molestar
“molestar” means “to bother” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to bother, to annoy
Also: to irritate, to disturb
📝 In Action
Por favor, no molestes al perro mientras come.
A1Please, don't bother the dog while it eats.
¿Le molesta si abro la ventana?
A2Does it bother you if I open the window?
Me molesta mucho el ruido de la calle.
A2The street noise annoys me a lot.
to hurt, to trouble
Also: to ache
📝 In Action
¿Te molesta la espalda después de hacer ejercicio?
B1Does your back hurt after exercising?
La etiqueta de la camisa me molesta mucho.
A2The shirt tag bothers/irritates me a lot.
El doctor preguntó si algo le molestaba al caminar.
B2The doctor asked if anything troubled him when walking.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "molestar" in Spanish:
to ache→to annoy→to bother→to disturb→to hurt→to irritate→to trouble→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: molestar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'molestar' to describe being annoyed by a loud sound?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb *molestare*, which meant 'to trouble, annoy, or harass.' The meaning has been consistent for centuries, always relating to causing trouble or disturbance.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'molestar' sometimes sound like 'to molest' in English?
While the words share a common Latin root (*molestare*), their meanings have separated. In Spanish, 'molestar' only means 'to bother, annoy, or cause discomfort.' It does NOT carry the serious legal/sexual connotation of the English word 'to molest.' For that meaning, Spanish uses verbs like 'abusar' or 'acosar'.
How do I say 'I am bothered' using 'molestar'?
You use the adjective form: 'Estoy molesto' (if you are male) or 'Estoy molesta' (if you are female). You would NOT say 'Estoy molestando' unless you meant 'I am currently annoying someone else.'