En 15 secondes
- Use it to express strong dislike or hatred for something.
- Follow with a noun or a verb to state your grievance.
- Common in casual conversation to vent about daily annoyances.
Signification
This is a strong way to say you really hate or can't stand something. It is much more intense than just saying you don't like it.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about food preferences
Eu detesto coentro na comida.
I hate cilantro in food.
Complaining about the weather
Eu detesto esse frio de matar!
I hate this freezing cold!
Discussing work habits
Eu detesto quando as reuniões atrasam.
I hate it when meetings are late.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians often use 'Eu detesto' with hyperbole. It's common to hear it in debates about food, like the famous 'raisins in the rice' at Christmas. In Portugal, the phrase can be quite blunt. To be softer, people might use 'Não sou grande apreciador de...' instead. In Angolan Portuguese, 'detesto' is used similarly to Brazil, often with a lot of emphasis and emotional expression. On Portuguese-speaking Twitter/X, 'Eu detesto' is a common starter for 'unpopular opinions' threads.
Use for emphasis
Add 'simplesmente' (simply) before 'detesto' to sound like a native expressing total frustration.
Watch the 'de'
Remember: No 'de' after detesto. It's 'Eu detesto isso', not 'Eu detesto disso'.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to express strong dislike or hatred for something.
- Follow with a noun or a verb to state your grievance.
- Common in casual conversation to vent about daily annoyances.
What It Means
Eu detesto is your go-to phrase for strong dislike. It means "I hate" or "I detest." Use it when não gosto (I don't like) isn't enough. It expresses deep annoyance or a total lack of patience for something. It is visceral and clear.
How To Use It
Simply follow the phrase with a noun or a verb. If you hate an object, say Eu detesto + the thing. For example, Eu detesto brócolis. If you hate an action, use the infinitive verb. Try Eu detesto esperar (I hate waiting). You can drop the Eu to sound more natural. Just say Detesto and keep going. It works for food, habits, or even weather.
When To Use It
You can use this with friends over coffee. Use it when complaining about the morning commute. It is perfect for lighthearted venting about small annoyances. Use it at a restaurant if someone offers you cilantro. It shows you have strong opinions. It makes you sound like a local who knows what they want.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this about people in professional settings. Saying Eu detesto o chefe is a bad career move. It can sound a bit dramatic or harsh. Don't use it for things you only mildly dislike. If you just prefer tea over coffee, Eu detesto is too much. Save it for the things that truly bother you. Don't use it in very formal ceremonies or speeches.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are often expressive and passionate. We love to share our likes and dislikes openly. Eu detesto is a part of that emotional honesty. In Brazil, people might use it with a dramatic sigh. In Portugal, it might sound a bit more direct. It is a very common way to bond over shared gripes. Nothing brings people together like hating the same thing!
Common Variations
You can add absolutamente for extra drama. Eu detesto absolutamente means you really, really hate it. Many people use odeio as a synonym. Eu odeio is perhaps even stronger and more common in slang. If you want to be slightly softer, use não suporto. That means "I can't stand it."
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but emotionally charged. It is safe for most social situations, but use it sparingly to avoid sounding like a constant complainer.
Use for emphasis
Add 'simplesmente' (simply) before 'detesto' to sound like a native expressing total frustration.
Watch the 'de'
Remember: No 'de' after detesto. It's 'Eu detesto isso', not 'Eu detesto disso'.
Regional Slang
In Brazil, if you really detest something, you can say 'Tenho ranço' (I have a grudge/disgust).
Politeness
If someone invites you to something you detest, say 'Não sou muito fã' to be polite.
Exemples
6Eu detesto coentro na comida.
I hate cilantro in food.
A very common culinary opinion in Brazil.
Eu detesto esse frio de matar!
I hate this freezing cold!
Using 'de matar' adds emphasis to the dislike.
Eu detesto quando as reuniões atrasam.
I hate it when meetings are late.
Professional but expresses a clear boundary.
Detesto filme de terror, nem me chama!
I hate horror movies, don't even call me!
Dropping the 'Eu' makes it sound more conversational.
Eu detesto segunda-feira com todas as minhas forças.
I hate Monday with all my strength.
A relatable, funny sentiment shared by many.
Eu detesto mentiras.
I detest lies.
Serious tone for a personal value.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'detestar'.
Eu _______ quando o ônibus demora a chegar.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right option:
'Detestar' is a direct transitive verb and does not need a preposition.
Complete the dialogue with a natural response.
Amigo: 'Você quer ir ao show de Heavy Metal?' Você: 'Não, obrigado. Eu _______ barulho muito alto.'
The context of declining a loud concert suggests a strong dislike.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Eu detesto injustiça.'
'Injustiça' (injustice) is a social/moral concept.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Things People 'Detest'
Food
- • Jiló
- • Fígado
- • Uva passa
Weather
- • Calor
- • Frio
- • Chuva
Habits
- • Atrasos
- • Mentiras
- • Fofoca
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu _______ quando o ônibus demora a chegar.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Choose the right option:
'Detestar' is a direct transitive verb and does not need a preposition.
Amigo: 'Você quer ir ao show de Heavy Metal?' Você: 'Não, obrigado. Eu _______ barulho muito alto.'
The context of declining a loud concert suggests a strong dislike.
Phrase: 'Eu detesto injustiça.'
'Injustiça' (injustice) is a social/moral concept.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsUsually, 'Eu odeio' (I hate) is considered slightly stronger and more emotional, while 'Eu detesto' is a bit more 'refined' but still very strong.
Yes, but be careful. It's very strong and can be hurtful. It's better to say 'Não gosto muito dele'.
Yes, it becomes 'Nós detestamos'.
Only if you are talking about something professional you dislike, like 'Eu detesto desorganização'. Avoid using it for personal things.
The opposite is 'Eu amo' (I love) or 'Eu adoro' (I adore).
This is a common mistake even among some native speakers due to the influence of 'gostar de', but it is grammatically incorrect.
Yes! 'Eu detesto correr' is a perfect way to say you hate running.
Absolutely, it is standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
You say 'Eu detestei'.
Yes, but you must use the subjunctive after 'que', e.g., 'Eu detesto que você faça isso'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both casual and semi-formal settings.
In Brazil, 'Tô fora' (I'm out) or 'Nem pensar' (No way) often imply you detest the idea.
Expressions liées
Eu odeio
synonymI hate
Não suporto
similarI can't stand
Tenho horror a
similarI have a horror of
Não vou com a cara de
specialized formI don't like the look of (someone)
Abomino
synonymI abominate
Não gosto
contrastI don't like
