estorbo
/esˈtoɾbo/
The English phrase 'waste of space' can be translated into Spanish as estorbo.
The term is used to describe someone who is perceived as useless, incompetent or merely an inconvenience to others.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a person as a 'waste of space', you typically use the indefinite article to say un estorbo.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtoɾbo/
Did you know?
- If you want to call someone a 'waste of space' in a more metaphorical way, you might use un mueble, which literally translates to 'a piece of furniture'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone un estorbo can be used as a teasing, affectionate joke between close friends or siblings, rather than a genuine insult.
- The noun estorbo is closely related to the English word 'disturbance', as both trace back to the Latin 'turbare', which means to disturb or confuse.
Examples in context
- Esta habitación vacía es una pérdida de espacioThis empty room is a waste of space
- El proyecto de construcción se convirtió en una inversión inútil. Simplemente es un desperdicio de espacioThe construction project turned out to be a useless investment, it's just a waste of space
- Ella no aporta nada, solo está de más en esta oficinaShe doesn't contribute anything, she's just a waste of space in this office
- Ese tipo es un estorbo, siempre molesta y es ineficienteThat guy is a waste of space, he's always bothering and being inefficient
- No sirvo para nada, soy un estorbo.I am good for nothing, I am a waste of space.
- No quiero ser un estorbo en la cocina.I don't want to be a nuisance in the kitchen.
- Ese empleado solo es un estorbo para el equipo.That employee is just a waste of space for the team.
- Siento que soy un estorbo cuando trato de ayudar.I feel like I'm just in the way when I try to help.
Example conversation
Elena is frustrated with Javier's lack of help in the kitchen.
- Elena¡No me ayudes si solo vas a molestar!Don't help me if you're just going to get in the way!
- JavierLo siento, solo quería intentar colaborar.I'm sorry, I just wanted to try to collaborate.
- ElenaPara mí, ahora mismo eres un estorbo.To me, right now you are a waste of space.
- JavierEstá bien, me iré a la sala.Fine, I'll go to the living room.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry estorbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estorbo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
