molestus
[mɔˈɫɛs.tʊs]
The English word "annoying" is translated into Latin as molestus.
molestus is used to describe someone or something that causes irritation or annoyance.
Meaning: causing irritation or annoyance (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from moles, meaning a mass or burden, implying that something annoying is a burden or is troublesome to one.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, molestus must agree in gender and number with the person or thing it describes. Use molesta for a feminine subject, molestum for a neuter subject, molesti for masculine plural subjects and molestae for feminine plural subjects.
Did you know?
- The Latin word molestus is the direct ancestor of the English word 'molest', but in Latin it primarily meant 'troublesome' or 'annoying' rather than the specific sexual connotation the English word holds today.
- The word molestus shares a linguistic root with modestus, meaning 'moderate' or 'small'. While one describes a heavy burden, the other describes something measured and restrained.
- While molestus describes the quality of being annoying, Latin often expresses the act of 'annoying someone' using the verb molestare, which specifically implies causing trouble or inconvenience.
Examples in context
- Mihi molestus es, Thoma.You're annoying me, Tom.This sentence shows how to use molestus when addressing someone directly.Tatoeba #11068984 by soridsolid, translation #9620662 by DJ_Saidez
- Potin ut mihi molestus ne sis?Can you stop annoying me?This sentence demonstrates how to use molestus in a request to stop an annoying behavior.Tatoeba #11068988 by soridsolid, translation #10091390 by pabik
- Molestus es.You're annoying.This sentence provides a simple way to state that someone is annoying using molestus.Tatoeba #11741432 by soridsolid, translation #1895629 by CK
- Deficiente refrigeratione aestate incommodissimum est.The lack of air conditioning during summer months is incredibly annoying.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus is making too much noise while Claudia is trying to read.
- ClaudiaMarce, clamor tuus molestus est.Marcus, your noise is annoying.
- MarcusIgnosce mihi, Claudia.Forgive me, Claudia.
- ClaudiaNunc silentium mihi opus est.Now I need silence.
- MarcusTacebo tandem.I will be quiet at last.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “annoying” translations and entries molestus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries molestus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
