inquieto
“inquieto” means “restless” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
restless, anxious
Also: fidgety, worried
📝 In Action
Mi hijo es muy inquieto y no para de correr.
A2My son is very restless and doesn't stop running.
Estoy un poco inquieto por los resultados del médico.
B1I'm a bit anxious about the doctor's results.
Tuvo un sueño inquieto después de ver esa película.
B2He had a restless sleep after watching that movie.
curious, inquisitive
📝 In Action
Es una joven de mente inquieta que siempre está leyendo.
B2She is a young woman with a curious mind who is always reading.
Su espíritu inquieto lo llevó a viajar por todo el mundo.
C1His inquisitive spirit led him to travel all over the world.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inquieto
Question 1 of 3
Which verb would you use if you want to say someone is *feeling* worried right now?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'inquietus', formed by adding 'in-' (not) to 'quietus' (quiet/still). It literally means someone who is 'not quiet'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'inquieto' a bad thing to call a child?
Not necessarily. While it can mean they move too much, it's often used affectionately to describe a child with lots of energy.
What is the difference between 'inquieto' and 'nervioso'?
'Nervioso' usually implies shaking or being scared/stressed. 'Inquieto' is more about a general inability to stay still or a vague sense of worry.
Can I use 'inquieto' to describe a place?
It's rarely used for places. For a 'busy' or 'restless' city, you'd more likely use 'bullicioso' or 'con mucho movimiento'.