Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| molestia | /moˈlestja/ | feminine |
| engorro | /enˈɡoro/ | masculine |
| incomodidad | /inkomodiˈdad/ | feminine |
| molienda | /moˈljenda/ | colloquial, feminine |
| giba | /ˈxiba/ | colloquial, feminine |
The term is used to describe a minor annoyance or an inconvenience.
Which one should you use?
While molestia is used for general inconveniences or minor annoyances, incomodidad specifically refers to physical discomfort or social awkwardness. Use engorro when the nuisance is a tedious, complicated or cumbersome process or task.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Inconveniente is a formal term that emphasizes causing trouble or inconvenience. Engorro is a more colloquial way to describe a nuisance that feels like a tedious hassle. Molienda and giba are colloquial forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Lata is a slang expression used in Latin America to describe something bothersome or a hassle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form molestias is frequently used in the phrase causar molestias to mean 'to cause trouble' or 'to be a nuisance'.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈlestja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the Spanish molestia with the English verb 'to molest'. In Spanish, molestia refers to an inconvenience, while the verb molestar means to bother or annoy.
Did you know?
- The slang term lata for a nuisance literally translates to 'tin can', suggesting that a bothersome person or task is as noisy and irritating as a clattering metal container.
- The colloquial term molienda describes a nuisance by comparing a tedious task to the slow and repetitive process of grinding grain in a mill.
- The term giba literally means 'hump'. In a figurative sense, calling a situation a giba suggests that the nuisance is a heavy burden one must carry.
Examples in context
- Detesto ser una molestia.I hate to be a nuisance.This sentence shows how to express being a nuisance using molestia.Tatoeba #4392424 by pchamorro, translation #2334137 by CK
- El teléfono puede ser una molestia.The telephone can be a nuisance.This sentence shows how an object like a telephone can be a molestia.Tatoeba #2064418 by marcelostockle, translation #279313 by CK
- No quiero causar molestia.I don't want to be a nuisance.This sentence expresses the desire not to cause molestia.Tatoeba #12980610 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9684668 by DJ_Saidez
- Las interrupciones constantes durante la reunión fueron una gran molestia.The constant interruptions during the meeting were a great nuisance.
- La falta de transporte público es un gran inconveniente para los residentes de esa zona.The lack of public transportation is a great nuisance for the residents of that area.
- El ruido constante de la construcción es un gran fastidio para los vecinos.The constant noise from the construction is a great nuisance to the neighbors.
- Tener que pagar tanto dinero por el estacionamiento es una lata.Having to pay so much money for parking is a nuisance/hassle.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a broken elevator in their building.
- MaríaEl ascensor roto es una molestia para todos.The broken elevator is a nuisance for everyone.
- AlejandroTienes razón, María, es muy incómodo.You are right, María, it is very uncomfortable.
- MaríaEspero que lo arreglen pronto.I hope they fix it soon.
- AlejandroOjalá, porque subir las escaleras es cansado.I hope so, because climbing the stairs is tiring.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nuisance” translations and entries molestia, engorro, incomodidad, molienda, giba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
