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¡Qué asco!

B1 interjection #4,000 most common 14 min read

¡Qué asco!

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ¡Qué asco! in 30 Seconds

Explanation ¡Qué asco! in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize '¡Qué asco!' as a fixed phrase for 'How gross!' or 'Eww!'. It is one of the first emotional exclamations students learn because it is simple and useful. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the grammar of why it is 'qué' and not 'cómo'; just treat it as a single unit of meaning. It is primarily used for food that tastes bad or things that smell bad. Imagine you are at a restaurant and the milk is sour—you would say '¡Qué asco!'. A1 learners should also know the basic sound 'Puaj!', which often accompanies this phrase. The focus is on immediate, physical reactions to the world around them. You might also see it in very simple comics or children's books. The goal is to be able to identify the feeling of disgust when you hear a native speaker say it and to be able to use it yourself in very clear, obvious situations like seeing trash or smelling something rotten. It's a 'survival' phrase for expressing basic negative preferences without needing complex verbs.

By A2, you should understand that 'asco' is a noun and that the structure '¡Qué + Noun!' is used for many Spanish exclamations. You can start to use it in more varied contexts, such as describing a very dirty room or a messy situation. You should also be introduced to the verb 'dar' used with 'asco'. For example, 'La basura me da asco' (The trash gives me disgust/disgusts me). This is a step up from just the exclamation because it allows you to form full sentences. You might also start to notice regional differences, like 'fuchi' in Mexico. At this level, you should be able to explain *why* something gives you asco using simple connectors like 'porque'. '¡Qué asco! Porque el baño está sucio.' You are moving from a purely reactive use to a slightly more descriptive one. You should also be able to distinguish between 'asco' (disgust) and 'miedo' (fear) or 'susto' (scare), as these are often confused by beginners.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '¡Qué asco!' for more than just physical things. You can now apply it to social situations or behaviors that you find 'gross' or 'repulsive' in a moral sense. For example, if you hear about someone lying to their parents, you might say '¡Qué asco de mentira!'. You should also be comfortable with the adjective 'asqueroso' and understand how to use it to describe people or objects ('Ese perro es asqueroso because he eats trash'). You will learn to use the phrase with more nuance, perhaps adding 'un poco' or 'mucho' when using the verb 'dar asco'. You should also be able to understand the phrase when it's used in movies or series to describe complex character emotions. B1 is where you start to 'feel' the word and use it to express your own personality and values. You might also learn synonyms like 'repugnante' for more formal writing or 'guarrada' for informal talk in Spain. Your ability to use the phrase should feel more natural and less like you are translating from 'gross' in English.

B2 learners should have a sophisticated grasp of '¡Qué asco!'. You can use it sarcastically or for emphasis in storytelling. You understand the cultural weight of the word and know when it might be too strong for a particular situation. You can use related expressions like 'hacer ascos a algo' (to turn one's nose up at something). For example, 'No le hagas ascos a la comida' (Don't be picky/disgusted by the food). You also understand how 'asco' fits into the broader category of 'sentimientos' and can discuss the concept of disgust in a more abstract way. You might use it to react to complex political scandals or social injustices. At this level, you are also aware of the 'dar el asco' slang in Spain and can use it correctly in very informal contexts. Your intonation should perfectly match the intensity of the disgust you are expressing, and you can switch between '¡Qué asco!', 'Es un asco', and 'Me produce asco' depending on the register required.

At C1, you are exploring the deeper linguistic and cultural roots of 'asco'. You can use the word in literary or academic contexts to discuss 'la estética del asco' (the aesthetics of disgust) in art or literature. You understand the subtle differences between 'asco', 'repulsión', 'aversión', and 'abominación'. You can use the phrase '¡Qué asco!' with perfect timing in a debate or a high-level conversation to show strong disapproval. You are also familiar with historical or idiomatic uses of the word that might be less common. You can write essays or give presentations where you analyze why certain things are considered 'asquerosas' in different cultures. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of regionalisms and slang. You understand that 'asco' can be a powerful rhetorical tool. You might also use the word in its more metaphorical senses, such as 'asco vital' (a general disgust with life/existential dread).

The C2 level involves a masterly command of the word and its entire family. You can appreciate and use 'asco' in its most nuanced forms, including its use in classical Spanish literature or complex modern poetry. You understand the psychological theories of disgust and can discuss them fluently in Spanish. You can use '¡Qué asco!' in a variety of registers, from the most vulgar street slang to the most refined academic discourse, always with the correct tone and context. You are aware of the most obscure regional variations across the entire Hispanosphere. You can play with the word, creating puns or using it in creative writing to evoke specific, visceral reactions in your readers. For a C2 speaker, '¡Qué asco!' is not just a phrase; it is a versatile instrument of expression that can convey a thousand shades of revulsion, from a playful 'ew' to a profound, soul-crushing rejection of a heinous act.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

¡Qué asco! in 30 Seconds

A universal Spanish exclamation for 'How gross!' or 'Disgusting!'
Used for bad smells, rotten food, or unethical behavior.
Grammatically a '¡Qué + Noun!' structure, meaning 'What disgust!'
Essential for natural, emotional communication in informal Spanish.

The Spanish interjection ¡Qué asco! is the primary and most visceral way to express disgust, revulsion, or physical loathing in the Spanish language. Translated literally as 'What disgust!' or more naturally as 'How gross!' or 'That's disgusting!', it serves as a reactive exclamation to a wide variety of unpleasant stimuli. In its most basic form, it is used to respond to sensory experiences that are offensive to the nose, tongue, or eyes. For instance, if one encounters a foul odor in a subway station or sees a piece of moldy bread in the pantry, ¡Qué asco! is the immediate, instinctive response. However, the utility of this phrase extends far beyond the physical realm. In Spanish-speaking cultures, it is frequently employed to describe moral or social repulsion. When someone hears about a corrupt politician taking money from the poor, or a person betraying a close friend for personal gain, the reaction is often ¡Qué asco!, indicating that the behavior itself is 'nauseating' in a metaphorical sense.

Sensory Disgust: This is the primary use case, triggered by bad smells, slimy textures, or rotting food. It is often accompanied by a physical grimace or a 'puaj' sound.

Moral Revulsion: Used to describe actions that are ethically reprehensible, such as lying, cheating, or cruelty. It suggests that the person's soul or character is as repulsive as rotting garbage.

Al abrir la nevera y ver la leche caducada, exclamó: ¡Qué asco!.

Understanding the weight of asco is key; it is not just 'dislike' (disgusto), but a profound feeling of nausea. In Spain and Latin America, the threshold for saying this might vary, but the intensity remains high. It is an essential phrase for B1 learners because it allows for the expression of strong personal opinions and emotional reactions, which are vital for natural-sounding conversation. Whether you are walking past a pile of trash or watching a news segment about a scandal, this phrase will help you sound like a native speaker who is genuinely engaged with the environment. It is also important to note that the word 'asco' is a noun, so we use 'qué' to form the exclamation. This pattern '¡Qué + [noun]!' is a fundamental building block of Spanish exclamations, similar to '¡Qué pena!' (What a pity!) or '¡Qué calor!' (How hot!). By mastering this phrase, you also master a grammatical structure that can be applied to hundreds of other emotional states. In summary, use it when your stomach turns or your moral compass is offended, and you will perfectly capture the Spanish spirit of expressive honesty. The phrase is also versatile in its intensity; a soft 'qué asco' might indicate mild annoyance at a messy room, while a shouted '¡QUÉ ASCO!' indicates true physical repulsion. It is one of those phrases that is taught early but used for a lifetime, appearing in literature, cinema, and daily street talk across the entire Spanish-speaking world, from the streets of Madrid to the plazas of Mexico City. It is visceral, it is honest, and it is indispensable for anyone looking to go beyond textbook Spanish and into the real world of emotional expression.

Using ¡Qué asco! correctly requires an understanding of Spanish exclamatory syntax. Unlike English, where we might say 'That is gross,' Spanish speakers frequently use the '¡Qué + Noun!' construction to create an immediate impact. The phrase functions as a complete sentence on its own, but it can also be integrated into larger structures to provide context. For example, you can follow it with 'me da' to specify who is feeling the disgust: '¡Qué asco me da esa comida!' (That food gives me such disgust!). This 'dar asco' construction is incredibly common. You can also use it with 'sentir' (to feel), as in 'Siento un asco tremendo,' though this is more formal and descriptive rather than reactive.

Vio la basura acumulada en la esquina y dijo: ¡Qué asco!, alguien debería limpiar esto.

Direct Reaction: Simply shouting the phrase when you see or smell something bad. No other words are needed to convey your point.

Comparative Disgust: Using it to compare two unpleasant things: 'Este baño da más asco que el otro' (This bathroom is grosser than the other one).

Another common way to use it is in the phrase 'dar asco'. If you want to say something 'disgusts you', you say 'Eso me da asco'. This is the standard way to express the verb form of disgust. You can also use it to describe a person's behavior: 'Tu actitud me da asco' (Your attitude disgusts me). This is a very strong statement and should be used with caution as it is highly insulting. In written Spanish, especially on social media, you might see it shortened or emphasized with extra vowels: '¡Qué ascoooo!'. It is also common to see it paired with other interjections like '¡Puaj, qué asco!'. The word 'asco' can also be used with the verb 'ser'. Saying 'Es un asco' means 'It's a mess' or 'It's disgusting'. For example, if the weather is terrible, you might say 'El tiempo hoy es un asco'. This is slightly less visceral than the exclamation and more of a general complaint about quality. When teaching this to English speakers, it is helpful to compare it to the difference between 'Gross!' and 'It is gross.' The exclamation is for the moment of discovery, while the 'es un asco' is for the subsequent description. Throughout Latin America, regional variations exist. In some places, you might hear '¡Qué fuchi!' or '¡Qué gacho!', but ¡Qué asco! remains the most universally understood and standard way to express this feeling. It is a powerful tool for any learner because it bridges the gap between clinical language and real, human emotion. To use it effectively, focus on your intonation. A flat delivery will sound strange; a true Spanish speaker will put a lot of emphasis on the 'Qué' and a sharp, descending tone on 'asco'. This mimics the physical act of recoiling from something unpleasant. Practice saying it while imagining you've just stepped in something sticky on the sidewalk. That level of conviction is what makes the phrase work in a real Spanish-speaking context. From a grammatical perspective, remember that you cannot say 'Muy asco'. You must use 'Mucho asco' because 'asco' is a noun. So, 'Tengo mucho asco' (I feel very disgusted) is correct, while 'Estoy muy asco' is a common mistake for beginners. By keeping these rules in mind, you can navigate the world of Spanish disgust with the precision and flair of a native speaker.

The phrase ¡Qué asco! is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in almost every social context imaginable, provided the situation is informal enough. You will hear it most frequently in domestic settings. Parents often say it to children who are playing in the dirt or trying to eat something they found on the floor. Siblings use it against each other when one does something 'gross' like burping or showing off a half-chewed mouthful of food. In the culinary world, despite its negative connotation, you'll hear it in markets when vendors are discarding spoiled produce, or among friends when a particular dish doesn't meet expectations—though usually only if the friendship is close enough to allow such bluntness.

En el mercado, la señora vio el pescado viejo y gritó: ¡Qué asco!, esto huele fatal.

Public Spaces: Common in public transport, streets, or public restrooms when encountering lack of hygiene. It is a standard vocalization of public dissatisfaction with cleanliness.

Entertainment and Media: In reality TV shows, particularly those involving cooking or physical challenges, contestants frequently use this phrase to react to difficult tasks or unappealing ingredients.

In the digital age, ¡Qué asco! has found a second life on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. It is the go-to comment for 'cringe' content or videos showing unhygienic 'food hacks'. If a video shows someone mixing ten different sodas with raw meat, the comments section will be flooded with '¡Qué asco!'. It is also used in political discourse online to express disgust at news stories or controversial statements. In these contexts, it serves as a linguistic 'dislike' button, signaling the user's total rejection of the content. Another interesting place you hear this is in medical or veterinary contexts, where professionals might use it more clinically, or owners might use it when their pet does something messy. In literature and film, it's used to build character; a character who says '¡Qué asco!' frequently might be portrayed as snobbish, fastidious, or simply very honest. For a language learner, listening for this phrase is a great way to gauge the 'vibe' of a situation. If you hear it, you know something is wrong—either physically or morally. It is also a phrase that transcends borders; while 'coger' or 'fresa' might change meaning between Spain and Mexico, ¡Qué asco! is a constant. It is one of the pillars of emotional Spanish. You will also hear it in sports, particularly when a player commits a 'dirty' foul or when the referee makes a particularly poor decision that feels 'corrupt' or 'disgusting' to the fans. The versatility of the word 'asco' means it can be whispered in a theater or shouted in a stadium, and its meaning remains crystal clear. By paying attention to where and how people say it, you will learn a lot about the cultural standards of hygiene and morality in different Spanish-speaking regions. For example, what causes a '¡Qué asco!' in a pristine city center might be different from what causes it in a rural farming community, but the sentiment of 'this is not right' remains the same.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using ¡Qué asco! is confusing the noun 'asco' with an adjective. In English, we say 'It is disgusting,' using the adjective 'disgusting.' Naturally, many learners try to say 'Es asco' or 'Está asco.' This is incorrect. In Spanish, you must use the '¡Qué + Noun!' structure for exclamations or the 'Es un asco' structure for descriptions. Another common error is using 'asco' when they actually mean 'disgusto.' In Spanish, 'disgusto' usually means 'trouble,' 'unpleasantness,' or 'annoyance' (like a disagreement with a friend), whereas 'asco' is specifically for physical or moral revulsion. If you tell someone 'Me das disgusto,' you are saying they annoy you or make you sad; if you say 'Me das asco,' you are saying they are physically or morally repulsive. The difference is huge and can lead to unintended insults.

Incorrect: ¡Qué asqueroso! (while this is a word, it's an adjective meaning 'disgusting person' or 'disgusting thing'). Use ¡Qué asco! for the reaction.

Confusion with 'Asustar': Beginners sometimes confuse 'asco' with 'asustar' (to scare) because of the similar 'as-' start. '¡Qué susto!' means 'What a scare!', which is very different from '¡Qué asco!'.

Preposition Errors: When saying something gives you disgust, use 'da' (gives). Incorrect: 'Tengo asco de eso' (though technically possible, it sounds like you are sick). Correct: 'Eso me da asco'.

Another mistake is the intensity of the word. Some learners use ¡Qué asco! for things that are just 'a bit messy' or 'not very good.' In many Spanish cultures, 'asco' is quite strong. Using it for a slightly overcooked steak might seem overly dramatic or even insulting to the cook. It's better to use 'No me gusta mucho' or 'Está un poco regular' for mild dislikes. Save ¡Qué asco! for the truly repulsive. Furthermore, learners often forget the '¡Qué!' and just say 'Asco.' While people will understand you, it sounds incomplete and lacks the natural punch of the full exclamation. Also, watch out for the adjective 'asqueroso.' While '¡Qué asqueroso!' can be used, it usually refers to a specific person or object ('Ese hombre es un asqueroso'), whereas '¡Qué asco!' refers to the situation or the feeling itself. Finally, be aware of the 'asco' vs 'nausea' distinction. While they are related, 'asco' is the emotion/reaction, and 'nausea' is the physical urge to vomit. If you are at the doctor, you would say 'Tengo náuseas,' not 'Tengo mucho asco,' unless you are describing your reaction to a specific medicine's taste. Mastering these nuances will prevent you from sounding like a 'guiri' (foreigner) and help you express your distaste with the appropriate level of cultural sensitivity and grammatical accuracy. Practice by identifying things that truly deserve the word—like a cockroach in a salad or a blatant lie—and you'll quickly learn the correct 'weight' of the phrase.

While ¡Qué asco! is the most common way to express disgust, Spanish offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of revulsion you're feeling. For a very informal, almost childish reaction, you can use ¡Puaj!, which is the equivalent of 'Eww!' or 'Yuck!'. This is purely sensory and often used for bad tastes or smells. If you want to describe something as disgusting using an adjective, repugnante is a powerful and slightly more formal choice. It works well for both physical and moral disgust, similar to 'repugnant' in English. Another common adjective is asqueroso, which is the direct derivative of 'asco'. You might say 'Es una película asquerosa' (It's a disgusting movie).

Comparación: Mientras que ¡Qué asco! es una reacción, 'fuchi' es una alternativa regional mexicana muy común.

¡Puaj!: The phonetic equivalent of 'Eww'. Very common among children or in very casual settings when encountering a bad smell.

Repugnante: A more 'adult' or literary term. Used to describe things that are deeply offensive to the senses or the spirit.

If you find something morally objectionable but 'asco' feels too strong, you might use ¡Qué horror! (How horrible!) or ¡Qué fuerte! (How intense/shocking!). In Spain, ¡Qué mal! is a simpler way to express that something is bad or unpleasant. For something that is physically messy or dirty, you could use ¡Qué guarrada! (informal, Spain) or ¡Qué cochinada! (common in Latin America), both of which imply a lack of cleanliness or 'pig-like' behavior. If you want to say something is 'gross' in a more slangy way, in some regions you might hear ¡Qué gacho! (Mexico) or ¡Qué asca! (slangy variation). There is also the verb dar grima, which refers to a specific type of disgust—the kind that makes your skin crawl, like the sound of nails on a chalkboard. 'Me da grima ese ruido' is a very specific and useful phrase. Understanding these alternatives allows you to fine-tune your emotional expression. You wouldn't use '¡Puaj!' in a serious political discussion, just as you wouldn't use 'Es repugnante' to describe a slightly dirty sock. By learning the spectrum from 'Puaj' to 'Repugnante', you gain the ability to react appropriately to everything from a spilled drink to a major social injustice. This variety is what makes Spanish such a vibrant and expressive language. Always consider your audience; '¡Qué asco!' is safe in most casual settings, but knowing when to use 'fuchi' or 'repugnante' will make your Spanish sound much more localized and sophisticated. Finally, remember that sometimes a simple 'No me gusta' with a disgusted facial expression is enough, but '¡Qué asco!' adds that authentic Spanish flavor that shows you are truly living the language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La corrupción en el sistema produce un asco profundo en la ciudadanía."

Neutral

"¡Qué asco! Este pescado no está fresco."

Informal

"¡Qué asco, tío! No te has duchado en tres días."

Child friendly

"¡Puaj! ¡Qué asco de brócoli!"

Slang

"Ese pavo da el asco, siempre está molestando."

Fun Fact

The word 'asco' is etymologically related to the English word 'eschar' (a dry scab), though 'asco' moved into the emotional realm in Spanish.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkeɪ ˈæskoʊ/

US /ˈkeɪ ˈɑskoʊ/

The stress is on the 'Qué' and the first syllable of 'asco' (AS-co).

Rhymes With

frasco atasco peñasco chubasco casco Damasco peñasco tasco

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Qué' like 'Kway' instead of 'Kay'.
Putting the stress on the 'o' in 'asco' (as-CO).
Making the 's' in 'asco' too buzzy like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to exclamation marks.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember it's 'qué' with an accent.

Speaking 2/5

Requires the right intonation to sound natural.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

qué comida mal sucio feo

Learn Next

asqueroso repugnante dar grima ¡Qué horror! ¡Qué pena!

Advanced

abyección visceral existencial impunidad aversión

Grammar to Know

Exclamatory 'Qué'

¡Qué asco! (What disgust!)

Indirect Object Pronouns with 'dar'

Me da asco. (It gives me disgust.)

Nouns as adjectives in exclamations

¡Qué asco de película! (What a disgusting movie!)

Subjunctive with emotions

Me da asco que la gente tire basura. (It disgusts me that people throw trash.)

Gender agreement with 'asqueroso'

La comida es asquerosa. (The food is disgusting.)

Examples by Level

¡Qué asco! La leche está mala.

How gross! The milk is bad.

'¡Qué + Noun!' is a common exclamatory pattern.

¡Puaj! ¡Qué asco de comida!

Yuck! What gross food!

'Puaj' is a common sound for disgust.

¡Qué asco! Hay una mosca en mi sopa.

How disgusting! There is a fly in my soup.

'Hay' means 'there is'.

No quiero comer eso, ¡qué asco!

I don't want to eat that, how gross!

'No quiero' means 'I don't want'.

¡Qué asco! El perro está muy sucio.

How gross! The dog is very dirty.

'Sucio' means 'dirty'.

¡Qué asco! Mira esa basura.

How disgusting! Look at that trash.

'Mira' is the imperative 'look'.

¡Qué asco! Huele muy mal aquí.

How gross! It smells very bad here.

'Huele' comes from 'oler' (to smell).

¡Qué asco! Mi zapato tiene chicle.

How gross! My shoe has gum.

'Tiene' means 'has'.

¡Qué asco! El baño público está fatal.

How disgusting! The public bathroom is awful.

'Fatal' is used here to mean 'terrible'.

Me da mucho asco tocar los insectos.

It gives me a lot of disgust to touch insects.

'Me da asco' is the standard way to say 'it disgusts me'.

¡Qué asco! No te has lavado las manos.

How gross! You haven't washed your hands.

'Has lavado' is the present perfect.

Esa película me dio un poco de asco.

That movie gave me a bit of disgust.

'Dio' is the preterite of 'dar'.

¡Qué asco! Hay pelos en la ducha.

How disgusting! There are hairs in the shower.

'Pelos' is plural for hair.

¡Qué asco! La manzana tiene un gusano.

How gross! The apple has a worm.

'Gusano' means 'worm'.

No me gusta ese olor, ¡qué asco!

I don't like that smell, how gross!

'Olor' is a masculine noun.

¡Qué asco de sitio! Vámonos.

What a gross place! Let's go.

'Vámonos' means 'let's leave'.

¡Qué asco de política! Todos mienten.

What disgusting politics! They all lie.

Using 'asco' for moral/abstract disgust.

Me da asco cómo trata a su perro.

It disgusts me how he treats his dog.

'Cómo' introduces a clause.

¡Qué asco! Alguien ha escupido en el suelo.

How disgusting! Someone has spat on the floor.

'Escupido' is the past participle of 'escupir'.

Sentí mucho asco cuando vi la injusticia.

I felt much disgust when I saw the injustice.

'Sentí' is the preterite of 'sentir'.

¡Qué asco! El pescado no parece fresco.

How gross! The fish doesn't look fresh.

'Parece' means 'seems' or 'looks like'.

No le hagas ascos a la sopa de tu abuela.

Don't turn your nose up at your grandmother's soup.

'Hacer ascos' is an idiom for being picky.

¡Qué asco me da esa gente tan arrogante!

How disgusting those arrogant people are to me!

The 'me' is an indirect object.

Fue un asco de viaje, todo salió mal.

It was a disgusting/terrible trip, everything went wrong.

'Un asco de [noun]' means 'a terrible [noun]'.

¡Qué asco! Descubrieron que el restaurante era ilegal.

How disgusting! They discovered the restaurant was illegal.

'Descubrieron' is third person plural preterite.

Me produce un asco profundo su falta de ética.

His lack of ethics produces a deep disgust in me.

'Producir' is a more formal alternative to 'dar'.

¡Qué asco! Se aprovechó de su debilidad.

How disgusting! He took advantage of her weakness.

'Aprovecharse de' is a phrasal verb.

No puedo comer ahí, me da grima la limpieza.

I can't eat there, the cleanliness makes my skin crawl.

'Grima' is a specific type of disgust/shudder.

¡Qué asco de sociedad, nadie ayuda a nadie!

What a disgusting society, nobody helps anyone!

'Nadie' means 'nobody'.

Le dio tanto asco que tuvo que salir de la habitación.

It gave him so much disgust that he had to leave the room.

'Tanto... que' is a result clause.

Es un asco tener que trabajar los domingos.

It's a drag/disgusting having to work on Sundays.

'Es un asco' here means 'it's a shame/it sucks'.

¡Qué asco! El agua del río está totalmente contaminada.

How disgusting! The river water is totally contaminated.

'Contaminada' agrees with 'agua' (feminine).

¡Qué asco de corrupción! Han saqueado las arcas públicas.

What disgusting corruption! They have looted the public coffers.

'Saqueado' means 'looted'.

Su discurso me dio un asco visceral que no pude ocultar.

His speech gave me a visceral disgust that I couldn't hide.

'Visceral' implies a deep, bodily reaction.

¡Qué asco! La hipocresía de este hombre no tiene límites.

How disgusting! This man's hypocrisy has no limits.

'Límites' means 'limits' or 'bounds'.

Experimentó un asco existencial ante la vacuidad de su vida.

He experienced an existential disgust at the emptiness of his life.

'Vacuidad' is a high-level word for 'emptiness'.

¡Qué asco! Intentaron encubrir el crimen con mentiras.

How disgusting! They tried to cover up the crime with lies.

'Encubrir' means 'to cover up'.

Me provoca un asco infinito ver cómo destruyen el planeta.

It causes me infinite disgust to see how they destroy the planet.

'Provoca' is another synonym for 'da'.

¡Qué asco de trato! No somos animales.

What a disgusting treatment! We are not animals.

'Trato' means 'treatment'.

El asco que sentía era casi tangible en el ambiente.

The disgust he felt was almost tangible in the air.

'Tangible' means 'touchable' or 'palpable'.

¡Qué asco! La banalidad del mal se manifestaba en cada gesto.

How disgusting! The banality of evil manifested in every gesture.

'Banalidad del mal' is a philosophical concept.

Le invadió un asco metafísico que le impedía seguir adelante.

A metaphysical disgust invaded him that prevented him from moving forward.

'Invadió' is the preterite of 'invadir'.

¡Qué asco! La abyección de sus actos superaba cualquier descripción.

How disgusting! The abjection of his acts surpassed any description.

'Abyeción' is a very formal word for 'baseness'.

El asco se convirtió en el motor de su rebelión contra el sistema.

Disgust became the engine of his rebellion against the system.

'Motor' is used metaphorically here.

¡Qué asco! La impunidad con la que operan es insultante.

How disgusting! The impunity with which they operate is insulting.

'Impunidad' means 'exemption from punishment'.

Sintió un asco estético al contemplar aquella obra tan grotesca.

He felt an aesthetic disgust upon contemplating that grotesque work.

'Contemplar' is a formal verb for 'to look at'.

¡Qué asco de servilismo! No tienen dignidad ninguna.

What disgusting servility! They have no dignity at all.

'Servilismo' refers to being overly submissive.

Aquel asco era la última barrera entre su humanidad y la barbarie.

That disgust was the last barrier between his humanity and barbarism.

'Barbarie' means 'barbarism' or 'cruelty'.

Common Collocations

dar asco

sentir asco

asco profundo

hacer ascos

un asco de...

¡Qué asco da!

asco visceral

provocar asco

asco moral

asco físico

Common Phrases

¡Qué asco de vida!

— Used to express frustration or that life is currently terrible.

Perdí mi trabajo, ¡qué asco de vida!

Me das asco.

— A very strong insult to someone's character or hygiene.

Vete de aquí, me das asco.

Es un asco.

— General way to say something is of very poor quality or gross.

Esta película es un asco.

¡Qué asco me das!

— An emphasized version of 'me das asco'.

¡Mientes siempre, qué asco me das!

Sin ascos.

— Without hesitation or being picky.

Se lo comió todo sin ascos.

Dar el asco.

— (Spain slang) To be very annoying or unpleasant.

Ese chico da el asco con sus bromas.

¡Qué asco de tiempo!

— Used when the weather is rainy, gray, or miserable.

¡Qué asco de tiempo! No para de llover.

Asco de gente.

— Expressing disgust at a group of people or society.

Tiraron basura al parque, ¡qué asco de gente!

Hacer ascos a algo.

— To reject something because it seems beneath you or gross.

No le hace ascos a ningún trabajo.

¡Qué asco de sitio!

— Reacting to a very dirty or unpleasant location.

Este hotel es un asco de sitio.

Often Confused With

¡Qué asco! vs ¡Qué susto!

Means 'What a scare!'. Often confused because of the 's' sound.

¡Qué asco! vs ¡Qué pena!

Means 'What a pity!'. Confused by beginners who just know it's a negative exclamation.

¡Qué asco! vs Disgusto

Means 'annoyance' or 'upset', not 'disgust'.

Idioms & Expressions

"No hacerle ascos a nada"

— To be willing to do or eat anything; not being picky.

Juan no le hace ascos a nada, come de todo.

Informal

"Dar asco a las ovejas"

— (Spain) To be incredibly disgusting or poorly done.

Ese dibujo da asco a las ovejas.

Colloquial

"Estar hecho un asco"

— To be a total mess or very dirty.

Tu habitación está hecha un asco.

Informal

"¡Qué asco de perra suerte!"

— Expressing extreme frustration at bad luck.

Perdí las llaves otra vez, ¡qué asco de perra suerte!

Slang

"Dar el asco"

— To behave in a way that is socially repulsive or annoying.

No des el asco y cállate.

Slang (Spain)

"Asco de mundo"

— Existential complaint about the state of the world.

Hay guerras por todas partes, ¡qué asco de mundo!

Neutral

"Sentir asco por uno mismo"

— To feel deep regret or self-loathing.

Sintió asco por sí mismo tras mentirle.

Emotional

"Un asco de..."

— Used as an intensifier for anything bad.

Es un asco de persona.

Neutral

"¡Qué asco de todo!"

— General exclamation when everything is going wrong.

¡Qué asco de todo! Me quiero ir a casa.

Informal

"Provocar el asco ajeno"

— To act in a way that makes others feel disgusted.

Su comportamiento provoca el asco ajeno.

Formal

Easily Confused

¡Qué asco! vs asco

Sounds like 'ask' in English.

'Asco' is a noun for disgust; 'ask' is a verb for requesting information.

No me pidas (ask) eso, me da asco.

¡Qué asco! vs asustar

Similar prefix 'as-'.

'Asustar' is to frighten; 'asquear' is to disgust.

Me asustó el ruido, pero la basura me dio asco.

¡Qué asco! vs asqueroso

Often used interchangeably with 'asco'.

'Asqueroso' is the adjective (disgusting); 'asco' is the noun (disgust).

Ese bicho asqueroso me da asco.

¡Qué asco! vs náusea

Related physical feeling.

'Náusea' is the medical urge to vomit; 'asco' is the emotional/sensory reaction.

Tengo náuseas por el asco que me dio la comida.

¡Qué asco! vs grima

Both mean types of disgust.

'Grima' is specifically 'skin-crawling' or 'shudder-inducing'; 'asco' is more general revulsion.

Me da grima el roce de la seda, pero asco la suciedad.

Sentence Patterns

¡Qué asco! + [Sentence]

¡Qué asco! La sopa está fría.

[Noun] + me da asco

El pescado me da asco.

¡Qué asco de + [Noun]!

¡Qué asco de mentira!

Es un asco + [Infinitive]

Es un asco limpiar esto.

Me da asco que + [Subjunctive]

Me da asco que seas así.

No le hagas ascos a + [Noun]

No le hagas ascos a la cena.

Sentir un asco + [Adjective]

Sintió un asco profundo.

[Noun] + provoca el asco ajeno

Su avaricia provoca el asco ajeno.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Es asco. → Es un asco. / ¡Qué asco!
'Asco' is a noun, so it needs an article or the exclamatory 'qué'. You can't use it like an adjective.
Estoy muy asco. → Me da mucho asco.
You don't 'be' disgust; something 'gives' you disgust. Use the verb 'dar'.
¡Qué asqueroso! (as a general reaction) → ¡Qué asco!
While 'asqueroso' is a word, '¡Qué asco!' is the standard reactive exclamation for a situation.
Me da disgusto esa comida. → Me da asco esa comida.
'Disgusto' means 'unpleasantness' or 'sorrow'; 'asco' is for physical revulsion.
¡Qué susto! (when seeing a bug) → ¡Qué asco!
'Susto' is for being scared. Unless the bug actually jumped on you and scared you, 'asco' is better for the gross factor.

Tips

Context Matters

In some cultures, expressing disgust is seen as a sign of honesty. In others, it's seen as lack of refinement. In Spanish, it's generally accepted as a natural reaction.

The 'Qué' Accent

Always put an accent on the 'é' in 'Qué' when using it in an exclamation. Without the accent, it's a relative pronoun, not an intensifier.

Intonation is Key

Don't say it flatly. Start high on 'Qué' and drop the pitch on 'asco'. This mimics the physical reaction of recoiling from something gross.

Learn 'Asqueroso'

Once you know 'asco', learn the adjective 'asqueroso'. It's the most common way to describe something as 'disgusting' in a full sentence.

Use with Friends

This is a great phrase to use with Spanish-speaking friends to show you are comfortable with informal, expressive language.

Spain's 'Dar el asco'

If you are in Spain, notice people using 'dar el asco' to describe annoying people. It's a very common colloquialism among young people.

Listen for 'Puaj'

Native speakers often combine the sound and the phrase: '¡Puaj, qué asco!'. Listen for this combination in movies and TV shows.

Social Media Use

On social media, you can use 'asco' to react to 'cringe' content. It's the standard way to show you find something repulsive or embarrassing.

Don't confuse with 'Disgusto'

Remember that 'disgusto' is more about being upset or annoyed. If you say 'Me das disgusto' to a friend, they might think they made you sad.

The Taco Mnemonic

The 'Bad Taco = Qué Asco' mnemonic is very effective because 'taco' and 'asco' rhyme and both are iconic Spanish words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'ASK' (asco) you'd never want to answer because it's too 'GROSS'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant green 'Q' (Qué) pointing at a rotting 'ASCO' (taco).

Word Web

asco comida podrida mal olor suciedad mentiras ¡Puaj! asqueroso nauseas

Challenge

Try to find three things today that you can quietly say '¡Qué asco!' to (like a full trash can or a dirty puddle).

Word Origin

From the Latin 'eschara', which came from the Greek 'eskhára' (hearth, scab).

Original meaning: Originally referred to a scab or a crust on a wound, which later evolved to the feeling of disgust such a thing causes.

Indo-European (Romance)

Cultural Context

Be careful using '¡Qué asco!' regarding food someone has cooked for you; it is extremely offensive. Use it for situations, objects, or smells instead.

English speakers often use 'Eww' or 'Gross', which are slightly less formal than '¡Qué asco!'. 'Disgusting' is the closest semantic match.

In the Spanish dub of 'Inside Out', the character 'Disgust' is named 'Asco'. The famous Spanish movie 'El Asco' (The Disgust) explores existential themes. Commonly used in Spanish 'prank' videos on YouTube.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

¡Qué asco! Hay un bicho.
Este plato es un asco.
Me da asco el olor.

Cleaning the house

¡Qué asco de baño!
Esto está hecho un asco.
¡Qué asco de polvo!

Watching the news

¡Qué asco de políticos!
Me da asco tanta mentira.
¡Qué asco de situación!

Walking in the street

¡Qué asco de basura!
Huele que da asco.
¡Qué asco! He pisado algo.

Socializing

¡Qué asco de actitud!
No le hagas ascos.
Me da asco su arrogancia.

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué es lo que más asco te da en el mundo?"

"¿Alguna vez has dicho '¡qué asco!' en una cita?"

"¿Qué comida te da más asco?"

"¿Te da asco la gente que miente?"

"¿Qué harías si ves un ratón y dices '¡qué asco!'?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que sentiste mucho asco.

¿Por qué crees que la gente dice '¡qué asco!' ante la injusticia?

Escribe sobre una comida que te daba asco de niño pero ahora te gusta.

¿Qué cosas de tu ciudad te hacen decir '¡qué asco!'?

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre el asco físico y el asco moral.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on the context. Saying it about a bad smell in the street is normal. Saying it about someone's cooking while they are present is very rude. Use it carefully around people you don't know well.

Yes, but it's a very strong insult. 'Me das asco' means 'You disgust me' and usually implies the person has done something morally terrible or is extremely unhygienic.

'¡Qué asco!' is a full phrase meaning 'How disgusting!', while '¡Puaj!' is just a sound like 'Eww!'. 'Puaj' is more informal and often used by children.

The correct word is 'asco' (masculine noun). 'Asca' is sometimes used in very informal slang or as a joke, but it is not grammatically correct Spanish.

You can say 'Es un asco' (It's a mess/gross) or 'Es asqueroso' (It's disgusting). '¡Qué asco!' is the exclamation you use when you first see it.

Yes, but usually with a verb: 'Me da mucho asco' (It gives me a lot of disgust). You wouldn't just say 'Mucho asco' as an exclamation; you'd say '¡Qué asco!'.

No, it is very frequently used for moral or social disgust, such as reacting to corruption, lies, or mean behavior.

In Mexico, 'fuchi' is common for bad smells. In Spain, '¡Qué guarrada!' is common for dirty things. But '¡Qué asco!' is understood everywhere.

As an interjection, it doesn't have a plural. The noun 'asco' is usually uncountable, but you might see 'ascos' in the idiom 'hacer ascos'.

No, 'asco' comes from a word meaning 'scab'. 'Acid' comes from the Latin 'acidus' (sour).