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B1 adjective #8,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

rencoroso

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces rencoroso en 30 secondes

Explication rencoroso in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'rencoroso' might be a bit advanced, but it's useful for describing people. Think of it as a way to say someone is 'very angry for a long time'. You use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes what a person is like. For example, 'Mi amigo es rencoroso'. It's important to remember that if you are talking about a girl, you say 'rencorosa'. At this level, just focus on the basic idea: 'rencoroso' means someone who doesn't forget when they are mad. It is the opposite of being 'simpático' (nice) or 'bueno' (good) in a conflict. You can use it to describe characters in simple stories or your own feelings in a very basic way, though 'enojado' is usually enough for A1. Learning 'rencoroso' early helps you understand that Spanish has specific words for different types of feelings, not just 'happy' or 'sad'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'rencoroso' to provide more detail about people's personalities. You are moving beyond simple adjectives like 'grande' or 'pequeño' and starting to describe characters. You can use 'rencoroso' to explain why someone doesn't want to do something. For example, 'No quiere ir a la fiesta porque es rencoroso'. You should also practice using it with 'muy' (very) or 'un poco' (a little). At this level, you should be aware of the difference between 'ser rencoroso' (he is a resentful person) and 'estar rencoroso' (he is feeling resentful right now). Using 'rencoroso' helps you talk about past events and how they affect the present, which is a key skill at the A2 level. You might also encounter this word in simple readings about family or friendships.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'rencoroso' fluently in conversations about relationships and personal history. This is the level where you start to understand the nuance of the word—it's not just about anger, but about the 'rencor' (grudge) that stays in the heart. You can use it in more complex sentences with connectors like 'aunque' (although) or 'por eso' (that's why). For example: 'Aunque es un poco rencoroso, al final siempre perdona'. You should also be familiar with the noun 'el rencor'. At B1, you can participate in discussions about whether it's good or bad to be rencoroso and give your opinion. You are also expected to recognize the word in more varied contexts, like in movies or songs, where the theme of 'rencor' is very common in Spanish-speaking cultures.

At the B2 level, 'rencoroso' becomes a tool for more sophisticated character analysis and social commentary. You can use it to describe not just individuals, but also groups, political climates, or literary figures. You should be able to distinguish 'rencoroso' from close synonyms like 'resentido', 'vengativo', or 'amargado'. For example, you might explain that a character is 'rencoroso but not vengativo'—meaning they hold a grudge but don't act on it. You can also use the word in the subjunctive mood: 'Dudo que sea tan rencoroso como dices'. At this level, you are expected to understand the cultural implications of the word, such as how 'rencor' is viewed in different Hispanic societies. You can also use it to write essays or reports about interpersonal conflicts, using the word to add depth to your descriptions.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'rencoroso' should be precise and nuanced. You can use it to explore deep psychological motivations and complex social dynamics. You might use it in academic or professional settings to describe a 'clima laboral rencoroso' (a resentful work environment). You should be able to use the word in various rhetorical structures, such as irony or hyperbole. For instance, 'Su memoria rencorosa es casi legendaria'. You will also encounter 'rencoroso' in classical and contemporary literature, where it might be used to describe the underlying tension in a narrative. At this level, you should also be comfortable with related idiomatic expressions and be able to explain the etymological roots of the word if necessary. Your ability to use 'rencoroso' should reflect a deep understanding of the emotional landscape of the Spanish language.

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At the C2 level, 'rencoroso' is a word you can use with complete mastery, including its most subtle connotations. You can use it in philosophical debates about the nature of forgiveness and the human condition. You might analyze how 'rencoroso' behavior is portrayed in different historical periods of Spanish literature, from the Golden Age to the modern era. You should be able to use the word in highly formal speeches or complex creative writing. For example, 'La política rencorosa del siglo pasado dejó huellas imborrables en la sociedad'. Your understanding of the word includes its resonance in various dialects and its use in specific legal or psychological registers. At C2, 'rencoroso' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the most intricate shades of human emotion and social interaction.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

rencoroso en 30 secondes

Rencoroso is a common Spanish adjective meaning resentful or bitter, used to describe people who hold long-term grudges and find it very difficult to forgive.
It comes from the noun 'rencor' and must agree in gender and number with the person it describes (rencoroso, rencorosa, rencorosos, rencorosas).
While typically used with 'ser' for personality traits, it can be used with 'estar' to describe a temporary state of deep resentment.
It is a strong word, often found in dramatic contexts like telenovelas, family disputes, and literature to explain motivations for revenge or distance.

The Spanish word rencoroso is a powerful adjective used to describe a personality trait or a temporary state of being where an individual harbors long-term resentment or bitterness. It comes from the noun 'rencor,' which means rancor, grudge, or deep-seated ill will. When you call someone rencoroso, you are suggesting that they do not easily forgive or forget past slights, injuries, or insults. This word is essential for navigating social dynamics in Spanish-speaking cultures, as it touches upon the deeply held values of honor, loyalty, and emotional memory.

Emotional Depth: Being rencoroso implies a certain weight of the past. It is not just about being angry; it is about keeping that anger alive over time, often letting it fester into a permanent part of one's disposition toward another person.

No seas tan rencoroso con tu hermano; lo que hizo fue sin querer y ya te pidió perdón mil veces.

In daily life, the word often surfaces during family disputes or when discussing the character of friends. It carries a slightly negative connotation, as Spanish culture—while valuing personal dignity—also places a high premium on the ability to eventually reconcile and maintain social harmony. To call someone rencoroso is often a critique of their inability to 'borrón y cuenta nueva' (start with a clean slate). However, it can also be used descriptively without judgment in psychological or literary contexts to explain a character's motivations for revenge or distant behavior.

Social Context: In many Hispanic cultures, family bonds are tight. Being rencoroso can be seen as a threat to the family unit, making it a common topic in 'telenovelas' where decades-old grudges drive the plot forward.

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy rencoroso; todavía no le habla a su vecino por una disputa de hace veinte años.

Furthermore, the word implies a memory that functions like a ledger. A rencoroso person keeps a mental tally of every time they have been wronged. This makes the word more specific than 'enojado' (angry) or 'molesto' (annoyed). Anger is a flash; rencor is a slow-burning coal. In professional settings, calling a colleague rencoroso is a serious accusation, suggesting they let personal feelings interfere with professional cooperation. It is a word that demands caution because of its weight.

La jefa no es rencorosa, si cometes un error te lo dirá, pero al día siguiente ya se habrá olvidado.

Literary Usage: In literature, a rencoroso character is often the antagonist. Their resentment provides the 'why' behind their actions, making them more complex than a simple villain.

A pesar de ser rencoroso, decidió asistir a la boda para no causar un escándalo familiar.

Ella tiene un carácter rencoroso que le impide disfrutar de sus amistades actuales.

Using rencoroso correctly requires an understanding of Spanish adjective agreement and the nuances of the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. Since it describes a personality trait, 'ser' is the default verb. However, Spanish is flexible, and 'estar' can be used to emphasize a current state of resentment following a specific event. This section will guide you through various grammatical structures and contexts to ensure you sound like a native speaker.

Gender and Number Agreement: The adjective must match the noun it modifies. 'Él es rencoroso' (He is resentful), 'Ella es rencorosa' (She is resentful), 'Ellos son rencorosos' (They are resentful), and 'Ellas son rencorosas' (They - feminine - are resentful).

Mis tíos son muy rencorosos y nunca olvidan una deuda, por pequeña que sea.

When constructing sentences, you will often find rencoroso paired with adverbs of degree to show how intense the resentment is. Words like 'bastante' (quite), 'tremendamente' (tremendously), or 'nada' (not at all) are frequent companions. If you want to say someone is not resentful, 'nada rencoroso' is a very common idiomatic way to express that they are forgiving. It sounds more natural than just saying 'no es rencoroso'.

Positioning the Adjective: Usually, 'rencoroso' follows the noun. However, in poetic or literary Spanish, placing it before the noun ('su rencorosa mirada') emphasizes the quality of the resentment rather than the person themselves.

No sabía que eras tan rencorosa; pensé que ya habías superado lo del año pasado.

Another common way to use the word is in the negative to praise someone's character. In Spanish, saying someone is 'nada rencoroso' is a high compliment. It suggests a noble, forgiving spirit. You can also use it in conditional sentences to describe hypothetical reactions. For example, 'Si yo fuera rencoroso, no te habría invitado a mi fiesta'. This shows how the word is used to contrast one's actual behavior with a potential resentful one.

Juan es la persona menos rencorosa que conozco; perdona a todo el mundo de inmediato.

Comparative and Superlative: Use 'más rencoroso que' for comparisons. 'Es más rencoroso que un elefante' (He is more resentful than an elephant - an idiom based on the idea that elephants never forget).

¿Por qué estás tan rencoroso hoy? Parece que cualquier comentario te molesta.

Es una actitud rencorosa que no te llevará a ninguna parte en la vida.

In the real world, rencoroso is most frequently heard in interpersonal settings. You will hear it in the heat of an argument, in a quiet gossip session about a neighbor, or in the dramatic dialogue of a television series. It is a word that carries significant emotional weight, so it is rarely used casually about minor inconveniences. Instead, it is reserved for situations where someone's long-term attitude is being called into question.

The World of Telenovelas: If you watch Spanish soap operas, you will hear this word constantly. Characters are often 'rencorosos' because of lost inheritances, betrayed loves, or family secrets. It's a key driver of the 'venganza' (revenge) plotline.

La villana es una mujer rencorosa que ha planeado su venganza por más de diez años.

You will also hear this word in psychological discussions or self-help contexts. Therapists and counselors in Spanish-speaking countries often discuss how being rencoroso affects mental health and relationships. In this context, the word is used to diagnose a pattern of behavior that prevents personal growth. It is seen as the opposite of 'resiliencia' (resilience) or 'perdón' (forgiveness). You might hear a podcast host say, 'El corazón rencoroso sufre más que el que perdona' (The resentful heart suffers more than the one that forgives).

Everyday Gossip (Chisme): In casual conversation, or 'chisme,' people use 'rencoroso' to explain why someone wasn't invited to a party or why two people aren't speaking. 'No la invitó porque es muy rencorosa'.

No seas rencoroso, hombre, que la vida es muy corta para estar peleados por una tontería.

In political discourse, commentators might use the word to describe the relationship between different political parties or leaders. If a leader takes an action that seems motivated by past defeats rather than current needs, they might be labeled rencoroso. This elevates the word from a personal trait to a political critique, suggesting that the leader is governed by past grievances rather than future-looking statesmanship. It's a way to call a policy 'petty' or 'vindictive'.

La prensa criticó su discurso por ser demasiado rencoroso y poco conciliador.

In the Workplace: While less common than in personal life, you might hear it in HR meetings or performance reviews (though usually in more formal terms like 'falta de capacidad para el perdón' or 'actitud resentida').

Es difícil trabajar con alguien tan rencoroso que recuerda cada pequeño desacuerdo.

A pesar de los años, su tono seguía siendo rencoroso cuando hablaba de su antiguo socio.

Learning to use rencoroso correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. Because 'resentful' and 'bitter' have multiple translations in Spanish, choosing the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence or make it sound unnatural. This section breaks down the most frequent errors and how to fix them.

Confusing with 'Enojado' or 'Enfadado': Many learners use 'rencoroso' when they simply mean 'angry'. Being 'enojado' is a temporary emotion. Being 'rencoroso' is a long-term character trait or a lasting feeling. If you just spilled coffee on someone, they are 'enojados', not 'rencorosos' (unless they stay mad for three years).

Incorrect: Estoy rencoroso porque perdí mi autobús. Correct: Estoy enojado porque perdí mi autobús.

Another common mistake is forgetting gender and number agreement. In English, 'resentful' never changes. In Spanish, you must always look at who you are talking about. A group of women would be 'rencorosas'. A single man is 'rencoroso'. Forgetting the '-a' or '-os/-as' ending is a hallmark of a beginner learner. Practice saying 'ella es rencorosa' and 'él es rencoroso' until it becomes second nature.

Misusing 'Amargo' vs 'Rencoroso': While 'bitter' can be 'amargo' (like coffee) or 'rencoroso' (resentful), you cannot use 'amargo' to describe a person who holds a grudge in the same way. An 'hombre amargado' is someone who is generally unhappy with life, while an 'hombre rencoroso' specifically holds a grudge against someone.

Él no es rencoroso con nadie en particular, simplemente está amargado con la vida.

Learners also often struggle with the preposition that follows the word. In English, we say 'resentful of' or 'resentful toward'. In Spanish, the most common preposition is 'con'. Saying 'rencoroso de' is usually a direct translation from English that sounds awkward in Spanish. Always aim for 'rencoroso con alguien'.

Incorrect: Ella es rencorosa de su éxito. Correct: Ella siente rencor por su éxito / Ella es rencorosa con él por su éxito.

Overusing the Word: Because 'rencoroso' is a strong word, using it for minor things can make you sound overly dramatic. If a friend is just a bit annoyed, use 'molesto' or 'picado'. Reserve 'rencoroso' for deep-seated feelings.

No es que sea rencoroso, es que tengo buena memoria para las traiciones.

¿Por qué eres tan rencoroso? Solo fue una broma sin importancia.

While rencoroso is a fantastic word, having a variety of synonyms and related terms will make your Spanish sound more sophisticated and precise. Depending on the intensity and the context, you might want to choose a word that emphasizes revenge, sadness, or general bitterness. Here are the most common alternatives and how they compare to rencoroso.

Rencoroso vs. Resentido: 'Resentido' is very close but often implies that the person feels like a victim. A 'resentido' person feels that life or a specific person has treated them unfairly. 'Rencoroso' is more about the active holding of the grudge itself.
Rencoroso vs. Vengativo: 'Vengativo' (vindictive/revengeful) is the next step. A 'rencoroso' person might just stay silent and angry, but a 'vengativo' person will actively try to hurt you back.

Ella no es solo rencorosa; es vengativa y no parará hasta verte caer.

If you want to describe someone who is generally bitter about life, use 'amargado'. This word doesn't require a specific person to be the target of the resentment. An 'amargado' person is just generally sour. On the other hand, if someone is just 'hurt', you can use 'dolido'. 'Dolido' is much softer and implies that the person is suffering rather than being angry. Using 'dolido' can sometimes be a more empathetic way to describe someone's state.

Rencoroso vs. Suspicaz: 'Suspicaz' means suspicious. A rencoroso person might become suspicaz because they remember past betrayals, but the words describe different aspects of the personality.

Es un hombre resentido con el sistema, lo que lo hace ser muy rencoroso con sus jefes.

In formal writing, you might use 'hostil' (hostile) or 'antagónico' (antagonistic). These words describe the behavior that results from being rencoroso. If you are writing a psychological profile, you might use 'proclive al rencor' (prone to rancor). For a more colloquial and mild version, you can say someone is 'picado' (salty/sore). 'Picado' is often used in games or sports when someone is a 'sore loser'.

No seas picado, solo es un juego; no hace falta ser tan rencoroso por una derrota.

Summary of Alternatives: Use 'resentido' for feeling victimized, 'vengativo' for seeking revenge, 'amargado' for general bitterness, and 'picado' for being a sore loser.

Su naturaleza rencorosa era evidente en cada una de sus palabras cargadas de veneno.

Buscamos a alguien con una actitud positiva y nada rencorosa para este equipo de trabajo.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'ranc' is the same one used in the English word 'rancid'. So, a rencoroso person literally has 'rancid' feelings!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ren.ko.ˈɾo.so/

US /ren.ko.ˈɾo.so/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'ro' (ren-co-RO-so).

Rime avec

hermoso famoso curioso ansioso bondadoso mentiroso precioso ruidoso

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the initial 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a trill.
Missing the 'n' sound (saying 'recoroso').
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Pronouncing the 'o' as a diphthong like 'oh' in English.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to 'rancor' in English.

Écriture 4/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Expression orale 5/5

Requires a good trilled 'r' and correct stress on the third syllable.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

enojado triste malo perdonar olvidar

Apprends ensuite

vengativo resentimiento indulgente reconciliación amargura

Avancé

encono quina tirria jerusa quina

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

La niña (f) es rencorosa (f).

Ser vs Estar

Él es rencoroso (trait) vs Él está rencoroso hoy (state).

Position of Adjectives

Un hombre rencoroso (standard) vs Su rencorosa actitud (emphatic).

Superlatives with -ísimo

Es rencorosísimo (He is extremely resentful).

Prepositional use with 'con'

Soy rencoroso con la gente mentirosa.

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Exemples par niveau

Él es un niño rencoroso.

He is a resentful boy.

Uses 'ser' for a personality trait.

No seas rencoroso con tu amigo.

Don't be resentful with your friend.

Negative imperative 'no seas'.

Mi gato es un poco rencoroso.

My cat is a bit resentful.

Adverb 'un poco' softens the adjective.

Ella no es rencorosa.

She is not resentful.

Feminine agreement 'rencorosa'.

Pedro es muy rencoroso.

Pedro is very resentful.

Intensifier 'muy'.

¿Eres tú rencoroso?

Are you resentful?

Simple question structure.

Ellos son rencorosos.

They are resentful.

Plural masculine agreement 'rencorosos'.

María es rencorosa.

Maria is resentful.

Subject-verb-adjective agreement.

Juan es rencoroso porque su hermano rompió su juguete.

Juan is resentful because his brother broke his toy.

Using 'porque' to explain the reason for the resentment.

No me gusta la gente rencorosa.

I don't like resentful people.

Plural feminine 'gente' + 'rencorosa' (though 'gente' is singular, it describes a group).

A veces ella está rencorosa por las mañanas.

Sometimes she is resentful in the mornings.

Using 'estar' for a temporary state.

Mi padre no es nada rencoroso.

My father is not resentful at all.

'Nada' used as an intensifier for the negative.

Es difícil hablar con alguien rencoroso.

It is difficult to talk to someone resentful.

'Alguien' is followed by the masculine adjective.

Ella siempre ha sido una persona rencorosa.

She has always been a resentful person.

Present perfect 'ha sido' with 'ser'.

No quiero ser rencoroso, pero me dolió lo que dijiste.

I don't want to be resentful, but what you said hurt me.

Infinitive 'ser' after 'querer'.

¿Por qué eres tan rencoroso conmigo?

Why are you so resentful with me?

Using 'conmigo' (with me).

A pesar de ser rencoroso, decidió perdonar a su primo.

Despite being resentful, he decided to forgive his cousin.

'A pesar de' followed by the infinitive 'ser'.

Si no fueras tan rencoroso, tendrías más amigos.

If you weren't so resentful, you would have more friends.

Conditional sentence (imperfect subjunctive + conditional).

El carácter rencoroso de Luis le causa muchos problemas en el trabajo.

Luis's resentful character causes him many problems at work.

Noun + adjective phrase.

Me parece que estás un poco rencoroso hoy, ¿qué te pasa?

It seems to me that you are a bit resentful today, what's wrong?

Using 'estar' for a temporary mood.

No es bueno guardar rencor; te hace ser una persona rencorosa.

It's not good to hold a grudge; it makes you a resentful person.

Distinguishing between the noun 'rencor' and the adjective.

Ella es la persona menos rencorosa que he conocido jamás.

She is the least resentful person I have ever met.

Superlative 'la menos rencorosa'.

Su mirada rencorosa me dio escalofríos.

His resentful gaze gave me chills.

Adjective modifying the noun 'mirada'.

Debemos evitar ser rencorosos si queremos vivir en paz.

We must avoid being resentful if we want to live in peace.

Infinitive 'ser' after 'evitar'.

Su actitud rencorosa impidió que la reunión terminara en un acuerdo.

His resentful attitude prevented the meeting from ending in an agreement.

Using the subjunctive 'terminara' after 'impidió que'.

Resulta agotador convivir con alguien tan rencoroso y amargado.

It is exhausting to live with someone so resentful and bitter.

Pairing 'rencoroso' with 'amargado' for emphasis.

Es sorprendente que no sea rencoroso después de todo lo que le hicieron.

It is surprising that he is not resentful after all they did to him.

Present subjunctive 'sea' after 'es sorprendente que'.

La novela describe a un protagonista rencoroso que busca justicia por su cuenta.

The novel describes a resentful protagonist who seeks justice on his own.

Literary description.

No creo que ella sea rencorosa, simplemente es muy firme con sus principios.

I don't think she is resentful, she is just very firm with her principles.

Subjunctive 'sea' after 'no creo que'.

Un líder no puede permitirse ser rencoroso con sus subordinados.

A leader cannot afford to be resentful toward his subordinates.

Reflexive 'permitirse'.

El pasado rencoroso de la familia salió a la luz durante la cena.

The family's resentful past came to light during dinner.

Adjective modifying 'pasado'.

Se mostró rencoroso ante la propuesta de paz de sus enemigos.

He showed himself to be resentful towards his enemies' peace proposal.

Reflexive 'se mostró'.

La historiografía a menudo presenta una visión rencorosa de los vencidos.

Historiography often presents a resentful view of the defeated.

Abstract academic context.

Esa retórica rencorosa solo sirve para polarizar aún más a la sociedad.

That resentful rhetoric only serves to polarize society even further.

Using 'rencorosa' to describe a style of speech.

Su silencio no era indiferencia, sino un reproche rencoroso y profundo.

His silence was not indifference, but a deep and resentful reproach.

Nuanced emotional description.

No es de extrañar que el autor, herido por la crítica, escribiera un prólogo tan rencoroso.

It is no wonder that the author, hurt by the criticism, wrote such a resentful prologue.

Complex sentence structure with 'no es de extrañar que'.

Bajo su apariencia amable se escondía un ser rencoroso capaz de las peores bajezas.

Under his kind appearance lay a resentful being capable of the worst meanness.

Literary contrast.

La herencia recibida fue un cúmulo de deudas y sentimientos rencorosos.

The inheritance received was a heap of debts and resentful feelings.

Metaphorical use.

Resulta patético ver a un anciano tan rencoroso con sucesos de su juventud.

It's pathetic to see an old man so resentful about events from his youth.

Strong evaluative adjective 'patético'.

Su pluma, siempre afilada y rencorosa, no dejó títere con cabeza en su último artículo.

His pen, always sharp and resentful, spared no one in his last article.

Idiomatic expression 'no dejar títere con cabeza'.

La ontología del perdón se contrapone diametralmente a la existencia rencorosa.

The ontology of forgiveness is diametrically opposed to a resentful existence.

Philosophical register.

Un análisis exhaustivo revela que el tratado fue redactado con un espíritu rencoroso y punitivo.

An exhaustive analysis reveals that the treaty was drafted with a resentful and punitive spirit.

Formal/Legal register.

La dialéctica entre el olvido necesario y la memoria rencorosa es el eje de su obra.

The dialectic between necessary forgetting and resentful memory is the axis of his work.

Literary theory context.

Su rencorosa negativa a colaborar condenó al proyecto al más absoluto fracaso.

His resentful refusal to collaborate condemned the project to absolute failure.

High-level professional context.

Nada hay más destructivo para el tejido social que una justicia percibida como rencorosa.

Nothing is more destructive to the social fabric than justice perceived as resentful.

Sociological commentary.

El personaje encarna la quintaesencia del alma rencorosa, incapaz de redención.

The character embodies the quintessence of the resentful soul, incapable of redemption.

Advanced literary analysis.

Aquel discurso, imbuido de una bilis rencorosa, marcó el inicio del conflicto armado.

That speech, imbued with a resentful bile, marked the beginning of the armed conflict.

Metaphorical use of 'bilis'.

La sutileza de su actitud rencorosa pasaba desapercibida para los observadores menos agudos.

The subtlety of his resentful attitude went unnoticed by less sharp observers.

Complex psychological observation.

Collocations courantes

carácter rencoroso

ser nada rencoroso

gesto rencoroso

mirada rencorosa

silencio rencoroso

corazón rencoroso

actitud rencorosa

pasado rencoroso

enemigo rencoroso

tono rencoroso

Phrases Courantes

No seas rencoroso.

— A common piece of advice telling someone to let go of a grudge.

No seas rencoroso, ya pasó mucho tiempo.

Es un tipo rencoroso.

— A simple way to describe a man's personality as resentful.

Ten cuidado con él, es un tipo rencoroso.

Nada rencorosa.

— Used to describe a woman who is very forgiving.

Ella es genial, nada rencorosa.

Memoria rencorosa.

— Refers to the ability to remember past slights perfectly.

Tiene una memoria rencorosa para los insultos.

Alguien rencoroso.

— A general way to refer to a resentful person.

No quiero salir con alguien rencoroso.

Parecer rencoroso.

— To give the impression of being resentful.

No quiero parecer rencoroso, pero me debes dinero.

Volverse rencoroso.

— To become resentful over time.

Se volvió rencoroso después de la traición.

Estar rencoroso con...

— To be resentful toward someone specific.

Está rencoroso con su padre por la herencia.

Sentirse rencoroso.

— To feel resentful in a particular moment.

Me siento rencoroso aunque sé que no debería.

Gente rencorosa.

— Resentful people (as a group).

La gente rencorosa suele estar sola.

Souvent confondu avec

rencoroso vs enojado

Enojado is being angry now; rencoroso is staying angry for years.

rencoroso vs odioso

Odioso means hateful/annoying; rencoroso means holding a grudge.

rencoroso vs amargo

Amargo is a taste; amargado is a bitter person; rencoroso is a person with a grudge.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Guardar rencor"

— To hold a grudge. This is the verbal phrase most associated with being rencoroso.

No guardo rencor a nadie por lo que pasó.

neutral

"Tener memoria de elefante"

— To have a memory like an elephant (never forgetting, often used for grudges).

Mi tía tiene memoria de elefante; es muy rencorosa.

informal

"No olvidar ni una"

— To not forget a single slight or mistake.

Es rencoroso y no olvida ni una.

informal

"Cobrarse la cuenta"

— To get even or settle a score.

Es tan rencoroso que siempre intenta cobrarse la cuenta.

informal

"Hacer la cruz a alguien"

— To cross someone out, to never deal with them again due to a grudge.

Le hice la cruz por ser tan rencoroso.

informal

"Tragar bilis"

— To swallow bile (to suppress resentment and anger).

Estaba tragando bilis por lo rencoroso que era su jefe.

informal

"Estar a la que salta"

— To be ready to jump or react at the slightest provocation, often due to past resentment.

Desde la pelea, está a la que salta, muy rencoroso.

informal

"No perdonar ni al sol"

— To not forgive anyone, not even the sun (extreme resentment).

Es un hombre que no perdona ni al sol, muy rencoroso.

informal

"Llevar la cuenta"

— To keep score of past wrongs.

Ella siempre lleva la cuenta de todo; es muy rencorosa.

neutral

"Masticar el rencor"

— To chew on one's resentment (to constantly think about a grudge).

Pasó años masticando el rencor antes de hablar.

literary

Facile à confondre

rencoroso vs resentido

Both mean feeling bitter.

Resentido emphasizes feeling like a victim of injustice, while rencoroso emphasizes the inability to forgive and the desire for revenge.

Él está resentido con la vida, pero no es rencoroso con las personas.

rencoroso vs vengativo

Both involve negative feelings after being hurt.

Rencoroso is the feeling of bitterness; vengativo is the desire or action of taking revenge.

Es rencoroso porque no olvida, pero no es vengativo porque no hace nada malo.

rencoroso vs amargado

Both describe a sour personality.

Amargado is a general state of unhappiness with everything; rencoroso is specific bitterness toward someone for a specific reason.

Un viejo amargado odia el ruido; un viejo rencoroso odia a su vecino.

rencoroso vs enfadado

Both involve anger.

Enfadado is a temporary emotion (angry). Rencoroso is a lasting trait or long-term feeling.

Estoy enfadado contigo ahora, pero no soy rencoroso, mañana estaré bien.

rencoroso vs picado

Both describe a type of resentment.

Picado is informal and usually refers to small things like losing a game. Rencoroso is deeper and more serious.

Se quedó picado porque perdió al parchís.

Structures de phrases

Sujeto + ser + rencoroso/a.

Yo no soy rencorosa.

Sujeto + ser + muy + rencoroso/a.

Mi abuelo es muy rencoroso.

Sujeto + ser + rencoroso/a + con + alguien.

Él es rencoroso con sus hermanos.

Aunque + ser + rencoroso/a, + [acción].

Aunque es rencorosa, me ayudó.

No creo que + subjuntivo (sea) + rencoroso/a.

No creo que ella sea rencorosa.

Bajo su + [sustantivo] + se esconde un ser rencoroso.

Bajo su sonrisa se esconde un ser rencoroso.

Sujeto + mostrarse + rencoroso/a + ante + [situación].

Se mostró rencoroso ante mi disculpa.

La naturaleza + rencorosa + de + [sustantivo] + [verbo].

La naturaleza rencorosa del conflicto impidió la paz.

Famille de mots

Noms

rencor (rancor/grudge)

rencorosidad (resentfulness - rare)

Verbes

enranciar (to become rancid/bitter - related root)

Adjectifs

rencoroso (resentful)

rencorosa (resentful - fem)

Apparenté

rancor

resentimiento

venganza

odio

amargura

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in psychological and interpersonal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Soy rencoroso de él. → Soy rencoroso con él.
In Spanish, we use the preposition 'con' (with) to indicate who the resentment is directed toward, not 'de' (of).
Ella es muy rencoroso. → Ella es muy rencorosa.
Adjectives must match the gender of the noun. 'Ella' is feminine, so 'rencorosa' must be feminine.
Estoy rencoroso porque perdí mi cartera. → Estoy enojado porque perdí mi cartera.
Losing a wallet causes temporary anger (enojo), not long-term resentment (rencor), unless someone stole it and you hate them for years.
Él es un hombre amargo. → Él es un hombre rencoroso / amargado.
'Amargo' usually refers to taste (like coffee). To describe a person, use 'rencoroso' or 'amargado'.
No quiero tener rencoroso. → No quiero tener rencor / No quiero ser rencoroso.
You 'have rencor' (noun) or you 'are rencoroso' (adjective). You cannot 'have' an adjective.

Astuces

Agree with the Subject

Always check if you are talking about a man (rencoroso) or a woman (rencorosa). If it's a group, add an 's' (rencorosos/as).

Learn the Noun

Learn 'el rencor' at the same time. It makes it easier to understand the adjective. 'Sentir rencor' is a very common phrase.

Context Matters

In some cultures, being rencoroso is seen as a sign of 'loyalty' to one's own dignity, but mostly it's viewed as a negative trait.

Use with 'Nada'

To say someone is very forgiving, say 'No es nada rencoroso'. This is more common and natural than saying 'Es muy perdonador'.

Character Building

If you are writing a story in Spanish, use 'rencoroso' to describe your antagonist's motivation. It's a very 'telenovela' word.

Ser vs Estar

Use 'ser' for the personality trait. Use 'estar' if someone is just being difficult for a day because of a specific event.

The Rancid Grudge

Think of 'rencoroso' as someone who holds onto 'rancid' memories. The 'ranc-' root is your best friend for remembering this word.

Softening the Blow

If you need to call someone out, use 'un poco rencoroso' to make it sound less like a harsh judgment.

Switch to Resentido

If you want to sound slightly more formal or psychological, use 'resentido' instead of 'rencoroso'.

The Strong R

When you hear a strong 'R' at the start of a word about feelings, there's a good chance it's 'rencoroso' or 'rabioso'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'RANCID' (rencor) person who keeps a 'SCORE' (-oso). RENCOR-OSO. They keep a rancid score of everything you did wrong.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person holding a dusty, old notebook and a pen, furiously writing down your name and a date because you forgot to say hello. That person is rencoroso.

Word Web

odio venganza memoria perdón pasado sentimiento amargura enemistad

Défi

Try to describe a movie villain using the word 'rencoroso'. Then, try to describe a saint using 'nada rencoroso'. Compare the two.

Origine du mot

From the Spanish noun 'rencor', which comes from the Late Latin 'rancor' (stinkingness, rankness), later used metaphorically for 'grudge' or 'bitterness'. The suffix '-oso' is added to form an adjective meaning 'full of'.

Sens originel : Originally referred to something smelling rank or spoiled, which evolved into a metaphor for a 'spoiled' or bitter heart.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Calling someone rencoroso to their face is a direct insult. Use it carefully in social situations.

In English, we might use 'resentful' or 'bitter', but 'rencoroso' often feels more personal and active than the English counterparts.

Count of Monte Cristo (El Conde de Montecristo) is the ultimate rencoroso character. Bernarda Alba in 'La Casa de Bernarda Alba' shows rencorosa traits. Many tango songs in Argentina deal with 'rencor' and betrayal.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family Arguments

No seas rencoroso con tus padres.
Es una familia muy rencorosa.
El rencor no ayuda a la familia.
Perdona y no seas rencorosa.

Workplace Relations

Mi jefe es un poco rencoroso.
No seas rencoroso por esa crítica.
Un ambiente rencoroso es tóxico.
Evita parecer rencoroso con tus colegas.

Romantic Breakups

Ella terminó la relación de forma rencorosa.
No quiero ser el ex rencoroso.
Él está rencoroso porque lo dejaron.
Fue una ruptura llena de rencor.

Sports and Games

Es un jugador rencoroso si pierde.
No seas rencoroso por el penalti.
El equipo rival fue muy rencoroso.
Un perdedor rencoroso no es buen deportista.

Literature and Film

El villano es un ser rencoroso.
Una historia de amor rencorosa.
El protagonista busca sanar su alma rencorosa.
Un diálogo cargado de palabras rencorosas.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que eres una persona rencorosa o perdonas fácilmente?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que sea extremadamente rencoroso?"

"¿Cuál es la diferencia entre ser rencoroso y tener buena memoria?"

"¿Crees que es posible dejar de ser rencoroso con el tiempo?"

"¿Alguna vez has actuado de forma rencorosa y luego te has arrepentido?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una situación en la que te sentiste rencoroso y cómo lo superaste.

Describe a un personaje de ficción que sea rencoroso y explica sus motivos.

¿Por qué crees que algunas personas son más rencorosas que otras?

Haz una lista de consejos para alguien que quiere dejar de ser rencoroso.

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'El rencor es un veneno que uno toma esperando que el otro muera'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

La palabra más común es 'rencoroso' para una persona que guarda rencores, o 'resentido' si se siente víctima de algo. Por ejemplo: 'Él es muy rencoroso'.

'Rencoroso' se enfoca en no perdonar y guardar el sentimiento. 'Resentido' se enfoca en sentirse mal por un trato injusto. A menudo se usan como sinónimos, pero 'rencoroso' suena un poco más fuerte.

Sí, se puede usar 'estar' para indicar un estado temporal. 'Hoy estás muy rencoroso' significa que la persona está actuando así en este momento específico.

Sí, generalmente se considera un rasgo de personalidad negativo, ya que implica una falta de capacidad para perdonar y seguir adelante.

Se dice 'no guardes rencor'. Es la expresión verbal equivalente a ser rencoroso.

Es una expresión que describe a alguien que recuerda perfectamente todos los detalles de cuando alguien lo trató mal, incluso años después.

Palabras como 'indulgente', 'compasivo' o simplemente decir 'nada rencoroso'.

A veces se usa metafóricamente, como 'un clima rencoroso' o 'una carta rencorosa', pero usualmente se refiere a personas o animales.

Sí, es una palabra de uso universal en todo el mundo hispanohablante.

La primera 'r' es fuerte y vibrante (trillada). La segunda 'r' en medio es suave (un solo golpe de lengua).

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