This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Spanish
Vocabulary
repulsión

B1 noun 12 min read

repulsión

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips repulsión in 30 Seconds

Explanation repulsión in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'repulsión' is a very advanced word that you probably won't use. At this stage, you focus on basic likes and dislikes using 'me gusta' or 'no me gusta'. However, you might recognize it because it looks like the English word 'repulsion'. If you want to say something is very bad or gross, you would usually say 'es muy malo' or 'me da asco'. Think of 'repulsión' as a 'secret' word that you can use later when you want to sound more serious. For now, just remember it means a very strong 'no' in your heart. It is like when you see a food you really, really hate and you want to push the plate away. That feeling of pushing away is what 'repulsión' is all about. You don't need to worry about the grammar of it yet, just know it's a strong word for 'yuck'.

By the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adjectives and nouns to describe feelings. You might encounter 'repulsión' in simple readings or when people talk about science. It is important to know that it is a feminine noun: 'la repulsión'. You can use it with the verb 'sentir' (to feel). For example, 'Siento repulsión'. This is a step up from 'no me gusta'. It shows you have a stronger feeling. You might also hear it when talking about magnets in a basic science context. Remember that in Spanish, we use 'por' to say what we feel repulsion for. 'Siento repulsión por los insectos'. Even if you don't use it every day, knowing this word helps you understand when people are expressing very strong negative emotions in stories or simple news clips.

At the B1 level, 'repulsión' becomes a useful part of your vocabulary for discussing opinions, ethics, and social issues. You should be able to use it to express a strong aversion or moral distaste. At this level, you distinguish between 'asco' (physical disgust) and 'repulsión' (which can be moral or physical). You should practice using it with the correct prepositions: 'repulsión por' or 'repulsión hacia'. You will also see this word in more complex texts, such as newspaper editorials or literature. It is a key word for expressing the intensity of your feelings during a debate. For example, if you are talking about environmental pollution, you might say, 'La contaminación me produce una gran repulsión'. This sounds much more sophisticated than just saying it is 'bad'. You are now moving into the realm of expressing abstract concepts and strong personal values.

At the B2 level, you should use 'repulsión' with precision and understand its various nuances. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts to convey a powerful sense of rejection. You should also be familiar with its scientific usage in physics and chemistry, even if you are not a scientist, as it is common in general intellectual discourse. You should be able to use related words like the verb 'repeler' or the adjective 'repulsivo' to vary your speech. For instance, 'Su comportamiento es repulsivo' or 'Esa idea me repele'. At this level, you are expected to understand the emotional weight the word carries and use it to make impactful statements about society, politics, or personal experiences. You should also recognize the difference between 'repulsión' and 'repulsa', where the latter is often a public act of condemnation.

For C1 learners, 'repulsión' is a word that can be used to add stylistic flair and depth to your writing and speaking. You should understand its historical and etymological roots, which connect it to the idea of 'pushing back'. In literary analysis, you might use 'repulsión' to describe a character's reaction to their environment or the existential dread they feel. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'La repulsión que le inspiraba aquel lugar era casi tangible'. You can also explore its use in philosophical contexts, discussing the 'repulsión' of certain ideas or the natural 'repulsión' between different social classes in historical texts. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct placement of accents and the choice of sophisticated adjectives like 'visceral', 'inherente', or 'insuperable' to modify it.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'repulsión' and can use it in all its shades of meaning. You can use it to discuss complex scientific theories, high-level political analysis, or deep psychological states. You might use it metaphorically in ways that surprise native speakers, showing a deep grasp of the language's expressive potential. You understand how 'repulsión' fits into the broader landscape of Spanish synonyms and can choose it over 'repugnancia', 'asco', or 'aversión' to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. You are also aware of how the word has been used in classic Spanish literature and can reference or emulate those usages. Your ability to use 'repulsión' in a way that feels both natural and intellectually rigorous is a hallmark of your near-native proficiency. You might even discuss the 'repulsión' of certain linguistic structures or the aesthetic 'repulsión' caused by a piece of modern art.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

repulsión in 30 Seconds

Repulsión is a strong Spanish noun meaning intense aversion, moral distaste, or physical repulsion between objects like magnets.
It is a feminine noun (la repulsión) and is more formal and intense than 'asco' (disgust).
Commonly used with verbs like 'sentir' (to feel) and 'provocar' (to provoke), followed by 'por' or 'hacia'.
Essential for B1 learners to express deep convictions and understand scientific concepts in Spanish.

The Spanish word repulsión is a powerful noun that describes a deep, visceral feeling of distaste, aversion, or intense dislike. While it shares a cognate with the English word 'repulsion', its usage in Spanish often leans heavily into the emotional and moral spheres, though it maintains its scientific roots in physics. When a Spanish speaker uses this word, they are not just saying they dislike something; they are expressing a reaction that is almost physical in its intensity, as if their very being is pushing the object or idea away. This word is essential for B1 learners because it allows for a more nuanced expression of negative emotions beyond the basic 'no me gusta' or 'asco'.

Emotional Context: In daily life, 'repulsión' is used to describe a reaction to something morally reprehensible or physically disgusting. For example, witnessing an act of extreme cruelty might trigger a sense of moral repulsión. It suggests a desire to distance oneself immediately from the source of the feeling.

La repulsión que sentía por la mentira le impedía perdonar a su amigo.

Scientific Context: In the world of physics and chemistry, 'repulsión' refers to the force that acts between bodies of like electric charge or magnetic polarity, tending to separate them. This is the literal 'pushing away' that mirrors the emotional meaning. Understanding this dual nature helps learners grasp the 'force' inherent in the word.

Furthermore, 'repulsión' is often associated with the concept of 'repugnancia', but it is slightly more formal. You will find it in literature, news reports discussing social outrages, and academic texts. It is a word that carries weight; it is not used lightly for minor inconveniences. If you say you feel 'repulsión' toward a certain food, it implies a much stronger reaction than simply not enjoying the taste—it implies that the very thought of it makes you want to retreat. In social settings, expressing 'repulsión' toward a political ideology or a behavior indicates a firm, non-negotiable stance of rejection. This makes it a vital tool for expressing strong convictions in Spanish-speaking cultures where passion and clear positioning are often valued in discourse.

Los imanes de la misma polaridad experimentan una fuerza de repulsión mutua.

Social Nuance: Using this word in a social context can be quite provocative. It implies that the subject is beyond the pale of normal acceptance. It is a word of boundaries, defining what is acceptable and what is utterly rejected by the speaker's sensibilities.

Sentí una repulsión inmediata hacia ese ambiente tan hostil.

Using repulsión correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. Most frequently, it appears as the object of verbs like 'sentir' (to feel), 'causar' (to cause), or 'provocar' (to provoke). It is a feminine noun, so it always takes feminine articles and adjectives, such as 'la repulsión' or 'una fuerte repulsión'. When you want to specify what is causing this feeling, you use the prepositions 'por' or 'hacia'. This structure is very consistent: [Person] + [Verb] + [repulsión] + [por/hacia] + [Object].

Subjective Experience: When describing your own feelings, 'sentir' is the most natural verb. Example: 'Siento una profunda repulsión por la injusticia'. This places the emphasis on the internal state of the speaker.

El olor a podrido le causaba una repulsión insoportable.

External Causation: If you want to focus on the thing that is disgusting, use 'causar' or 'provocar'. Example: 'Su actitud prepotente provoca repulsión en todos'. Here, the attitude is the active agent creating the feeling in others.

In scientific writing, the sentence structure changes slightly. You might talk about 'fuerzas de repulsión' (forces of repulsion). Here, 'repulsión' acts as a modifier for 'fuerzas'. For instance, 'La repulsión electrostática mantiene a los electrones separados'. In this context, it is a technical term and does not carry the emotional weight of 'disgust'. It is important for students to distinguish between these two registers. In a laboratory, 'repulsión' is a measurement; in a courtroom or a novel, it is a judgment. Modern usage also sees 'repulsión' used in social media and opinion pieces to express strong disagreement with public figures or policies, often paired with adjectives like 'total', 'absoluta', or 'visceral'.

Existe una repulsión natural entre el agua y el aceite.

Plural Usage: While less common, the plural 'repulsiones' can be used to describe multiple instances or different types of aversion. Example: 'Sus constantes repulsiones hacia lo extranjero eran evidentes'.

La repulsión social ante el crimen fue unánime en todo el país.

In the real world, you will encounter repulsión in several distinct environments. One of the most common is in the news media. When a particularly heinous crime is committed, journalists and public figures will often speak of the 'repulsión' felt by society. This isn't just 'sadness' or 'anger'; it is a collective turning away from the act. You will hear it in phrases like 'una ola de repulsión' (a wave of repulsion). This usage highlights the word's ability to describe a shared moral boundary that has been crossed. It is a high-frequency word in serious journalism and editorial writing.

In Literature and Film: Spanish literature often uses 'repulsión' to describe internal conflicts or the reaction of a protagonist to a corrupt society. In films, particularly in the horror or psychological thriller genres, the word might be used by characters to describe their reaction to something uncanny or grotesque. It is a favorite word for authors like Gabriel García Márquez or Isabel Allende when they want to convey a powerful, instinctive reaction from their characters.

El orador expresó su repulsión por la corrupción gubernamental durante el mitin.

Educational Settings: In schools and universities across the Spanish-speaking world, students learn about 'repulsión' in physics class. It is the standard term for the force between like charges. If you are listening to a science podcast or watching an educational YouTube channel in Spanish, 'repulsión' will be a core vocabulary word when discussing electromagnetism or molecular biology.

In everyday conversation, while 'asco' is more common for physical disgust (like a bad smell), 'repulsión' is used when the speaker wants to sound more articulate or when the disgust is more abstract. For instance, in a heated debate about ethics or behavior, a person might say, 'Esa idea me produce una repulsión total'. This signals a more intellectualized form of disgust. You might also hear it in medical contexts, where a patient describes a 'repulsión a la comida' (aversion to food) as a symptom of an illness. This variety of contexts—from the lab to the living room to the newsroom—makes 'repulsión' a versatile and essential word for any intermediate Spanish learner who wants to move beyond basic vocabulary.

La repulsión entre las partículas cargadas positivamente es un principio básico.

In Legal and Formal Documents: Formal declarations or legal arguments might use 'repulsión' to describe a total rejection of a claim or a precedent. It suggests that the thing being rejected is not only wrong but fundamentally incompatible with the system of laws or values being discussed.

Muchos ciudadanos sienten repulsión por la falta de transparencia en la política.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with repulsión is overusing it for minor dislikes. In English, we might say 'that's repulsive' about a messy room, but in Spanish, using 'repulsión' for something trivial can sound overly dramatic or even comical. For everyday 'yuck' moments, Spanish speakers are much more likely to use 'asco' or simply 'me da asco'. 'Repulsión' should be reserved for things that truly push you away on a deeper level. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Students often try to use 'de' because they are thinking of 'disgust of', but in Spanish, the correct prepositions are 'por' or 'hacia'.

Preposition Pitfall: Incorrect: 'Siento repulsión de su comportamiento'. Correct: 'Siento repulsión por su comportamiento'. The preposition 'por' indicates the reason or cause of the feeling.

Es un error decir 'repulsión a' cuando se quiere expresar la causa; lo mejor es usar repulsión por.

Confusing with 'Rechazo': While 'repulsión' and 'rechazo' (rejection) are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Rechazo' is the action of saying no or turning something down, whereas 'repulsión' is the internal feeling that might lead to that action. You can feel 'repulsión' without explicitly expressing 'rechazo', and you can 'rechazar' (reject) something for logical reasons without feeling any 'repulsión' (disgust).

Additionally, some learners confuse 'repulsión' with 'repulsa'. While they are very similar, 'repulsa' is often used to refer to a public or official act of rejection or condemnation, such as a 'manifiesto de repulsa' (a manifesto of condemnation). 'Repulsión' is more about the internal psychological state or the physical force. Using 'repulsión' when you mean a formal public condemnation might make your statement sound more like a personal feeling than an organized protest. Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'repuesto' (spare part) or 'repulgue' (the fold on an empanada), which are completely unrelated words that might look slightly similar to a beginner.

No confundas la repulsión (sentimiento) con la repulsa (acto de condena pública).

False Cognate Nuances: While 'repulsion' in English can sometimes be used for 'boring' or 'unattractive' in a mild way, in Spanish, 'repulsión' is almost always intense. If a person is just unattractive, we use 'poco atractivo' or 'feo', not usually 'repulsión' unless their appearance is truly shocking or grotesque.

Usar repulsión para cosas pequeñas puede sonar exagerado para un nativo.

To truly master the use of repulsión, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for expressing dislike, and choosing the right word depends on the intensity and the nature of the feeling. The most common alternative is 'asco', which is more informal and specifically physical. 'Repugnancia' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used interchangeably with 'repulsión', though some might argue 'repugnancia' is even more visceral. 'Aversión' is another common word, but it suggests a more long-term, stable dislike rather than a sudden, sharp reaction.

Repulsión vs. Asco: 'Asco' is what you feel when you see a cockroach. 'Repulsión' is what you feel when you hear about a terrible injustice. 'Asco' is more 'gross', while 'repulsión' is more 'profoundly unacceptable'.
Repulsión vs. Aversión: 'Aversión' is often used for preferences, like 'tengo aversión al riesgo' (I have an aversion to risk). 'Repulsión' is much stronger and more immediate.

Mientras que el 'asco' es una reacción física, la repulsión puede ser moral o científica.

Aborrecimiento: This word comes from 'aborrecer' (to loathe). It is similar to 'repulsión' but focuses more on the ongoing state of hating something rather than the force of pushing it away.

In a more formal or literary context, you might encounter 'ojeriza' (grudge/ill-will) or 'desdén' (disdain), but these describe different social attitudes. 'Ojeriza' is more about a personal grudge, while 'desdén' implies looking down on something as inferior. 'Repulsión' remains unique because of its connection to physical force—the idea of being 'pushed back' by something. When choosing between these words, ask yourself: Is this a physical reaction? (Asco). Is this a long-term dislike? (Aversión). Is this a moral 'pushing away'? (Repulsión). Is this a formal rejection? (Repulsa). Mastering these distinctions will significantly elevate your Spanish from a basic level to a more sophisticated, expressive one, allowing you to convey your emotions with precision and impact.

La repulsión es más intensa que la simple antipatía.

Scientific Alternatives: In physics, you won't use 'asco' or 'aversión'. You will exclusively use 'repulsión'. There is no common synonym in a technical context for the force that separates like charges.

Elegir entre repulsión y repugnancia a menudo depende del estilo del escritor.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The same Latin root 'pellere' gives us words like 'pulse', 'propel', and 'compel'. All of them involve some kind of 'pushing' force!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɛpʊlˈsjɒn/

US /repulˈsjon/

The stress is on the last syllable: re-pul-SIÓN.

Rhymes With

Canción Corazón Acción Ilusión Pasión Lección Misión Visión

Common Errors

Stressing the second syllable: re-PUL-sion (Incorrect).
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Making the 'u' sound like 'oo' in 'moon' (it should be shorter).
Forgetting the nasal 'n' at the end.
Pronouncing 'sión' like 'shun' (it should be 'syon').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct accentuation and preposition usage (por/hacia).

Speaking 3/5

Correct stress on 'sión' is important for sounding natural.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced, usually easy to catch in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Sentir Fuerza Malo Asco Contra

Learn Next

Repugnancia Aversión Repeler Repulsivo Atracción

Advanced

Ojeriza Repulsa Antipatía Abominación Detestación

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -sión

Repulsión, pasión, misión. All are feminine and stressed on the last syllable.

Accent drop in plural

Repulsión -> repulsiones. The stress remains on the same syllable, so the accent mark is no longer needed.

Prepositions with feelings

Sentir [sentimiento] por [objeto]. 'Siento amor por ti', 'Siento repulsión por el tabaco'.

Substantive adjectives

Lo repulsivo (the repulsive thing). Using 'lo' to turn the adjective into a noun.

Verbs of emotion

Me da repulsión... (It gives me repulsion...). Similar to 'Me gusta' or 'Me da miedo'.

Examples by Level

Siento repulsión por la comida mala.

I feel repulsion for bad food.

Simple use of 'siento' (I feel) + noun.

La repulsión es un sentimiento fuerte.

Repulsion is a strong feeling.

Using 'la' because it is a feminine noun.

No me gusta la repulsión.

I don't like repulsion.

Basic 'no me gusta' structure.

Es una repulsión total.

It is a total repulsion.

Using 'una' and 'total' as an adjective.

Siento repulsión por el humo.

I feel repulsion for the smoke.

Using 'por' to show the cause.

La repulsión es lo opuesto a la atracción.

Repulsion is the opposite of attraction.

Comparing two nouns.

Tengo repulsión hacia los bichos.

I have repulsion toward bugs.

Using 'hacia' (toward) as an alternative to 'por'.

Esa película me da repulsión.

That movie gives me repulsion.

Using 'me da' (it gives me) + noun.

Los imanes tienen una fuerza de repulsión.

Magnets have a force of repulsion.

Scientific usage in a simple sentence.

Ella siente mucha repulsión por la suciedad.

She feels a lot of repulsion for dirtiness.

Using 'mucha' to intensify the noun.

La repulsión es una reacción natural.

Repulsion is a natural reaction.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Siento repulsión cuando veo basura en la calle.

I feel repulsion when I see trash in the street.

Complex sentence with 'cuando'.

Su repulsión por las mentiras es famosa.

His/her repulsion for lies is famous.

Using a possessive adjective 'su'.

No podemos evitar la repulsión física.

We cannot avoid physical repulsion.

Using a modal verb 'poder'.

Esa idea causó repulsión en el grupo.

That idea caused repulsion in the group.

Past tense 'causó'.

La repulsión me hace querer irme.

The repulsion makes me want to leave.

Using 'me hace' + infinitive.

Siento una profunda repulsión por la injusticia social.

I feel a deep repulsion for social injustice.

Using the adjective 'profunda' for emphasis.

La repulsión entre las cargas iguales es un principio básico.

Repulsion between equal charges is a basic principle.

Academic/scientific phrasing.

Su actitud prepotente me provoca una gran repulsión.

His arrogant attitude provokes a great repulsion in me.

Using 'provocar' to show cause and effect.

Es difícil ocultar la repulsión que siento.

It is difficult to hide the repulsion I feel.

Using a relative clause 'que siento'.

La repulsión hacia el tabaco ha crecido en los últimos años.

Repulsion toward tobacco has grown in recent years.

Present perfect tense 'ha crecido'.

Sentí una repulsión inmediata al entrar en aquella habitación.

I felt an immediate repulsion upon entering that room.

Using 'al' + infinitive for 'upon doing'.

La repulsión no es lo mismo que el odio.

Repulsion is not the same as hate.

Comparative structure.

Hay una repulsión natural entre el aceite y el agua.

There is a natural repulsion between oil and water.

Using 'hay' (there is).

La repulsión social ante el crimen fue unánime.

Social repulsion toward the crime was unanimous.

Collective noun 'sociedad' implied by 'social'.

Aquel olor le produjo una repulsión casi insoportable.

That smell produced an almost unbearable repulsion in him/her.

Using 'producir' in the preterite.

La repulsión electrostática es fundamental en la química.

Electrostatic repulsion is fundamental in chemistry.

Technical compound noun phrase.

No puedo evitar sentir cierta repulsión por su hipocresía.

I cannot help feeling a certain repulsion for his/her hypocrisy.

Using 'cierta' to qualify the noun.

La repulsión que inspiraba el tirano unió al pueblo.

The repulsion the tyrant inspired united the people.

Using 'inspirar' to describe the source of the feeling.

Su repulsión por la violencia le llevó a ser pacifista.

His/her repulsion for violence led him/her to be a pacifist.

Cause-effect relationship with 'llevar a'.

Existe una repulsión mutua entre esos dos grupos políticos.

There is a mutual repulsion between those two political groups.

Using 'mutua' to show reciprocity.

La repulsión estética de la obra fue muy comentada.

The aesthetic repulsion of the work was widely discussed.

Using 'estética' to specify the type of repulsion.

La repulsión visceral que sentía era difícil de articular con palabras.

The visceral repulsion he/she felt was difficult to articulate with words.

Using 'visceral' and 'articular'.

El descubrimiento causó una ola de repulsión en la comunidad científica.

The discovery caused a wave of repulsion in the scientific community.

Metaphorical use of 'ola' (wave).

La repulsión es una barrera psicológica infranqueable para él.

Repulsion is an insurmountable psychological barrier for him.

Using 'infranqueable' (insurmountable).

Su repulsión por lo mundano lo llevó a una vida de ascetismo.

His repulsion for the mundane led him to a life of asceticism.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'mundano' and 'ascetismo'.

La novela explora la repulsión humana ante lo desconocido.

The novel explores human repulsion toward the unknown.

Abstract literary theme.

Existe una repulsión inherente en el sistema hacia el cambio radical.

There is an inherent repulsion in the system toward radical change.

Metaphorical use in a systemic context.

La repulsión que le provocaba el lujo era fruto de su educación.

The repulsion that luxury provoked in him/her was the result of his/her upbringing.

Using 'fruto de' (result of).

Manifestó su repulsión ante la falta de ética del experimento.

He/she manifested his/her repulsion at the experiment's lack of ethics.

Formal verb 'manifestar'.

La repulsión ontológica que experimenta el protagonista es el eje de la obra.

The ontological repulsion the protagonist experiences is the axis of the work.

High-level philosophical term 'ontológica'.

Se produce una repulsión dialéctica entre ambas teorías contrapuestas.

A dialectical repulsion occurs between both opposing theories.

Intellectualized use of 'dialéctica'.

La repulsión no es sino la manifestación de un miedo ancestral.

Repulsion is nothing but the manifestation of an ancestral fear.

Using 'no es sino' (is nothing but).

La repulsión hacia la otredad es un tema recurrente en la sociología moderna.

Repulsion toward otherness is a recurring theme in modern sociology.

Using 'otredad' (otherness).

Aquel acto de barbarie despertó una repulsión que trascendió fronteras.

That act of barbarism awakened a repulsion that transcended borders.

Using 'trascender' (to transcend).

Su prosa destila una repulsión amarga por la decadencia de la ciudad.

His/her prose distills a bitter repulsion for the city's decadence.

Metaphorical verb 'destilar' (to distill).

La repulsión que siente el cuerpo ante el veneno es una defensa evolutiva.

The repulsion the body feels toward poison is an evolutionary defense.

Scientific and evolutionary context.

La repulsión estética puede ser tan poderosa como la moral.

Aesthetic repulsion can be as powerful as moral repulsion.

Comparing abstract types of repulsion.

Common Collocations

Sentir repulsión

Causar repulsión

Provocar repulsión

Fuerza de repulsión

Repulsión mutua

Repulsión visceral

Repulsión absoluta

Repulsión social

Repulsión electrostática

Sentir una fuerte repulsión

Common Phrases

Siento repulsión por...

— I feel repulsion for... Use this to express a strong personal dislike.

Siento repulsión por la crueldad.

Me produce repulsión

— It produces repulsion in me. A common way to say something is disgusting.

Ese comportamiento me produce repulsión.

Ola de repulsión

— A wave of repulsion. Often used in news for a collective reaction.

Hubo una ola de repulsión tras el escándalo.

Repulsión hacia lo desconocido

— Repulsion toward the unknown. A psychological concept.

A veces sentimos repulsión hacia lo desconocido.

Repulsión física

— Physical repulsion. Can be scientific or a personal reaction.

La repulsión física entre los protones.

Sentimiento de repulsión

— Feeling of repulsion. A formal way to describe the emotion.

Un profundo sentimiento de repulsión la invadió.

Repulsión moral

— Moral repulsion. Disgust based on ethics.

Su repulsión moral le impidió aceptar el dinero.

Repulsión magnética

— Magnetic repulsion. Specific scientific term.

El tren funciona por repulsión magnética.

Gesto de repulsión

— Gesture of repulsion. A facial expression or movement.

Hizo un gesto de repulsión al ver la herida.

Repulsión instantánea

— Instant repulsion. A reaction that happens immediately.

Fue una repulsión instantánea al conocerlo.

Often Confused With

repulsión vs Repulsa

Repulsa is usually a public act of rejection, while repulsión is the internal feeling.

repulsión vs Rechazo

Rechazo is the action of saying no; repulsión is the feeling that might cause that action.

repulsión vs Asco

Asco is more physical and casual; repulsión is more profound and can be moral.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar repelús"

— To give the creeps. While not using the word 'repulsión' directly, it is the most common idiom from the same root.

Esa casa vieja me da repelús.

Informal

"Echar para atrás"

— To be off-putting or disgusting. Describes the effect of repulsion.

Su mal aliento me echa para atrás.

Informal

"Hacer ascos"

— To turn up one's nose at something. Showing repulsion.

No le hagas ascos a la comida, está buena.

Neutral

"Poner cara de asco"

— To make a disgusted face.

Puso cara de asco cuando vio el insecto.

Neutral

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— To be a different kettle of fish. Sometimes used when comparing a minor dislike to actual repulsion.

Que no te guste es una cosa, pero sentir repulsión es harina de otro costal.

Informal

"No poder ver ni en pintura"

— To not be able to stand the sight of someone. Extreme repulsion.

A su ex no lo puede ver ni en pintura.

Informal

"Cerrarse en banda"

— To refuse flatly. Often a result of feeling repulsion toward a proposal.

Se cerró en banda ante la idea de vender la casa.

Informal

"Estar hasta las narices"

— To be fed up. Can lead to a feeling of repulsion.

Estoy hasta las narices de su arrogancia.

Informal

"Morderse la lengua"

— To hold one's tongue. Often done when feeling repulsion but wanting to stay polite.

Tuve que morderme la lengua para no mostrar mi repulsión.

Neutral

"Sacar de quicio"

— To drive someone crazy. Often used for behaviors that cause repulsion.

Su falta de higiene me saca de quicio.

Informal

Easily Confused

repulsión vs Repuesto

Looks slightly similar to a beginner.

Repuesto means 'spare part' or 'recovered'. It has nothing to do with feelings of disgust.

Necesito un repuesto para el coche.

repulsión vs Repulgue

Similar prefix.

Repulgue is the specific fold or decorative edge of an empanada.

El repulgue de esta empanada es perfecto.

repulsión vs Repeler

It is the verb form.

Repeler is the action (to repel), while repulsión is the noun (the feeling or force).

Este spray repele los mosquitos.

repulsión vs Impulso

Same root 'pellere'.

Impulso is a push 'forward' or a sudden urge, while repulsión is a push 'back'.

Tuve el impulso de correr.

repulsión vs Expulsión

Same ending and similar root.

Expulsión is the act of throwing someone out (like from school), not the feeling of disgust.

La expulsión del jugador fue justa.

Sentence Patterns

La repulsión es [adjetivo].

La repulsión es mala.

Siento repulsión por [sustantivo].

Siento repulsión por la guerra.

[Sustantivo] me da repulsión.

Esa comida me da repulsión.

La repulsión entre [A] y [B] es [adjetivo].

La repulsión entre los imanes es fuerte.

Provocar una [adjetivo] repulsión en [alguien].

Su actitud provoca una gran repulsión en mí.

Una repulsión que [verbo]...

Una repulsión que me impedía hablar.

Manifestar repulsión ante [evento].

Manifestó su repulsión ante la injusticia.

La repulsión no es sino [explicación].

La repulsión no es sino una defensa del alma.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, science, and serious literature; less common in casual daily chat compared to 'asco'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'repulsión de' → Using 'repulsión por' or 'hacia'
In Spanish, the cause of a feeling is usually introduced with 'por'.
Stressing the middle: re-PUL-sion → Stressing the end: re-pul-SIÓN
Spanish words ending in 'n' that have an accent on the last vowel must be stressed there.
Using 'el repulsión' → Using 'la repulsión'
Nouns ending in '-sión' are almost always feminine.
Using it for minor dislikes → Using 'asco' or 'no me gusta'
'Repulsión' is a very strong, serious word. Using it for a slightly cold coffee sounds dramatic.
Keeping the accent in plural: repulsiónes → Dropping the accent: repulsiones
The addition of 'es' moves the stress naturally, so the written accent is no longer needed.

Tips

Watch the Accent

Always put the accent on the 'ó' in the singular form. It helps with pronunciation and is required for correct spelling.

Pair with 'Sentir'

The most common way to use this word is with the verb 'sentir'. Practice saying 'Siento repulsión por...' followed by different things.

Physics Context

If you are studying science in Spanish, 'repulsión' is your go-to word for charges pushing apart. Don't use 'asco' in a lab!

Intensity Check

Before using 'repulsión', ask yourself: Is this a 10/10 level of dislike? If it's only a 5/10, use a different word like 'antipatía'.

Use Sophisticated Adjectives

Words like 'visceral', 'moral', or 'estética' go great with 'repulsión' and make your Spanish sound more advanced.

Stress the End

Make sure the 'SIÓN' is the loudest and clearest part of the word. Spanish loves stressing those final syllables in '-ión' words.

Express Conviction

Don't be afraid to use 'repulsión' to stand up for your values. It's a strong, respected way to show where you stand.

The Magnet Trick

Keep a mental image of two magnets pushing away. That 'push' is the essence of 'repulsión'.

News Clues

When you hear 'repulsión' in the news, listen for the word 'sociedad' or 'comunidad' nearby. It usually describes a group reaction.

Vary Your Verbs

Instead of always using 'sentir', try 'provocar', 'causar', or 'inspirar' to describe how something makes you feel.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a magnet. If you try to push the 'Red' ends together, they 'Repel'. That 'Repulsion' is the same as the Spanish 'Repulsión'.

Visual Association

Imagine someone holding their hands up, palms out, pushing away a giant pile of smelly garbage. That physical act is 'repulsión'.

Word Web

Asco Imán Fuerza Moral Rechazo Física Visceral Aversión

Challenge

Try to use 'repulsión' in a sentence about a character in a book you are reading. Why do they feel it? What are they pushing away?

Word Origin

From the Latin 'repulsio, repulsionis', which is the noun of action from the past-participle stem of 'repellere' (to push back). It combines 're-' (back) and 'pellere' (to drive or push).

Original meaning: The act of driving back or pushing away.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'repulsión' toward people, as it is very strong and can be deeply offensive. It implies they are 'revolting'.

English speakers might find 'repulsión' too strong for casual use, whereas in Spanish, it's a standard way to express deep conviction.

'Repulsión' (1965) is a famous psychological horror film by Roman Polanski (though originally in English, the title is the same in Spanish). Gabriel García Márquez often uses the word to describe the visceral reactions of characters in his magical realist worlds. Scientific textbooks throughout the Spanish-speaking world use it as a foundational term in electromagnetism.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Class

Cargas iguales se repelen.
La fuerza de repulsión.
Repulsión magnética.
Interacción de repulsión.

Discussing Ethics

Siento repulsión por la corrupción.
Es un acto que causa repulsión.
Repulsión moral.
No puedo evitar mi repulsión.

Personal Relationships

Hay una repulsión mutua.
Su actitud me provoca repulsión.
Siento repulsión hacia él.
Una repulsión visceral.

News/Media

Ola de repulsión social.
Manifestaciones de repulsión.
Repulsión ante el crimen.
Condena y repulsión.

Art/Aesthetics

Repulsión estética.
La belleza de la repulsión.
Provocar repulsión al espectador.
Un arte que busca la repulsión.

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez has sentido una repulsión inmediata por alguien sin conocerlo?"

"¿Qué tipo de comportamientos te causan más repulsión en el trabajo?"

"¿Crees que la repulsión es un sentimiento útil para la supervivencia?"

"¿Sientes repulsión por algún tipo de comida que a otros les gusta?"

"¿Cómo explicarías la repulsión magnética a un niño de cinco años?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que sentiste una profunda repulsión moral. ¿Qué la causó?

Escribe sobre la diferencia entre el asco físico y la repulsión intelectual.

¿Hay algún lugar que te cause repulsión? Describe el ambiente y tus sensaciones.

Reflexiona sobre cómo la sociedad manifiesta su repulsión ante las injusticias hoy en día.

Imagina que eres un imán. Describe tu experiencia de atracción y repulsión con el mundo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, yes, in an emotional sense it's a negative feeling. However, in science, it's just a neutral force, and morally, feeling repulsion toward something bad can be seen as a sign of good character.

Yes, but be careful. Saying 'Siento repulsión por él' is very strong and suggests you find him revolting or morally bankrupt. It's much stronger than 'No me cae bien'.

They are very similar. 'Repugnancia' often feels a bit more physical (like you might throw up), whereas 'repulsión' feels a bit more like a force pushing you away. In many cases, they are interchangeable.

You use the adjective 'repulsivo' (masculine) or 'repulsiva' (feminine). For example, 'Es una película repulsiva'.

Absolutely. It is the standard technical term for the force between like charges or magnetic poles. You will see it in every physics textbook.

In the singular form, yes: 'repulsión'. In the plural form, no: 'repulsiones'. This follows the standard Spanish rule for words ending in '-ón'.

It is better to use 'por' or 'hacia'. 'Repulsión por la mentira' is the most natural way to express the cause of the feeling.

It is feminine: 'la repulsión'. This is true for almost all Spanish nouns ending in '-sión' or '-ción'.

Yes, if the food is truly disgusting to you. But for a simple 'I don't like this', use 'asco' or 'no me gusta'.

It's medium-frequency. You'll hear it more in serious discussions or news than in casual chat about what to eat for lunch.