Whether you love or loathe something, expressing those feelings in a new language is key to fluency! In Portuguese, “detestar” and “odiar” are your go-to verbs for expressing strong dislike. But how do you know which one to use? Let’s dive into the nuances of these two verbs so you can communicate with confidence.
Detestar: Expressing Strong Dislike
“Detestar” is the Portuguese equivalent of “to detest” or “to hate” in English. It signifies a strong aversion or dislike towards something or someone.
Example Phrases:
- Eu detesto acordar cedo. (I hate waking up early.)
- Ela detesta comida picante. (She detests spicy food.)
- Nós detestamos esperar em filas. (We hate waiting in lines.)
Odiar: Taking Dislike to the Next Level
“Odiar” is a more intense verb than “detestar,” conveying a deeper level of hatred or abhorrence. It’s your go-to choice when expressing utter disgust or extreme dislike.
Example Phrases:
- Eu odeio mentiras. (I hate lies.)
- Ele odeia injustiça. (He hates injustice.)
- Eles odeiam fazer exercícios. (They hate exercising.)
Key Usage Tips for Detestar and Odiar:
- Direct Object: Both “detestar” and “odiar” are directly followed by a noun or infinitive verb.
- Eu detesto/odeio chocolate. (I detest/hate chocolate.)
- Ela detesta/odeia estudar. (She detests/hates studying.)
- “Quando” (When): Use “quando” with these verbs to describe situations.
- Eu detesto quando chove. (I hate it when it rains.)
- Nós odiamos quando alguém chega atrasado. (We hate it when someone arrives late.)
- Intensity Matters: Remember, “odiar” is stronger than “detestar.” Choose “odiar” for things you truly despise, and “detestar” for strong dislikes that aren’t quite as extreme.
- Casual vs. Formal: In casual conversation, you might use “odiar” hyperbolically, similar to how “hate” is used in English (e.g., “Eu odeio segundas-feiras!” – I hate Mondays!). In more formal settings, use “detestar” or “não gostar” (to not like) to be more polite.
Elevate Your Portuguese Expression!
By mastering the subtleties of “detestar” and “odiar,” you’ll be able to express a full range of negative emotions in Portuguese, adding depth and authenticity to your conversations. Start incorporating these verbs into your vocabulary today!
Next: Verbs expressing preferences: preferir