Spanish Conversation · Level 112
60 words
Spanish word
maltratar
Pronunciation
IPA/maltɾaˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbabuse
Example
No debes maltratar a los animales.
You must not abuse animals.
More examples
En la familia, nunca se debe maltratar a los niños.
In the family, children should never be abused.
Core concept
Rough handling that harms a person, animal, or thing.
Common phrases
maltratar a alguien
abuse someone
maltratar a los animales
abuse animals
Similar words
abusar: Uses power or authority to mistreat or exploit someone unfairly.
maltrear: Handles a person or thing violently or roughly, causing injury or damage.
dañar: Causes physical or functional damage to a thing or a body part.
descuidar: Neglects necessary care or attention, allowing a person or thing to deteriorate.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer un trato injurioso o descuidado hacia alguien o algo, de modo que se cause perjuicio físico, emocional o material.
Word origin
From Spanish mal- 'badly' plus tratar (from Latin tractare 'to handle'), literally 'to handle badly' and thus to treat harmfully.
Usage tips
- Use maltratar for both people and objects; with objects it usually means rough use that damages them, and with people it often implies sustained or injurious treatment.