Inklingo
← Dictionary

molestia

/moh-LEHS-tee-ah/

inconvenience

A cartoon character, frustrated, standing in front of a small, unexpected obstacle blocking a clear path.

When something causes trouble or a minor hindrance, it is an inconvenience (molestia).

molestia(Noun)

fA2

inconvenience

?

when something causes trouble

,

bother

?

annoyance or trouble caused

Also:

annoyance

?

a feeling of being irritated

,

trouble

?

a difficulty or effort required

📝 In Action

Disculpe la molestia, pero ¿me podría ayudar con esta caja?

A2

Excuse the inconvenience, but could you help me with this box?

La constante música alta de los vecinos es una gran molestia.

B1

The constant loud music from the neighbors is a great annoyance.

Tomarse la molestia de llamarme fue muy amable de tu parte.

B2

Taking the trouble (or bother) to call me was very kind of you.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inconveniente (inconvenience)
  • fastidio (bother/nuisance)

Antonyms

  • ayuda (help)
  • comodidad (comfort)

Common Collocations

  • disculpar la molestia – to apologize for the inconvenience
  • tomarse la molestia – to take the trouble/bother

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Molestia' in Apologies

When apologizing for something you did that caused trouble, use the plural form: 'Siento mucho las molestias' (I am very sorry for the inconveniences/trouble).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Molestia' and 'Molestación'

Mistake: "Using 'molestación' when you mean 'inconvenience'."

Correction: While 'molestación' exists, it usually refers to sexual harassment or serious badgering. For general trouble or annoyance, always use 'molestia'.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Tomarse' Construction

The phrase 'tomarse la molestia' is a polite way to thank someone for going out of their way to help you, literally meaning 'to take the trouble' to do something.

A child sitting uncomfortably on a bench, frowning and shifting due to a small object causing physical unease.

A physical feeling of unease or slight pain is discomfort (molestia).

molestia(Noun)

fB2

discomfort

?

physical feeling of unease or slight pain

Also:

ache

?

a persistent, dull pain

,

soreness

?

mild pain, often muscular

📝 In Action

Después de correr, sentí una pequeña molestia en el tobillo.

B2

After running, I felt a slight discomfort in my ankle.

Si la molestia persiste, debe consultar a un médico.

C1

If the discomfort persists, you should consult a doctor.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dolor leve (slight pain)
  • malestar (unease/malaise)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tener una molestia – to have a discomfort/ache
  • causar molestias – to cause discomfort

💡 Grammar Points

Describing Physical Feelings

Use the verb 'sentir' (to feel) or 'tener' (to have) when talking about physical 'molestia': 'Siento una molestia' or 'Tengo una molestia'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Mildness of Pain

'Molestia' refers to something minor or irritating. If the pain is severe, use 'dolor' (pain).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: molestia

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly uses 'molestia' when asking someone to do something for you?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'molestia' the same as 'disculpa'?

No. 'Disculpa' means 'apology' or 'excuse.' 'Molestia' means 'inconvenience' or 'bother.' You use them together in polite phrases like 'Disculpe la molestia' (Excuse the inconvenience).

How do I say 'Don't bother' using the word family of 'molestia'?

You would use the related verb 'molestar' and say, 'No te molestes' (Don't bother yourself/Don't take the trouble).