i don't like that in spanish

2 min read 16-04-2025

"No Me Gusta Eso" and Other Ways to Say "I Don't Like That" in Spanish

Saying "I don't like that" in Spanish is more nuanced than a simple translation might suggest. The best way to express it depends on the context, your level of formality, and the intensity of your dislike. This article explores various options, providing examples and helping you choose the perfect phrase for any situation.

The Basics: "No Me Gusta Eso"

The most straightforward translation is "No me gusta eso." This literally translates to "That doesn't please me," but it's perfectly acceptable and commonly used in everyday conversation. It's a polite and neutral way to express dislike.

Example: "Esa comida no me gusta eso." (I don't like that food.)

Expressing Stronger Dislike

For a stronger expression of dislike, you can use phrases like:

"No me gusta nada." This translates to "I don't like it at all" and conveys a more emphatic dislike.
"Odio eso." This is a much stronger statement, meaning "I hate that." Use this only when you truly feel intense aversion.
"Me disgusta eso." This means "That disgusts me," implying a strong feeling of revulsion.
Example: "Esa película me disgusta eso." (That movie disgusts me.)

Adding Specificity

To make your dislike clearer, add details about what you don't like.

"No me gusta el sabor." (I don't like the taste.)
"No me gusta la textura." (I don't like the texture.)
"No me gusta la idea." (I don't like the idea.)
"No me gusta cómo lo hiciste." (I don't like how you did it.)
Example: "No me gusta el color de esa camisa." (I don't like the color of that shirt.)

Informal Options

In informal settings with friends and family, you might use more colloquial expressions:

"No mola." (This is Spanish slang, meaning "It doesn't rock" or "It's not cool.")
"Qué asco!" (This expresses disgust or revulsion, similar to "Yuck!")
"No me va." (This translates to "It doesn't go with me" or "It's not my style.")
Example: "Esa canción no mola." (That song isn't cool.)

Context is Key

The best way to say "I don't like that" in Spanish depends entirely on the context. Consider:

Your relationship with the person you're speaking to. Use more formal language with strangers or authority figures.
The intensity of your dislike. Choose a phrase that accurately reflects your feelings.
The specific thing you dislike. Adding details will make your meaning clearer.

By understanding these nuances, you can express your dislike effectively and appropriately in any situation. Remember to practice using these phrases in context to improve your fluency and confidence. No me gusta eso – I don't like that – is just the beginning of a much richer vocabulary for expressing your preferences in Spanish!