Spanish Phrase
¡Qué asco!
Meaning
This is a common exclamation used to express strong revulsion or physical disgust towards something. It can be triggered by a bad smell, unpleasant food, or even a morally repulsive situation or idea.
When to use
Use this phrase when you encounter something gross, like stepping in a puddle or seeing spoiled food. It is also used figuratively when someone describes a cringey or unpleasant social situation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¡Quéasco!
Exclamatory ¡Qué!
When 'qué' is used in an exclamation with a noun, it translates to 'What a...' or 'How...'. It always carries an accent mark.
Asco
This is a masculine noun meaning disgust. Unlike adjectives, it does not change its ending to match the gender of the object causing the disgust.
🗨In Conversation
¡Mira! Hay una cucaracha debajo de la mesa.
Look! There is a cockroach under the table.
¡Qué asco! Vámonos de este restaurante ahora mismo.
How disgusting! Let's leave this restaurant right now.
✕Common Mistakes
¡Qué asca!
The noun 'asco' is masculine and its ending never changes to 'a', regardless of what you are describing.
Es muy asco.
In Spanish, you don't say something 'is disgust'; you use '¡Qué asco!' or the verb 'dar' as in 'Me da asco'.
↔Alternatives
¡Guácala!
Gross! (Common in Mexico and parts of Latin America)
Me da asco.
It grosses me out.
¡Qué repugnante!
How repulsive!
Cultural Tip
Spanish speakers are often very expressive with their emotions and reactions. While '¡Qué asco!' is common and acceptable in casual settings, using it loudly in a formal restaurant might be seen as slightly impolite unless there is a genuine health concern.