desordenado
“desordenado” means “messy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
messy
Also: disorganized, untidy
📝 In Action
Mi dormitorio está muy desordenado hoy.
A1My bedroom is very messy today.
Él es un chico desordenado, pero muy simpático.
A1He is a disorganized boy, but very nice.
Llevar una vida desordenada puede causar mucho estrés.
B1Leading a disorganized life can cause a lot of stress.
slob
Also: messy person
📝 In Action
No seas un desordenado y recoge tus calcetines.
B1Don't be such a slob and pick up your socks.
Ella es una desordenada, siempre pierde las llaves.
B1She is a messy person; she's always losing her keys.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desordenado
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a messy room?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin 'ordo' (meaning line or row), combined with the prefix 'des-' which indicates reversal or negation. It literally means 'taken out of line'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'desorden' and 'desordenado'?
'Desorden' is the noun (the mess itself), while 'desordenado' is the adjective (the word used to describe the messy thing or person).
Can I use 'desordenado' to describe a situation?
Yes! You can use it for an event, a schedule, or a lifestyle that feels chaotic or lacks a plan.
Is 'desordenado' offensive?
It's usually not offensive, just descriptive. However, calling someone 'un desordenado' (a slob) can be slightly critical depending on your tone of voice.