enchilar
/ent͡ʃiˈlaɾ/
To annoy in Spanish is enchilar. Wiktionary also lists crispar.
Meaning: to disturb or irritate (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| enchilar | /ent͡ʃiˈlaɾ/ |
| crispar | /kɾisˈpaɾ/ |
The verb enchilar means to disturb or irritate. In informal contexts, you might use the phrase dar la lata to express the same idea. In some Latin American countries, the word molestar can also be used to ask someone's permission to enter a room.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of enchilar to mean to annoy or irritate is characteristic of Mexican and Central American Spanish.
How do you pronounce it?
/entʃiˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- Enchilar is a linguistic hybrid that blends a Latin-derived prefix and suffix with a root word from Classical Nahuatl.
- Because crispar is rooted in the idea of 'curling', it can describe both the irritation of one's nerves and the physical texture of hair.
- The phrase dar la lata literally translates to 'to give the tin', but it is a common way to say someone is being a nuisance or an annoyance.
Examples in context
- Me molesta mucho cuando llegan tarde a las reuniones.It really annoys me when they arrive late to meetings.
- Me incomoda tu forma de hablar tan alto.Your loud way of speaking annoys me.
- Me fastidia que no cumplan con sus responsabilidades.It annoys me that they don't fulfill their responsibilities.
- Deja de dar la lata con esa canción.Stop annoying me with that song.
- Me harta que siempre llegues tarde.I get annoyed that you always arrive late.
Example conversation
Daniel is making a lot of noise while María is working.
- Daniel¿Te molesta que escuche música?Does it bother you that I'm listening to music?
- MaríaSí, Daniel, me estás empezando a enchilar.Yes, Daniel, you are starting to annoy me.
- DanielPerdón, voy a bajar el volumen.Sorry, I'm going to turn down the volume.
- MaríaGracias, María necesita concentrarse ahora.Thanks, María needs to concentrate now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “annoy” translations and entries enchilar, crispar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
