ansioso
/anˈsjoso/
The English word 'anxious' is translated into Spanish as ansioso.
The adjective ansioso is used to describe feeling nervous or worried. However, it is also very frequently used to express being 'eager' or 'looking forward to something' in a positive way, much like the English phrase 'anxious to'. When you want to express anxiety or eagerness regarding a specific event or thing, you will commonly use the preposition por after the adjective, such as in the phrase ansioso por.
Meaning: nervous and worried (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ansioso can mean nervous, it often carries a sense of eagerness. If you want to express specifically feeling 'nervous' (such as the feeling before giving a speech) without the connotation of eagerness or an intense craving, use nervioso instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term inquieto can be used to convey the meaning of 'anxious'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ansioso must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use the feminine form ansiosa for a woman. For groups, use the plural masculine form ansiosos for a group of men or a mixed group and the feminine plural form ansiosas for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/anˈsjoso/
Did you know?
- The adjective ansioso can describe a physical sensation of hunger or desire, not just a mental state of worry.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, being ansioso can imply an impatient temperament rather than a temporary state of worry.
- The word ansioso shares its roots with the English word 'anxiety', both descending from the Latin 'anxiōsus'.
Examples in context
- Estoy ansioso de verte.I'm anxious to see you.This sentence shows how to use ansioso to express being anxious to see someone.Tatoeba #1309462 by marcelostockle, translation #17557 by CK
- Estoy ansioso de conocerla.I'm anxious to meet her.This sentence shows how to use ansioso to express being anxious to meet someone.Tatoeba #2258855 by SrTortuga, translation #2258854 by _undertoad
- Estoy ansioso por comenzar.I'm anxious to get started.This sentence shows how to use ansioso with the preposition por to express eagerness to start.Tatoeba #3491844 by gianich73, translation #2544220 by CK
- Estoy ansioso por la entrevista de trabajo.I am anxious about the job interview.
- Me siento ansiosa antes de mi presentación.I feel anxious before my presentation.
- Estamos ansiosos por el resultado del examen.We are anxious about the exam result.
- Estoy nervioso por el partido de fútbol.I am anxious about the soccer match.
- Me siento nerviosa cuando tengo que hablar en público.I feel anxious when I have to speak in public.
- Mis amigos están nerviosos antes del examen.My friends are anxious before the exam.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking before a job interview.
- DanielSofía, estoy muy ansioso por la entrevista.Sofía, I am very anxious about the interview.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Daniel, eres el mejor.Don't worry, Daniel, you are the best.
- Daniel¿Crees que el jefe sea muy estricto?Do you think the boss will be very strict?
- SofíaNo lo sé, pero mantén la calma.I don't know, but stay calm.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ansioso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ansioso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
