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descortés

A2 adjective #6,000 most common 10 min read

descortés

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips descortés in 30 Seconds

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

descortés in 30 Seconds

Descortés means impolite or rude.
It describes a lack of good manners.
Use it for behavior that isn't respectful.
Remember adjective agreement!

Meaning: The Spanish word 'descortés' is an adjective that means impolite, rude, or lacking good manners. It describes someone whose behavior or words are not respectful or considerate towards others. It's the opposite of being courteous or polite. You would use 'descortés' to describe actions or attitudes that are considered offensive or ill-mannered in a social context. It can apply to a variety of situations, from a simple lack of saying 'please' or 'thank you' to more significant breaches of social etiquette. The word itself comes from 'cortés,' which means courteous or polite, with the prefix 'des-' indicating negation or the opposite. Therefore, 'descortés' directly translates to 'not courteous' or 'impolite'.
Usage: People use 'descortés' when they want to express disapproval of someone's lack of politeness. This can be in formal settings, like business meetings or official events, where decorum is expected, or in informal settings, like casual conversations with friends or family, when someone's behavior is particularly jarring. For instance, if someone interrupts constantly, speaks harshly, or disregards the feelings of others, their behavior can be described as 'descortés'. It's a common adjective used to comment on social interactions and the adherence to norms of civility. The intensity of 'descortés' can range from mild annoyance at a minor breach of etiquette to strong condemnation of genuinely offensive behavior. It's a versatile word that can be applied to verbal comments, actions, or even a general demeanor. The context will usually clarify the severity of the impoliteness being described.

El camarero fue muy descortés con nosotros cuando pedimos un cambio de mesa.

No seas descortés con tus abuelos; escúchalos siempre.

Etymology: The word 'descortés' originates from the Latin word 'dis-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite', combined with 'curtensis', which is derived from 'cors' or 'cordis', meaning 'heart' or 'courage'. Initially, 'cortés' referred to someone with a good heart or noble spirit, implying good manners. The prefix 'des-' negates this, making 'descortés' mean lacking a good heart or spirit, hence impolite. This etymology highlights how politeness was historically linked to inner character and noble intentions.

Cultural Nuance: In many Spanish-speaking cultures, emphasis is placed on respect, particularly towards elders and those in positions of authority. Behaviors that might be considered mildly impolite in some cultures can be seen as quite 'descortés' in others. This includes interrupting, not making eye contact, or being overly casual in formal situations. Understanding these cultural nuances can help you better grasp when and why 'descortés' is used.

Basic Structure: The most common way to use 'descortés' is as an adjective describing a person or their behavior. It typically follows a form of the verb 'ser' (to be) or 'estar' (to be), depending on whether you are describing a characteristic or a temporary state.

Using 'Ser': When 'descortés' describes a personality trait or a general characteristic of someone, you use 'ser'.
Example: Él es muy descortés (He is very impolite).

Using 'Estar': When 'descortés' describes a temporary behavior or a state of being impolite in a specific situation, you might use 'estar'. However, 'ser' is more common for describing general impoliteness.
Example: Su actitud estuvo descortés durante la reunión (His attitude was impolite during the meeting). Note that 'ser' is often preferred even for specific instances if it implies a judgment on the person's character.

Agreement: Remember that adjectives in Spanish must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.
Singular Masculine: descortés (e.g., el hombre descortés)
Singular Feminine: descortés (e.g., la mujer descortés)
Plural Masculine/Mixed: descorteses (e.g., los niños descorteses)
Plural Feminine: descorteses (e.g., las niñas descorteses)

Describing Actions and Behavior: 'Descortés' is frequently used to describe specific actions or general behavior that is considered rude. This can include anything from speaking rudely to ignoring someone.

Examples:
- Fue descortés al no saludarme. (He was impolite by not greeting me.)
- Sus comentarios fueron descorteses. (His comments were impolite.)
- La forma en que habló fue muy descortés. (The way he spoke was very impolite.)
- Se comportó de manera descortés con los invitados. (He behaved impolitely towards the guests.)
- No tolero a la gente descortés. (I don't tolerate impolite people.)

El servicio en ese restaurante es conocido por ser descortés.

In Negative Constructions: You can also use 'descortés' in negative constructions to emphasize politeness or good manners.

Examples:
- Espero que no seas descortés con el nuevo profesor. (I hope you are not impolite with the new teacher.)
- Su respuesta no fue descortés, sino directa. (His response wasn't impolite, but direct.)
- Intentó ser amable, pero su tono sonó descortés. (He tried to be kind, but his tone sounded impolite.)

Los empleados de la tienda fueron descorteses y no nos ayudaron.

Adverbial Use (Less Common): While 'descortés' is primarily an adjective, its adverbial form 'descortesmente' (impolitely) also exists and can be used to modify verbs.

Example:
- Me habló descortesmente. (He spoke to me impolitely.)

Everyday Conversations: You'll commonly hear 'descortés' in casual conversations among native Spanish speakers when they are recounting an experience or commenting on someone's behavior. For example, someone might tell a friend: 'El hombre en la cola era muy descortés, no dejaba que nadie pasara.' (The man in the queue was very impolite, he wouldn't let anyone pass.) Or, when discussing customer service: 'La dependienta fue descortés y ni siquiera me miró.' (The sales assistant was impolite and didn't even look at me.) It's a straightforward way to express dissatisfaction with someone's manners.

Customer Service Interactions: Complaints about service often involve this word. If a customer has a negative experience in a shop, restaurant, or any service-oriented business, they might describe the staff as 'descortés'. For instance, a diner might say to their companion: 'El camarero fue descortés toda la noche, creo que no quería estar aquí.' (The waiter was impolite all night, I don't think he wanted to be here.) This usage highlights the expectation of politeness in professional service roles.

Family and Social Gatherings: Within families or among friends, 'descortés' can be used to address or comment on impolite behavior, especially towards children or elders. A parent might tell their child: 'No seas descortés con tu tía, dale un beso.' (Don't be impolite with your aunt, give her a kiss.) Or, among adults: 'Me pareció descortés que no me invitaran a la fiesta.' (I found it impolite that they didn't invite me to the party.)

El conductor del autobús fue descortés cuando le pregunté por la parada.

Formal Settings (Complaints): While generally used in informal or semi-formal contexts, 'descortés' can appear in more formal settings, especially when lodging a complaint. For instance, in a written complaint to a company, one might state: 'El servicio recibido por parte de su empleado fue inaceptablemente descortés.' (The service received from your employee was unacceptably impolite.)

Gender and Number Agreement: The most frequent mistake for learners is failing to make 'descortés' agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Remember that 'descortés' is the singular form (masculine and feminine), and 'descorteses' is the plural form (masculine and feminine).

Incorrect: Los niños fueron descortés. (The children were impolite - singular used for plural)
Correct: Los niños fueron descorteses.

Incorrect: La mujer es descorteses. (The woman is impolite - plural used for singular)
Correct: La mujer es descortés.

Confusing 'Ser' and 'Estar': While 'ser' is generally used for characteristics and 'estar' for temporary states, 'descortés' often implies a judgment on character, making 'ser' the more common verb. Using 'estar' might be technically possible for a momentary lapse in manners, but it's less typical and can sound a bit unnatural.

Less Common/Potentially Awkward: Estuvo descortés en la fiesta. (He was impolite at the party - sounds like a temporary, isolated incident, but 'ser' is more natural for describing the person's behavior in that context.)
More Natural: Fue descortés en la fiesta. (He was impolite at the party - implies a judgment on his behavior.)

Overuse or Underuse: Some learners might avoid using 'descortés' altogether, opting for simpler words like 'malo' (bad) or 'feo' (ugly), which don't capture the specific meaning of impoliteness. Conversely, some might overuse it for minor inconveniences. It's important to understand that 'descortés' specifically refers to a lack of manners or respect, not just any negative quality.

Example of underuse: Instead of saying 'Fue descortés', saying 'Fue malo' is too general.
Example of overuse: Calling someone 'descortés' simply because they didn't smile might be an exaggeration; 'poco amable' (unfriendly) might be more appropriate for a less severe case.

El repartidor fue descortés porque no me dio el paquete en mano.

Using the Adverbial Form Incorrectly: While 'descortesmente' (impolitely) is the adverbial form, learners might mistakenly use the adjective form to modify a verb.

Incorrect: Habló descortés. (He spoke impolite.)
Correct: Habló descortesmente. (He spoke impolitely.)

Grosero / Mal educado: 'Grosero' means rude, coarse, or vulgar. It often implies a more intense level of impoliteness, sometimes involving offensive language or behavior.
'Mal educado' literally means 'badly educated' and refers to someone who lacks good manners or upbringing. It is very close in meaning to 'descortés' and can often be used interchangeably.

Comparison:
- Descortés focuses on the lack of courtesy and politeness.
- Grosero can imply a harsher, more offensive rudeness.
- Mal educado emphasizes a lack of proper upbringing and manners.

Example:
- Su comentario fue grosero. (His comment was rude/vulgar.)
- El niño es muy mal educado, no dice 'por favor'. (The child is very ill-mannered, he doesn't say 'please'.)
- Fue descortés al interrumpirme. (He was impolite by interrupting me.)

Irrespetuoso / Insolente: 'Irrespetuoso' means disrespectful, lacking respect for people, rules, or customs.
'Insolente' means insolent, boldly disrespectful, often in a defiant or impertinent way. It implies a more confrontational type of disrespect.

Comparison:
- Descortés is about lacking general politeness.
- Irrespetuoso specifically targets a lack of respect.
- Insolente suggests a more challenging and defiant form of disrespect.

Example:
- Su actitud fue irrespetuosa hacia la bandera. (His attitude was disrespectful towards the flag.)
- El estudiante insolente respondió mal al profesor. (The insolent student answered the teacher back rudely.)

Desconsiderado: 'Desconsiderado' means inconsiderate, thoughtless, or lacking consideration for others' feelings or needs.

Comparison:
- Descortés is about manners and social etiquette.
- Desconsiderado is about a lack of thought for others' well-being or convenience.

Example:
- Dejar la luz encendida toda la noche fue desconsiderado. (Leaving the light on all night was inconsiderate.)
- No fue descortés, pero sí muy desconsiderado al no ofrecer ayuda. (He wasn't impolite, but he was very inconsiderate by not offering help.)

El niño no fue grosero, pero sí mal educado al no dar las gracias.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'courtly' behavior was highly valued in medieval Europe. Being 'cortés' meant not only being polite but also exhibiting chivalry, grace, and refined manners, especially in interactions between nobility. Therefore, 'descortés' implied a lack of these noble qualities.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /des.koɾˈtes/

US /des.koɾˈtes/

The stress falls on the last syllable: des-cor-TÉS.

Rhymes With

revés interés talento progreso intereses procesos tiempos deseo

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
Not stressing the final syllable.
Making the 's' sound like 'sh'.
Pronouncing the 'e' sounds too much like English diphthongs.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

CEFR A2 level. The word is common and its meaning is generally straightforward. Understanding its nuances and proper usage in various contexts requires practice.

Writing 2/5

Speaking 2/5

Listening 2/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ser estar bueno malo gracias por favor

Learn Next

cortés cortesía grosero mal educado respetuoso

Advanced

desconsiderado insolente irrespetuoso protocolo etiqueta

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

The adjective 'descortés' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el hombre descortés' (singular masculine), 'la mujer descortés' (singular feminine), 'los hombres descorteses' (plural masculine), 'las mujeres descorteses' (plural feminine).

Ser vs. Estar

While 'ser' is typically used for inherent characteristics, 'descortés' often describes a characteristic behavior, so 'ser' is more common (e.g., 'Él es descortés'). However, 'estar' can sometimes be used for a temporary state of impoliteness in a specific situation, though less common.

Imperative Mood

To tell someone not to be impolite, you use the imperative form of 'ser': 'No seas descortés' (informal singular 'tú'), 'No sea descortés' (formal singular 'usted').

Adverbial Form

The adverb 'descortesmente' (impolitely) modifies verbs. For example, 'Habló descortesmente.' (He spoke impolitely.)

Using 'Que' with Indicative/Subjunctive

When expressing an opinion about an action, you might use 'Me pareció descortés que no viniera.' (I found it impolite that he didn't come.) The verb after 'que' might be in the indicative or subjunctive depending on the nuance.

Examples by Level

No seas descortés.

Don't be impolite.

Simple imperative command.

Fue descortés.

He/She was impolite.

Past tense of 'ser' with adjective.

El hombre es descortés.

The man is impolite.

Present tense of 'ser' with adjective.

La mujer no es descortés.

The woman is not impolite.

Negation with 'ser'.

Ellos son descorteses.

They are impolite.

Plural adjective agreement.

Qué descortés de tu parte.

How impolite of you.

Exclamatory phrase.

No hablé descortés.

I did not speak impolitely.

Past tense, negation.

Su respuesta fue descortés.

His/Her response was impolite.

Past tense of 'ser' with a noun.

El camarero fue muy descortés con nosotros.

The waiter was very impolite with us.

Use of 'con' to indicate with whom the impoliteness occurred.

No seas descortés con tus abuelos, escúchalos.

Don't be impolite with your grandparents, listen to them.

Imperative with 'ser' and a conjunction.

Su actitud durante la reunión fue descortés.

His attitude during the meeting was impolite.

Describing an attitude.

Me pareció descortés que no me saludara.

I found it impolite that he didn't greet me.

Using 'que' with subjunctive (though simple indicative is common here too).

Los invitados se comportaron de manera descortés.

The guests behaved in an impolite manner.

Using 'de manera' + adjective.

Evita ser descortés en situaciones formales.

Avoid being impolite in formal situations.

Verb 'evitar' followed by infinitive.

Nunca he tratado a nadie de forma descortés.

I have never treated anyone impolitely.

Present perfect tense.

Sus maneras son muy descorteses.

His manners are very impolite.

Plural noun with plural adjective.

El servicio al cliente en esa tienda es notoriamente descortés.

The customer service in that store is notoriously impolite.

Adverb 'notoriamente' modifying 'descortés'.

A pesar de sus disculpas, su tono seguía siendo descortés.

Despite his apologies, his tone remained impolite.

Using 'a pesar de' and 'seguir siendo'.

Considero descortés interrumpir a alguien mientras habla.

I consider it impolite to interrupt someone while they are speaking.

Using 'considerar' + adjective + infinitive.

Si actúas de forma descortés, la gente reaccionará negativamente.

If you act impolitely, people will react negatively.

Conditional sentence (type 1).

Lamentablemente, la falta de cortesía se ha vuelto común, y muchos son descorteses.

Unfortunately, the lack of courtesy has become common, and many are impolite.

Using 'lamentablemente' and contrasting with 'cortesía'.

Su comentario, aunque no intencionalmente malicioso, sonó bastante descortés.

His comment, though not intentionally malicious, sounded quite impolite.

Using 'aunque' and linking 'sonar' with 'descortés'.

Se espera que los diplomáticos mantengan un comportamiento cortés y nunca descortés.

Diplomats are expected to maintain polite behavior and never impolite.

Using 'esperar que' + subjunctive and contrasting 'cortés' with 'descortés'.

Fui testigo de una escena descortés en el transporte público.

I witnessed an impolite scene on public transport.

Using 'ser testigo de'.

La falta de respeto hacia las normas sociales se manifiesta a menudo en comportamientos descorteses.

The lack of respect for social norms often manifests in impolite behaviors.

Using abstract nouns and passive voice constructions.

Es crucial discernir entre una simple falta de atención y una actitud deliberadamente descortés.

It is crucial to discern between a simple lack of attention and a deliberately impolite attitude.

Using verbs like 'discernir' and adverbs like 'deliberadamente'.

En algunas culturas, un saludo informal puede ser percibido como descortés por quienes prefieren la formalidad.

In some cultures, an informal greeting can be perceived as impolite by those who prefer formality.

Using passive voice ('ser percibido') and relative clauses.

El uso excesivo de teléfonos móviles en público puede resultar descortés para quienes buscan tranquilidad.

The excessive use of mobile phones in public can result in being impolite for those seeking tranquility.

Using 'resultar' + adjective and participle clauses.

Su manera de argumentar, aunque apasionada, rayaba en lo descortés.

His way of arguing, though passionate, bordered on the impolite.

Using 'rayar en lo' to mean 'to border on'.

A pesar de su posición de autoridad, su trato hacia los subordinados era consistentemente descortés.

Despite his position of authority, his treatment of subordinates was consistently impolite.

Using 'a pesar de' and adverbs of frequency.

La falta de empatía a menudo conduce a comportamientos descorteses que hieren los sentimientos ajenos.

The lack of empathy often leads to impolite behaviors that hurt others' feelings.

Using gerunds and relative clauses.

Se debe tener cuidado de no confundir la franqueza con una actitud descortés.

One must be careful not to confuse frankness with an impolite attitude.

Using impersonal 'se debe' and infinitive constructions.

La retórica empleada por el político era calculadamente descortés, diseñada para polarizar a la audiencia.

The rhetoric employed by the politician was calculatedly impolite, designed to polarize the audience.

Complex sentence structure with participial phrases and purpose clauses.

El protocolo de la corte exige una deferencia que, de no cumplirse, puede ser interpretada como descortés.

The court's protocol demands a deference that, if not met, can be interpreted as impolite.

Using modal verbs, conditional clauses, and passive voice.

Es un rasgo preocupante de la sociedad contemporánea la creciente normalización de lo descortés en el discurso público.

It is a worrying trait of contemporary society the growing normalization of the impolite in public discourse.

Nominalization and abstract concepts.

La sutileza con la que expresó su desaprobación, aunque no abiertamente descortés, dejó traslucir un claro desdén.

The subtlety with which he expressed his disapproval, although not overtly impolite, let a clear disdain show through.

Complex sentence with adverbial phrases and subordinate clauses.

Las interacciones en línea a menudo carecen de las señales no verbales que mitigan la percepción de lo descortés.

Online interactions often lack the non-verbal cues that mitigate the perception of impoliteness.

Using abstract nouns, participial phrases, and complex vocabulary.

Su afabilidad superficial contrastaba marcadamente con su comportamiento descortés tras bambalinas.

His superficial affability contrasted sharply with his impolite behavior behind the scenes.

Using contrasting conjunctions and idiomatic phrases.

La crítica literaria a menudo debe navegar entre el análisis objetivo y la evitación de juicios descorteses.

Literary criticism often must navigate between objective analysis and the avoidance of impolite judgments.

Using infinitive phrases and abstract concepts.

Un comentario aparentemente inocuo puede ser percibido como descortés si se emite en un contexto inadecuado.

A seemingly innocuous comment can be perceived as impolite if it is made in an inappropriate context.

Using participial adjectives and conditional clauses.

La insidiosa naturaleza de sus críticas, envueltas en un lenguaje aparentemente cortés, ocultaba una intención marcadamente descortés.

The insidious nature of his criticisms, wrapped in apparently polite language, concealed a markedly impolite intention.

Highly complex sentence with embedded clauses and sophisticated vocabulary.

El anacronismo de sus modales en un entorno tan vanguardista no solo resultaba chocante, sino francamente descortés.

The anachronism of his manners in such a cutting-edge environment was not only shocking but frankly impolite.

Using sophisticated adjectives and nuanced adverbs.

La sutileza de la ofensa residía en la aparente inocuidad del comentario, que, sin embargo, era profundamente descortés.

The subtlety of the offense lay in the apparent harmlessness of the comment, which, however, was profoundly impolite.

Complex sentence structure with emphasis and contrast.

Se podría argumentar que la omisión de ciertos protocolos, si bien no explícitamente descortés, denota una falta de consideración hacia las tradiciones.

It could be argued that the omission of certain protocols, while not explicitly impolite, denotes a lack of consideration for traditions.

Using conditional passive voice and abstract nouns.

La exacerbación de las tensiones se vio agravada por la retórica descortés que emanaba de ambas partes.

The exacerbation of tensions was aggravated by the impolite rhetoric emanating from both sides.

Using complex verbs and participial phrases.

No se trataba simplemente de una falta de etiqueta, sino de una manifestación deliberada de desdén, que rayaba en lo descortés.

It was not simply a lack of etiquette, but a deliberate manifestation of disdain, bordering on the impolite.

Complex negation and idiomatic expressions.

La audacia con la que formuló su objeción, carente de cualquier atisbo de cortesía, resultó ser extraordinariamente descortés.

The audacity with which he formulated his objection, lacking any hint of courtesy, turned out to be extraordinarily impolite.

Using sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structure.

El silencio prolongado, en este contexto particular, podía ser interpretado no como meditación, sino como una forma pasiva de comportamiento descortés.

The prolonged silence, in this particular context, could be interpreted not as meditation, but as a passive form of impolite behavior.

Complex sentence with contrasting ideas and abstract concepts.

Common Collocations

ser descortés

actuar de forma descortés

comentario descortés

respuesta descortés

trato descortés

tono descortés

maneras descorteses

gente descortés

situación descortés

mirada descortés

Common Phrases

No seas descortés.

— Don't be impolite. This is a direct command to someone to correct their behavior.

No seas descortés con la señora, ayúdala con las bolsas.

Fue muy descortés de tu parte.

— It was very impolite of you. This phrase is used to point out someone's specific impolite action.

Llegar tarde sin avisar fue muy descortés de tu parte.

Me pareció descortés.

— I found it impolite. This expresses a personal perception of someone's behavior.

Me pareció descortés que no respondiera mi mensaje.

Evita ser descortés.

— Avoid being impolite. This is advice or a warning.

En un examen, evita ser descortés con el supervisor.

Actuar descortés

— To act impolitely. This describes the manner of action.

No entiendo por qué actúa descortés conmigo.

Trato descortés

— Impolite treatment. This refers to how someone is treated.

El trato descortés en esa tienda me hizo irme.

Comportamiento descortés

— Impolite behavior. This is a general term for rude actions.

Su comportamiento descortés en la cena fue inaceptable.

Lenguaje descortés

— Impolite language. This refers specifically to the words used.

Usó un lenguaje descortés para criticar el proyecto.

Una persona descortés

— An impolite person. This describes someone's general character.

No quiero tener nada que ver con una persona descortés.

Ser descortés con alguien

— To be impolite to someone. This specifies the recipient of the impoliteness.

Es importante no ser descortés con los ancianos.

Often Confused With

descortés vs grosero

'Grosero' is similar but often implies a harsher, more vulgar, or coarser rudeness than 'descortés', which focuses more on a lack of general politeness.

descortés vs mal educado

'Mal educado' literally means 'ill-mannered' or 'badly educated' and is very close in meaning to 'descortés', often used interchangeably, emphasizing a lack of upbringing.

descortés vs desconsiderado

'Desconsiderado' means inconsiderate or thoughtless, focusing on a lack of thought for others' feelings or needs, whereas 'descortés' is more about outward manners and social etiquette.

Idioms & Expressions

"tener malas pulgas"

— To be bad-tempered or irritable. While not a direct translation, someone with 'malas pulgas' often behaves in a 'descortés' manner due to their mood.

Hoy tiene malas pulgas, mejor no le hables.

Informal

"no tener modales"

— To have no manners. This is a very direct way of saying someone is impolite, similar to 'mal educado' or 'descortés'.

Ese niño no tiene modales, siempre interrumpe.

Neutral

"faltar al respeto"

— To disrespect someone. This is a stronger phrase than 'descortés' and implies a direct affront to someone's dignity.

Con sus palabras, faltó al respeto a toda la familia.

Neutral

"ser un maleducado"

— To be ill-mannered. This is a common way to label someone who consistently displays impolite behavior.

Es un maleducado, nunca dice 'por favor' ni 'gracias'.

Neutral

"tener la lengua larga"

— To be sharp-tongued or to speak rudely/harshly. This idiom describes someone who often says impolite or hurtful things.

Ten cuidado con ella, tiene la lengua muy larga.

Informal

"ponerse de mal genio"

— To get into a bad mood. Similar to 'tener malas pulgas', this can lead to 'descortés' behavior.

Se puso de mal genio cuando le dijeron que no.

Neutral

"hablar por los codos"

— To talk a lot, to be a chatterbox. While not inherently impolite, excessive talking can sometimes become 'descortés' if it prevents others from speaking or dominates a conversation.

Mi vecina habla por los codos y a veces es difícil cortarla.

Informal

"dar la lata"

— To annoy or bother someone. Persistent annoyance can be perceived as impolite or 'descortés'.

Deja de dar la lata con esa pregunta.

Informal

"ser un borde"

— To be rude or abrupt (Spain). This is a very informal and colloquial term for someone who is impolite.

¡Qué borde ha sido el camarero!

Informal (Spain)

"tener poca sal"

— To be boring or uninteresting. While not directly related to impoliteness, a lack of social grace can sometimes be associated with being 'poco sal' in a social context.

El ponente tenía poca sal y aburrió a la audiencia.

Informal

Easily Confused

descortés vs cortés

It's the direct opposite, differing only by the 'des-' prefix.

'Cortés' means polite, courteous, and showing good manners. 'Descortés' means the exact opposite: impolite, rude, and lacking good manners. The presence of the prefix 'des-' changes the meaning entirely.

Ser cortés es importante; ser descortés es inaceptable.

descortés vs grosero

Both words describe rudeness.

'Descortés' refers to a lack of general politeness and courtesy. 'Grosero' often implies a more intense, coarse, or vulgar form of rudeness, sometimes involving offensive language or actions.

No fue descortés, pero sí un poco grosero con su comentario.

descortés vs mal educado

Both describe someone lacking good manners.

'Descortés' focuses on the lack of courtesy in a specific interaction or generally. 'Mal educado' emphasizes a lack of proper upbringing or education in terms of manners, suggesting a deeper-rooted issue with social conduct.

El niño es mal educado porque no dice 'gracias', y fue descortés al no ceder el asiento.

descortés vs irrespetuoso

Both imply a negative social interaction.

'Descortés' is about general impoliteness. 'Irrespetuoso' specifically points to a lack of respect towards a person, authority, or custom. One can be descortés without being overtly disrespectful, and vice versa.

Su tono fue descortés, pero su falta de respeto hacia la bandera fue peor.

descortés vs desconsiderado

Both relate to negative social behavior.

'Descortés' concerns manners and courtesy. 'Desconsiderado' means thoughtless or lacking consideration for others' feelings or needs. Someone might be desconsiderado without being explicitly descortés, or vice versa.

Dejar la puerta abierta fue desconsiderado, pero no fue descortés.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + ser + descortés.

El niño es descortés.

No + ser + descortés.

No seas descortés.

Ser + muy + descortés + con + noun.

Fue muy descortés con la camarera.

Su/Su + noun + fue + descortés.

Su actitud fue descortés.

Parecer + descortés + que + verb.

Me pareció descortés que no respondiera.

Actuar + de + forma + descortés.

Actuó de forma descortés durante la cena.

Considerar + noun + descortés.

Considero ese comentario descortés.

Resultado + descortés + para + noun.

Su silencio resultó descortés para los presentes.

Word Family

Nouns

descortesía

Verbs

descortesar

Adjectives

descortés

cortés

cortesía

descortés

How to Use It

frequency

Common

Common Mistakes

Using 'descortés' for singular and plural nouns without changing form. → The adjective must agree in number. Use 'descortés' for singular nouns and 'descorteses' for plural nouns.
Example: 'El hombre fue descortés.' (Correct) vs. 'Los hombres fueron descortés.' (Incorrect). The correct plural form is 'Los hombres fueron descorteses.'
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar' when describing someone as impolite. → Generally, use 'ser' because impoliteness is often viewed as a characteristic or judgment of behavior. 'Él es descortés.'
While 'estar' can describe a temporary state, 'ser' is much more common and natural when labeling someone or their actions as impolite. 'Estuvo descortés' might imply a fleeting mood, but 'fue descortés' is more typical for judging the behavior.
Using the adjective 'descortés' as an adverb. → Use the adverb 'descortesmente' to modify verbs.
Example: 'Habló descortés.' (Incorrect) vs. 'Habló descortesmente.' (Correct). The latter means 'He spoke impolitely'.
Using 'descortés' for minor inconveniences instead of specific impoliteness. → Reserve 'descortés' for actual breaches of politeness or manners.
If someone is just a bit slow or makes a small mistake, calling them 'descortés' might be an exaggeration. Consider if 'lento' (slow) or 'poco amable' (unfriendly) might be more fitting for less severe situations.
Forgetting gender agreement in singular forms. → The singular form 'descortés' works for both masculine and feminine nouns.
Example: 'El mesero es descortés.' and 'La mesera es descortés.' Both are correct. Learners sometimes try to add an 'a' like other adjectives, which is incorrect for 'descortés'.

Tips

Adjective Agreement is Key

Always remember to make 'descortés' agree with the noun it describes. Singular: 'descortés'. Plural: 'descorteses'. This is a fundamental rule for accurate Spanish.

Context Matters

While 'descortés' means impolite, the severity can vary. Consider if 'grosero' (cruder rudeness) or 'desconsiderado' (thoughtless) might be more precise depending on the situation.

Connect to 'Court'

Visualize someone acting rudely at a royal court, forgetting their 'courtly' manners. The 'des-' prefix negates 'cortés', making it 'not courtly' or impolite. This visual link can aid recall.

Stress the Last Syllable

The stress in 'descortés' falls on the final syllable: 'des-cor-TÉS'. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural to native speakers.

Learn Antonyms Too

Knowing the antonyms like 'cortés' (polite) and 'educado' (well-mannered) helps solidify the meaning of 'descortés' by providing contrast and related concepts.

Write Your Own Sentences

Actively try to create sentences using 'descortés' in different contexts – describing a person, an action, or a comment. This active recall is crucial for retention.

Cultural Nuances

Be aware that what is considered 'descortés' can vary slightly between Spanish-speaking cultures. Generally, respect for elders and politeness in public are widely valued.

Avoid 'Ser' vs. 'Estar' Confusion

While 'estar' can describe temporary states, 'ser' is more commonly used with 'descortés' when referring to a person's characteristic behavior or a judgment on their actions. Stick with 'ser' unless the context strongly implies a fleeting mood.

Expand Your Vocabulary

Learn related words like 'grosero', 'mal educado', and 'irrespetuoso'. Understanding their subtle differences will allow you to express more precise meanings.

Use it in Real Life

When you encounter or observe impolite behavior, try to describe it using 'descortés' in your thoughts or when speaking Spanish. This practical application is the best way to internalize the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a knight who is very rude ('descortés') because he forgot his 'court' manners. He doesn't bow properly and speaks loudly, showing he's not 'cortés'. The 'des-' prefix means 'not', so 'descortés' is 'not courtly'.

Visual Association

Picture a king on his throne looking very displeased at a jester who is acting rudely, perhaps tripping over himself or making faces. The king's expression is one of disapproval, signaling 'descortés'.

Word Web

Impolite Rude Discourteous Bad manners Disrespectful Uncivil Ill-mannered Coarse

Challenge

Try to describe three different situations where someone might act 'descortés'. For each situation, use the word 'descortés' in a Spanish sentence.

Word Origin

The word 'descortés' originates from the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'not' or 'opposite') combined with the adjective 'cortés' (courteous, polite). 'Cortés' itself comes from the Old French 'curteis', which derived from 'cur' (court), implying behavior suitable for a royal court. Thus, 'descortés' literally means 'not courtly' or 'not fitting for a court', hence impolite or rude.

Original meaning: Not belonging to the court; not refined or polite.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish

Cultural Context

When using 'descortés', be mindful of the context. While it's a common word, direct accusations can be confrontational. It's often used to describe observed behavior rather than directly labeling someone to their face unless the situation warrants it.

In English, we have many words for impoliteness, such as 'rude', 'impolite', 'discourteous', 'ill-mannered', and 'uncivil'. 'Descortés' covers this range of meanings effectively.

Don Quixote often encounters characters who are either excessively 'cortés' or regrettably 'descortés', reflecting the social values of his time. In many Spanish films and literature, characters are often judged by their adherence to social etiquette, and 'descortés' behavior is frequently a plot point. Proverbs and sayings in Spanish often emphasize the importance of good manners, implicitly warning against being 'descortés'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Customer service interactions (restaurants, shops, etc.)

El servicio fue descortés.
El camarero fue muy descortés.
No quiero un trato descortés.

Family and social gatherings

No seas descortés con los invitados.
Fue descortés de tu parte no saludar.
El comportamiento de Juan fue descortés.

Public transport and public spaces

El conductor fue descortés.
Evita ser descortés en lugares públicos.
Me encontré con gente descortés.

Workplace or professional settings

Su respuesta fue descortés.
Evita un tono descortés.
El trato descortés no es profesional.

Discussions about manners and upbringing

Es importante ser educado, no descortés.
Los niños no deben ser descorteses.
Su falta de modales es descortés.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever experienced truly impolite service? How did it make you feel?"

"What's the most impolite thing you've ever witnessed someone do?"

"In your opinion, what are the key signs of impolite behavior?"

"How do you think people should react when they encounter someone being impolite?"

"Are there any situations where being direct might be mistaken for being impolite?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you acted impolitely (descortés) and what you learned from it.

Reflect on a situation where someone was impolite to you. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

Imagine you are teaching a child about politeness. How would you explain what it means to be 'descortés' and why it's important to avoid it?

Think about the difference between being direct and being impolite. Can you give examples of each?

Consider how cultural differences might influence what is considered 'descortés'. Share an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While both mean rude, 'descortés' is a more general term for lacking politeness and courtesy. 'Grosero' often implies a coarser, more vulgar, or offensive kind of rudeness, sometimes involving harsh language or actions. Think of 'descortés' as impolite and 'grosero' as downright rude or coarse.

'Mal educado' literally means 'ill-mannered' and suggests a lack of upbringing or ingrained poor manners. 'Descortés' can describe a specific instance of impolite behavior or a general lack of courtesy. They are often interchangeable, but 'mal educado' might imply a more consistent pattern of poor behavior stemming from upbringing.

Yes, as an adjective, 'descortés' must agree in gender and number. In the singular form, it is the same for both masculine and feminine: 'el hombre descortés' (the impolite man) and 'la mujer descortés' (the impolite woman). The plural form for both genders is 'descorteses'.

Primarily, 'descortés' describes people or their actions, speech, or attitudes. While you might hear phrases like 'un comentario descortés' (an impolite comment) or 'una respuesta descortés' (an impolite response), it's less common to describe inanimate objects as 'descortés' directly. The focus is on the human element of manners.

It's a common and direct word for impolite. Its strength depends on the context. Saying 'Fue descortés' about a minor incident might be a bit strong, but describing a consistently rude person or a particularly offensive action as 'descortés' is appropriate. Words like 'grosero' or 'insolente' are generally considered stronger.

You can say 'no es descortés' (he/she is not impolite). Alternatively, you can use antonyms like 'es cortés' (he/she is polite), 'es educado' (he/she is well-mannered), or 'es respetuoso' (he/she is respectful).

The adverbial form is 'descortesmente', which means 'impolitely'. For example, 'Me habló descortesmente' means 'He spoke to me impolitely'.

Yes, it can be used in formal situations, especially when lodging a complaint or making a formal observation about behavior, such as 'El trato recibido fue descortés'. However, in very formal diplomatic or academic contexts, more nuanced terms might be preferred.

Think of 'court'. Someone who is 'descortés' is not behaving in a way that is suitable for a royal 'court' – they lack 'courtly' manners. The prefix 'des-' means 'not'.

The most direct opposite is 'cortés' (polite, courteous). Other antonyms include 'educado' (well-mannered) and 'respetuoso' (respectful).