how to say this sucks in spanish

2 min read 18-01-2025

"This sucks" is a common English expression used to convey frustration, disappointment, or dissatisfaction. Translating this directly into Spanish isn't straightforward, as the best option depends heavily on the context. This article will explore several ways to express this sentiment, from mild annoyance to outright anger, ensuring you choose the most appropriate phrase for any situation.

Different Ways to Say "This Sucks" in Spanish

The best translation depends on what you want to emphasize – the general badness of the situation, your emotional response, or the specific object of your displeasure. Here are some options:

1. For General Disappointment: "Esto apesta" or "Qué asco"

"Esto apesta": This is a fairly common and versatile option. "Apesta" literally means "it stinks," but it's often used figuratively to mean "this sucks" or "this is awful." It's a good all-purpose phrase for expressing general displeasure.
"Qué asco": This translates literally to "what disgust," and is best used when the situation is truly unpleasant or revolting. It conveys a stronger sense of revulsion than "esto apesta."

2. Expressing Frustration: "Qué fastidio" or "Qué lata"

"Qué fastidio": This expresses more of a feeling of annoyance or frustration. It suggests a mild irritation rather than intense anger.
"Qué lata": Similar to "qué fastidio," "qué lata" implies a sense of boredom or tediousness mixed with frustration. This is a good choice if the situation is more annoying than truly awful.

3. For Strong Negative Emotions: "Esto es una mierda" or "Me cago en todo" (Use with Caution!)

"Esto es una mierda": This is a very strong and vulgar expression. It literally translates to "this is shit," and should only be used in informal settings with close friends who understand your language style.
"Me cago en todo": This is an even stronger and more vulgar expression. It's a curse phrase expressing intense frustration and anger. Avoid this phrase unless you are extremely familiar with the people you are speaking with.

4. Focusing on the Specific Problem: "Es una porquería" or "Es un desastre"

"Es una porquería": This translates to "it's a piece of junk" or "it's crappy," which is a good choice when referring to a specific object or situation.
"Es un desastre": This means "it's a disaster," and is suitable when the situation is chaotic or has gone completely wrong.

Choosing the Right Phrase

The key to choosing the right phrase is considering your audience and the context. With friends, you can use more informal and stronger expressions. However, in more formal situations, stick to milder options like "esto apesta" or "qué fastidio." Remember to consider the level of intensity you want to convey, and the specific object of your displeasure.

Examples in Context

Here are some examples illustrating how to use these phrases:

Mild Disappointment: "Este café está frío. Esto apesta." (This coffee is cold. This sucks.)
Strong Frustration: "¡Llevo una hora intentando arreglar esto! ¡Qué fastidio!" (I've been trying to fix this for an hour! This is so frustrating!)
Disgust: "Esta comida está en mal estado. ¡Qué asco!" (This food is spoiled. What disgust!)
Vulgar Expression (Use with Caution!): "Este trabajo es una mierda." (This job is shit.)

By understanding these nuances, you can confidently express your dissatisfaction in Spanish, no matter the situation! Remember to choose your words carefully based on your audience and the context of the conversation.