Inklingo

agitado

ah-hee-TAH-doh/axiˈtaðo/

agitado means busy in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

busy, rough

Also: hectic, shaken
A colorful storybook illustration of a person with many arms holding various items like a grocery bag, a watering can, a broom, and a phone, showing a busy day.

📝 In Action

He tenido un día muy agitado en la oficina.

A2

I've had a very busy day at the office.

El mar está agitado y no es seguro nadar.

B1

The sea is rough and it's not safe to swim.

Llevan un estilo de vida muy agitado.

B2

They lead a very hectic lifestyle.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ajetreado (busy/hectic)
  • movido (eventful/moving)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un día agitadoa busy day
  • mar agitadorough sea
  • vida agitadahectic life

breathless, agitated

Also: out of breath, troubled
A colorful storybook illustration of a runner leaning forward with their hands on their knees, catching their breath after a run.

📝 In Action

Llegó agitado después de subir las escaleras.

B1

He arrived out of breath after climbing the stairs.

Su respiración era agitada y superficial.

B2

Her breathing was heavy and shallow.

El paciente se mostraba agitado y confuso.

C1

The patient appeared agitated and confused.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inquieto (restless)
  • sofocado (breathless/stifled)

Antonyms

  • sereno (serene)
  • pausado (slow/deliberate)

Common Collocations

  • respiración agitadaheavy breathing
  • pulso agitadorapid pulse

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "agitado" in Spanish:

breathlessshaken

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: agitado

Question 1 of 3

Which of these would you describe as 'un mar agitado'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
agitar(to shake/to agitate)Verb
agitación(agitation/unrest)Noun
agitador(shaker/stirrer)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'agitatus', which comes from 'agitare', meaning to put into frequent motion or to drive.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: agitatedFrench: agitéItalian: agitato

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'agitado' to mean I'm excited for a trip?

No, it's better to use 'emocionado'. 'Agitado' suggests being restless, physically breathless, or having a hectic schedule rather than a positive feeling of excitement.

What's the difference between 'ajetreado' and 'agitado'?

They are very similar! 'Ajetreado' is used almost exclusively for a busy schedule. 'Agitado' is more versatile and can describe water, breathing, or a hectic day.

Is 'agitado' a verb?

It can be the 'past participle' (the -ed form) of the verb 'agitar' (to shake). For example: 'He agitado la botella' (I have shaken the bottle). But most often, it is used as an adjective to describe something.