A veces, realmente tenemos que criticar algo que alguien ha dicho o hecho. Sin embargo, incluso si es una crítica, tenemos que ser discretos y ser educados. En esta lección, aprenderemos algunas frases útiles para criticar en inglés y para hacer que las críticas sean más educadas y suaves.
Tabla de contenidos
Listado de frases útiles para criticar en inglés
| Expresiones | Significado / Cómo se usa |
| That wasn’t very clever of you.
What were you thinking of? |
Estas frases podrían expresar una crítica amistosa o una dura reprimenda dependiendo del tono de voz. |
| I bet you wish you hadn’t done that.
Why on Earth did you go and do that? |
Estas frases son amigables o en tono de broma cuando se usan con una fuerte entonación de subida y bajada al verbo “apuesta” y la palabra “Tierra”. |
| You made a right mess of that. | Muy crítico cuando se usa con entonación plana. Usar esto incorrectamente puede herir. |
| I wouldn’t do that again (in a hurry)
Oops. |
Son siempre amigables en tono. |
| What a total disaster. | Cuando enfatizas “total” con un tono fuerte y plano, puede sonar grosero y duro. Un tono de subida y bajada podría hacer que parezca amigable. |
| You put your right foot in it (there)
That was a bit uncalled for. |
Se utilizan para criticar algo que alguien dijo. |
| How do you think it could be improved? | Cuando le preguntas a alguien la opinión sobre cómo se puede hacer algo mejor. |
| Just have a look at… | Se usa para mostrarle a alguien el error que cometió, en lugar de las críticas directas. |
| Overall, it’s good. However, there are a few things that could be improved. | Forma más cortés e indirecta de criticar a alguien. |
| I’ve done that myself… | Se utiliza para demostrar que simpatizas con la persona que está siendo criticada. |
| Don’t get me wrong, but…
Don’t get me wrong… |
Se utiliza para preparar a la persona de las críticas que está a punto de recibir o escuchar y cuando deseas asegurarte de que alguien entienda tus comentarios correctamente. |
| Can I have a quick word with you? | Se utiliza cuando quieres hablar en privado, especialmente sobre el error que ha cometido. |
| I have to say …
I’m bound to say… |
Se utilizan cuando vas a decir algo que puede molestar a alguien. |
| With respect…
Will all due respect… |
Suena más educado al no estar de acuerdo o criticar a alguien. |
| To say the least…
To put it mildly… |
Se usan para sugerir que algo es peor o más extremo de lo que estás diciendo. |
Ejercicios
An expression which is used to show somebody the mistake he made, rather than outright criticism. (Just have a look at…)
- Just have a look at…
- Oops
What a total disaster.An expression used to show that you sympathize the person being criticized. (I’ve done that myself)
- See, I told you so.
- I’ve done that myself.
- I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
An expression used to prepare the person of the criticism he is about to receive or hear. (Don’t get me wrong but…)
- I’ve done that myself.
- Don’t get me wrong, but…
- Oops.
An expression used when you are going to say something that may upset or annoy someone. (I have to say…)
- I have to say…
- As what I have said…
- What I’m saying is…
An expression used when you want to make sure that someone understands your comments correctly. (Don’t get me wrong…)
- Don’t get me wrong…
- I have to say…
- I told you…
An expression used to sound more polite in criticizing someone. (Will all due respect)
- With all due respect…
- Don’t get me wrong…
- As I was saying…
An expression used when you want to talk someone in private. (Can I have a word with you?)
- Can I have a word with you?
- That was a bit uncalled for.
- I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
An expression that expresses a friendly criticism or a harsh scolding depending on the tone of the voice. (What were you thinking of?)
- What were you thinking of?
- Didn’t I tell you so?
- That was a bit uncalled for, you know!
Ejercicios de speaking sobre frases útiles para criticar en inglés
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- Why do we criticize others? How often do you give criticisms?
- Are you open to criticisms? Talk a specific example where one criticizes you and how you took it.
- How do you give most criticisms? What are the most common subjects of your criticisms?
- Have you ever wanted to be a critic (food, movie, etc.)?
- “If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything.” Do you agree or not? Explain.
- Aristotle: “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing and be nothing.” Explain.
- Do you trust the idea of different critics?