desagradar
To displease; to be disagreeable to.
Desagradar functions like gustar, where the thing causing the feeling is the subject of the sentence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express that something causes displeasure or annoyance.
- Follows the same grammatical structure as the verb gustar.
- Often used to provide feedback in a polite manner.
Summary
Desagradar functions like gustar, where the thing causing the feeling is the subject of the sentence.
- Used to express that something causes displeasure or annoyance.
- Follows the same grammatical structure as the verb gustar.
- Often used to provide feedback in a polite manner.
Think like the verb gustar
Remember that the thing causing the displeasure is the subject. Use me, te, le, nos, os, les to indicate who feels the emotion.
Avoid using it as a direct action
Do not say 'Yo desagrado la comida'. It must be 'La comida me desagrada' because the food is the subject.
Politeness in Spanish culture
Using 'me desagrada' is a softer way to reject something in professional settings. It is perceived as more objective than saying 'I hate it'.
Examples
2 of 2Me desagrada mucho el olor a tabaco.
The smell of tobacco really displeases me.
Le desagrada profundamente su actitud en las reuniones.
His attitude in meetings deeply displeases him/her.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'des' (negative prefix) + 'agradar' (to please). If something doesn't please you, it desagrada!
Panorama general
'Desagradar' es un verbo intransitivo que funciona de manera similar al verbo 'gustar'. Esto significa que el sujeto de la oración es la cosa o situación que provoca el sentimiento, mientras que el objeto indirecto (me, te, le, nos, os, les) es la persona que experimenta el disgusto. 2) Patrones de uso: Al igual que 'gustar', 'encantar' o 'molestar', se conjuga principalmente en tercera persona del singular (desagrada) o del plural (desagradan), dependiendo de si el objeto que causa el sentimiento es singular o plural. Por ejemplo: 'Me desagrada el ruido' frente a 'Me desagradan las mentiras'. 3) Contextos comunes: Se emplea en situaciones donde se desea expresar una opinión negativa de manera educada o formal, evitando ser excesivamente agresivo. Es muy frecuente en contextos sociales, laborales o al describir preferencias personales sobre comida, comportamientos o entornos. 4) Comparación con sinónimos: Aunque 'odiar' es un sinónimo, 'desagradar' es mucho más suave y formal. 'Molestar' implica una interrupción o incomodidad activa, mientras que 'desagradar' se enfoca más en una falta de afinidad o satisfacción personal.
Usage Notes
Desagradar is formal and neutral, perfect for professional or polite social settings. It is less intense than 'odiar' and more specific than 'no gustar'. Always ensure the indirect object pronoun matches the person experiencing the feeling.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is treating it as a regular transitive verb like 'comer'. Learners often place the person as the subject, which is grammatically incorrect. Remember the gustar-style structure.
Memory Tip
Think of 'des' (negative prefix) + 'agradar' (to please). If something doesn't please you, it desagrada!
Word Origin
Derived from the prefix 'des-' (reversal/negation) and 'agradar' (to please). 'Agradar' comes from 'grado', meaning favor or pleasure.
Cultural Context
In Hispanic cultures, indirect language is often preferred to maintain harmony. Using 'desagradar' is a socially acceptable way to express disapproval without being rude.
Examples
Me desagrada mucho el olor a tabaco.
everydayThe smell of tobacco really displeases me.
Le desagrada profundamente su actitud en las reuniones.
formalHis attitude in meetings deeply displeases him/her.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Es desagradable
It is unpleasant
Often Confused With
Disgustar is often used for a sudden or stronger sense of annoyance or disappointment. Desagradar is more focused on a lack of preference.
Grammar Patterns
Think like the verb gustar
Remember that the thing causing the displeasure is the subject. Use me, te, le, nos, os, les to indicate who feels the emotion.
Avoid using it as a direct action
Do not say 'Yo desagrado la comida'. It must be 'La comida me desagrada' because the food is the subject.
Politeness in Spanish culture
Using 'me desagrada' is a softer way to reject something in professional settings. It is perceived as more objective than saying 'I hate it'.
Test Yourself
Completa con la forma correcta del verbo.
A mi hermano le ___ las películas de terror.
Como el sujeto 'las películas' es plural, el verbo debe estar en plural.
Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSe conjuga principalmente en la tercera persona del singular (desagrada) y plural (desagradan). Se acompaña siempre de un pronombre de objeto indirecto como 'me', 'te' o 'le'.
No exactamente. 'Odiar' es un sentimiento mucho más fuerte e intenso, mientras que 'desagradar' es una forma más neutra y educada de decir que algo no es de tu agrado.
Sí, puedes decir 'Me desagrada esa persona', lo cual implica que su comportamiento o presencia no te resulta agradable.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
aburrida
A2Bored or boring (for a female).
