hostigoso
/ostiˈɡoso/
The English word "trying" can be translated into Spanish as hostigoso. If unsure, use hostigoso. Wiktionary also lists irritante.
Meaning: irritating, stressful or bothersome (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hostigoso | /ostiˈɡoso/ |
| irritante | /iriˈtante/ |
The term hostigoso is used to describe tasks, processes or situations that are not just difficult, but also draining or annoying due to their repetitive or persistent nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective hostigoso must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form hostigosa for feminine nouns, and the masculine plural form hostigosos when modifying a masculine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ostiˈɡoso/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, if a person is being 'trying' or annoying, you might use the word pesado, which literally translates to 'heavy'.
- The word hostigoso shares a root with hostigamiento, which refers to much more serious situations like 'harassment' or 'stalking' in a legal or police context.
- While irritante is used across the Spanish-speaking world, hostigoso is more common in specific regions like Colombia and Central America to describe a 'trying' person.
Examples in context
- Estoy intentando resolver este problema.I am trying to solve this problem.
- Estamos tratando de llegar a un acuerdo.We are trying to reach an agreement.
- Estoy haciendo un esfuerzo por mejorar mi español.I am making an effort to improve my Spanish.
- Estoy tratando de convencerlos de venir a la fiesta.I'm trying to convince them to come to the party.
- Estoy echándole ganas para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.I'm putting in effort to finish the project on time.
- Estoy intentando aprender a tocar la guitarra.I'm trying to learn how to play the guitar.
- Decidieron hacer un intento para resolver el conflicto.They decided to make an attempt to resolve the conflict.
- Tengo un cliente muy hostigoso hoy.I have a very annoying client today.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a difficult client.
- AlejandroEl cliente nuevo es muy hostigoso.The new client is very trying.
- LucíaSí, pide cambios cada cinco minutos.Yes, he asks for changes every five minutes.
- AlejandroYa no sé cómo manejarlo.I don't know how to handle him anymore.
- LucíaTengamos paciencia con él, Alejandro.Let's have patience with him, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trying” translations and entries hostigoso, irritante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
