molestar
/molesˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'disturb' can be translated into Spanish as molestar. Wiktionary also lists estorbar.
Meaning: confuse or irritate (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| molestar | /molesˈtaɾ/ |
| estorbar | /estoɾˈbaɾ/ |
molestar is used to mean confuse or irritate. You can also use the phrase ¿Le molesta si…? or ¿Te molesta si…? as a polite way to ask for permission or to see if an action will cause an inconvenience.
Which one should you use?
While molestar means to bother or irritate someone, estorbar is used specifically when something or someone is a physical obstacle or is 'in the way'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When molestar takes a person as a direct object, it requires the personal 'a' (e.g., molestar a la gente).
How do you pronounce it?
/molesˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful with the cognate molestar, as in Spanish it primarily means 'to bother' or 'to annoy', whereas in English it often carries a sexual connotation.
Did you know?
- The English word 'disturb' and the Spanish word estorbar both trace their lineage back to the concept of 'turbid' or 'turbulent' water and crowds.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying no me molestes can be perceived as significantly harsher or more aggressive than the English 'don't bother me'.
- While molestar usually means 'to bother', in some contexts it can describe a feeling of physical discomfort or irritation, such as a piece of clothing that 'bothers' the skin.
Examples in context
- No quise molestar a los pacientes.I didn't want to disturb the patients.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of intent to disturb the patients with molestar.Tatoeba #8014810 by Seael, translation #3727609 by CM
- Haré lo mejor para no molestar tu estudio.I'll do my best not to disturb your studying.This sentence shows how to express an effort to not disturb studying with molestar.Tatoeba #1023563 by jayefes65, translation #1304 by djinni74
- Lamento molestarle, pero tiene una llamada.I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's a phone call for you.This sentence is an example of apologizing for a disturbance using molestar.Tatoeba #2138123 by Shishir, translation #64439 by CK
- Espero no molestarle, pero necesito su ayudaI hope I'm not disturbing you, but I need your help
- Lamento perturbar su paz, pero hay un problema que necesita ser resueltoI'm sorry to disturb your peace, but there's an issue that needs to be resolved
- Perdona si te molesto, pero necesito hablar contigoSorry if I'm disturbing you, but I need to talk to you
- Déjame en paz, no quiero que me fastidiesLeave me alone, I don't want you to disturb me
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía enters the room while Mateo is working.
- LucíaHola Mateo, ¿puedo hablar contigo?Hi Mateo, can I talk to you?
- MateoAhora no puedo, no me quieras molestar.I can't right now, please don't disturb me.
- LucíaLo siento, no quería molestar.I'm sorry, I didn't want to disturb you.
- MateoEstá bien, hablamos en diez minutos.It's okay, we'll talk in ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disturb” translations and entries molestar, estorbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estorbar, molestar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
