Imagine a life where you couldn’t express what you like, or more importantly, what you don’t like. In your native language, that’s usually not a problem. You know exactly what to say when something bothers you, whether it’s just a little or a lot.
Spanish works the same way; there are different ways to show how much you dislike something, from gentle to very strong. In this guide, we’ll show you how to express different levels of dislike in Spanish, and which phrases are stronger than others.
Let’s begin with the soft ones: Mild Dislike
You might want to use these expressions when you don’t want to sound rude or when you want to keep things respectful.
- No me convence (I’m not convinced)
Use this when you're leaning more toward saying no, but you're not completely shutting the idea down. It shows you have doubts, but you're still willing to consider it.
- No es lo mío (It’s not my thing)
This one’s a favorite! It’s a neutral way to say something isn’t for you, without blaming anyone or sounding harsh. It’s not about them; it’s about your preferences.
- Me da igual / Me es indiferente (It’s all the same to me)
Technically, this means you’re okay with either option. But let’s be honest if someone was truly excited about your idea, this probably wouldn’t be their go-to response. It’s polite, but also a bit... indifferent.
- No me llama la atención (It doesn’t catch my attention)
This feels similar to No es lo mío. It’s a way to say, “Thanks, but it’s not really sparking my interest”, again, keeping the focus on your own picky taste, not on their idea.
Let’s hit things up a little bit: Moderate Dislikes
- No me gusta – I don’t like it.
Let’s start with the basics. This one is simple and straightforward, the first expression most learners come across. It works for things, situations, or even people (although there are better options for that… keep reading!).
- No me cae bien - I don’t like them (as a person).
Now we’re getting into people's territory. This one is all about vibes. You’re not saying they’re awful, just that something about them rubs you the wrong way.
For example: Tu amiga no me cae bien… dijo cosas muy feas sobre mi cabello. And she’s right; no one should talk trash about your hair. Ever.
- No soporto / No aguanto - I can’t stand it / I can’t take it anymore
These are your go-to expressions when things are getting intense. Whether it’s a person, a situation, or just Monday mornings, this phrase brings the drama.
Example for a person: ‘’No te soporto’’ (I can’t stand you).
Example for a situation: ‘’No aguanto este calor’’. (I can’t take this heat).
- Me fastidia / Me molesta - It bothers me / It annoys me.
Not quite hate, but definitely not good vibes. These are great for those little things that get under your skin - like people who chew loudly.
Expresiones de Desprecio (Strong Dislike, When Things Start Getting Serious)
So, you're past “meh” and entering “ugh” territory. Welcome to the world of strong dislike, where eye-rolls are frequent and patience is in short supply.
- Me irrita / Me saca de quicio - It irritates me / It drives me crazy
Perfect for things that push your buttons over and over again. Like that squeaky chair. Or slow walkers in the middle of the sidewalk.
- Lo detesto / Lo aborrezco -I detest it” / “I abhor it
These are heavier than just not liking something. We’re in the realm of strong emotional rejection. Like pineapple on pizza (unless you love it, no judgment... maybe a little).
- Me da asco - It disgusts me
Use this for gross things, from food to rude behavior.
- No lo puedo ni ver - I can’t even look at it
Maximum drama. Whether it's an ex, a dish you hate, or that one TV character who always ruins everything.
Mi ex es un imbecil, no lo puedo ni ver!.
“My ex is stupid, I can’t even look at him.”
Expresiones Extremas (Pure Hatred - For When You’ve Truly Had Enough)
Now we’re entering “burn it all down” mode. Use these with caution.
- Lo odio - I hate it
Direct. Powerful. No room for confusion. You hate it. Done.
- Me revienta / Me enferma (It infuriates me/It makes me sick)
Whether it’s political talk at dinner or someone stealing your fries, these expressions show intense frustration or disgust. For example:
- Me revienta la gente que no respeta las filas.
“It infuriates me when people don’t respect the line.”
- Me enferma ver cómo maltratan a los animales.
“It makes me sick to see animals being mistreated.”
- Me da arcadas - It makes me gag
Only for truly revolting things. This is beyond gross, we’re talking gag reflex territory.
- Ese olor en el refri me da arcadas.
“That smell in the fridge makes me gag.”
- Si pudiera, lo haría desaparecer - If I could, I’d make it disappear
Dramatic? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. This is your go-to for exaggerating your hatred in a way that’s still kind of funny.
Ese ringtone con la canción Despacito… si pudiera, lo haría desaparecer del universo.
“That ringtone with the Despacito song… if I could, I’d make it disappear from the universe.”
Dislike Expressions You’ll Only Hear in Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela
- Me da bronca -It makes me mad / frustrates me (Argentina)
Me da bronca perder por culpa del árbitro.
“It makes me mad to lose because of the referee.”
- Me emberraca - It pisses me off. (Colombia)
Me emberraca que no respeten el turno.
“It pisses me off when people don’t respect the line.”
- Me arrecha - It makes me really angry / It pisses me off (Venezuela)
Me arrecha todo hoy, mejor ni me hablen.
‘’Everything pisses me off today, better not talk to me’’.
Warning: Double Meanings!
Here’s the fun (and slightly dangerous) part: “arrecho/a” means VERY different things in different countries, and some of them are, well, spicy.
In some countries like Colombia, arrecho could mean ‘Horny’. So please, use this word wisely!
You’ve just explored how to say “I don’t like it” in different ways, from a polite "no me gusta" to intense expressions like "¡me revienta!". There are many levels of dislike in Spanish, and while some phrases are understood across all Latin American countries, others are specific to certain regions, and that's where things get really fun!
Why? Because expressing displeasure in Spanish isn't just useful, it's also a great way to explore the culture and humor behind the language.
Would you like to learn more country-specific ways to say you don’t like something? Or maybe you already know a few that we didn’t mention? Drop us a message or comment below!
