molestarte
/mo-les-TAR-teh/
to bother you
Molestarte (to bother you) depicts one person or thing actively annoying another.
molestarte(Verb)
to bother you
?Transitive action: causing annoyance to 'tú'
,to disturb you
?Interrupting someone
to inconvenience you
?Formal apologies
📝 In Action
Solo quería llamarte para saber si te iba a molestarte.
A2I just wanted to call you to see if it was going to bother you.
No quiero molestarte con mis problemas ahora.
A2I don't want to bother you with my problems right now.
Debo molestarte por un minuto para hacerte una pregunta.
B1I must bother you for a minute to ask you a question.
💡 Grammar Points
Infinitive + Object Pronoun
The word 'molestarte' is the base verb 'molestar' with the object pronoun 'te' (meaning 'you') attached to the end. This happens when the verb is in its infinitive form (the '-ar' base form) and follows another verb like 'querer' or 'poder'.
Placement Flexibility
You can usually place the 'te' either attached to the infinitive (molestarte) or before the main verb controlling it (Te quiero molestar). Both are correct and common.
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Apologies
Use this word when you need to apologize for interrupting someone: 'Perdón por molestarte.' (Sorry for bothering you.)
Molestarte can also mean to get annoyed, describing the internal feeling of irritation.
molestarte(Verb)
to get annoyed
?For 'you' (tú) to feel bothered internally
,to take offense
?Becoming insulted
to put yourself out
?When doing something inconvenient for someone else's sake
📝 In Action
No tienes por qué molestarte por un comentario tan tonto.
B1You don't have to get annoyed by such a silly comment.
No debes molestarte en limpiar, ya lo hice yo.
B2You shouldn't bother cleaning (put yourself out), I already did it.
Es fácil molestarte cuando estás cansado.
B1It's easy for you to get annoyed when you are tired.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Meaning
When 'molestar' is used with the reflexive pronoun ('molestarse'), it describes an internal reaction. You are the one both performing and receiving the annoyance—you are getting annoyed or taking offense.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Action vs. Feeling
Mistake: "Using 'Voy a molestar' when you mean 'Voy a molestarme'."
Correction: 'Voy a molestar' means 'I am going to bother someone else'. 'Voy a molestarme' (or 'Voy a molestarme') means 'I am going to get annoyed' or 'I am going to put myself out'. Remember the attached 'te' means the action bounces back onto you.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: molestarte
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'molestarte' to mean 'to take offense' (reflexive)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'te' attached to the end of the verb?
The 'te' is attached because the verb is in its infinitive form (the base form, 'molestar'). When an infinitive follows another conjugated verb (like 'quiero' or 'voy a'), the object pronoun can either be attached to the end or placed before the first verb.
Is 'molestarte' always used informally (with 'tú')?
Yes. The 'te' specifically refers to the informal 'you' (tú). If you were speaking formally, you would use 'molestarle' (to bother him/her/you formal) or 'molestarse' (to get annoyed/you formal).