Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| molesto | /moˈlesto/ |
| fastidioso | /fastiˈdjoso/ |
| molestoso | /molesˈtoso/ |
| lacroso | /laˈkɾoso/ |
| chinchoso | /t͡ʃinˈt͡ʃoso/ |
| cargante | /kaɾˈɡante/ |
| engorroso | /enɡoˈroso/ |
| enfadoso | /enfaˈdoso/ |
The term annoying is translated using various Spanish words depending on the specific type of irritation being described. Use fastidioso for things that are tedious or tiresome and molestoso for a persistent nuisance or something causing physical or mental discomfort. If a process or task is annoying because it is slow, complicated or inconvenient, engorroso is the appropriate term.
Which one should you use?
While molesto can mean 'annoying', engorroso should be used specifically for tasks or processes that are cumbersome or inconvenient. For things that are annoying due to being repetitive or tiresome, use fastidioso. Molestoso is better suited for describing a persistent nuisance or discomfort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word cargante is a colloquial way to describe a person who is being annoying or 'heavy' to be around.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective meaning 'annoying', the form molesto must agree in gender with the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈlesto/
Did you know?
- The term chinchoso comes from the word chinche, which means 'bedbug', suggesting that an annoying person is like a persistent, biting insect.
- The adjective molesto shares its Latin ancestor molestus with the English word 'molest', though in modern Spanish they have diverged in their common usage.
- Using molesto can be ambiguous because it is also the past participle of molestar. Depending on the context, it can mean 'annoyed' instead of 'annoying'.
Examples in context
- Esto es tan molesto.This is so annoying.This example demonstrates the use of molesto to describe a situation.Tatoeba #4329325 by pchamorro, translation #2892240 by CK
- ¿Acaso no es molesto?Isn't that annoying?This example shows how to ask a question using molesto.Tatoeba #1253796 by marcelostockle, translation #418631 by blay_paul
- Este ruido es molesto.This noise is annoying.This example shows how to use molesto to describe a noise.Tatoeba #1253764 by marcelostockle, translation #58018 by CK
- Encuentro su actitud molestaI find your attitude annoying
- Su falta de puntualidad es completamente insoportableYour lack of punctuality is incredibly annoying
- Me resulta fastidioso su constante interrupciónYour constant interruption is annoying to me
- ¿No te molesta el ruido constante del vecino?Doesn't the constant noise from your neighbor annoy you?
- Sí, me resulta muy molesto. He intentado hablar con él varias vecesYes, it's very annoying. I've tried talking to him several times
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking in a cafe about a broken air conditioner.
- LucíaEse aire acondicionado es muy molesto.That air conditioner is very annoying.
- MateoSí, hace un ruido horrible.Yes, it makes a horrible noise.
- Lucía¿Podemos pedir otra mesa?Can we ask for another table?
- MateoClaro, vamos a buscar una mejor.Sure, let's go look for a better one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “annoying” translations and entries molesto, fastidioso, molestoso, lacroso, chinchoso, cargante, engorroso, enfadoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fastidioso, lacroso, molesto, molestoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
