Spanish Conversation · Level 54
75 words
Spanish word
criticar
Pronunciation
IPA/kɾitiˈkaɾ/
Meaning
- verbcriticize
Example
La gente suele criticar sin conocer los hechos.
People often criticize without knowing the facts.
More examples
Antes de criticar a alguien, intenta escuchar su versión.
Before criticizing someone, try to listen to their version.
Core concept
Pointing out faults in someone's behavior, ideas, or creations.
Common phrases
criticar a alguien
criticize someone
criticar algo
criticize something
Similar words
reprochar: Express displeasure to someone in a reproachful, blaming tone about their actions.
juzgar: Evaluate actions or people to judge them as good or bad.
opinar: State a personal thought or view about something.
quejarse: Express complaint or unhappiness about a situation or someone's behavior.
Definition in Spanish
Manifestar desaprobación o valorar negativamente acciones, opiniones o creaciones.
Word origin
Borrowed into Spanish from Latin criticare, itself from Greek kritikós 'able to judge', with the sense shifting toward negative evaluation.
Usage tips
- When the target is a person, use the personal a (criticar a alguien), a pattern English speakers frequently omit.