Je n'apprécie pas particulièrement' instead of 'Je déteste'.
Significado
Expressing strong dislike or aversion for something.
The Article Rule
Always remember the article! It's 'Je déteste LE café', not 'Je déteste café'.
Too Strong?
If you're in a job interview, use 'Je n'apprécie pas particulièrement' instead of 'Je déteste'.
Bonding through Hate
In France, sharing something you both hate is a great way to start a friendship. Don't be afraid to be a little negative!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct article and noun.
Je déteste ____ (the) pluie.
Rain (pluie) is feminine in French, so we use 'la'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Expressing that you hate waiting.
The verb 'détester' is followed directly by the infinitive without a preposition.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
You find a situation unbearable.
'Je déteste' is the strongest expression of dislike among the choices.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Intensity of Dislike
Common Things People 'Déteste'
Food
- • Les épinards
- • Le foie
- • Les choux
Weather
- • La pluie
- • Le froid
- • Le vent
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosJe déteste ____ (the) pluie.
Rain (pluie) is feminine in French, so we use 'la'.
Expressing that you hate waiting.
The verb 'détester' is followed directly by the infinitive without a preposition.
You find a situation unbearable.
'Je déteste' is the strongest expression of dislike among the choices.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasIt's not rude, but it is very direct. Use it with friends or to express clear opinions, but avoid it when being polite to strangers.
No, you must say 'Je te déteste'. The pronoun comes before the verb.
'Détester' is common for daily dislikes. 'Haïr' is much stronger, more literary, and implies deep hatred.
No. It's 'Je déteste {le|m} sport', not 'Je déteste de sport'.
Yes, but it's very strong. 'Je déteste cet acteur' is fine, but 'Je déteste ma mère' is very serious.
You say 'Je déteste ça'.
Yes, 'J'ai détesté' is very common for reviewing experiences like trips or movies.
The opposite is 'J'adore' (I love) or 'J'aime beaucoup'.
Frases relacionadas
J'ai horreur de
synonymI have a horror of / I can't stand
Je hais
similarI hate/loathe
Je ne supporte pas
similarI can't stand
Je n'aime pas
contrastI don't like
Ça me dégoûte
specialized formThat disgusts me
