molestias
/mo-LES-tyas/
trouble
Molestias can refer to the extra trouble or effort caused by a difficult task.
molestias(noun)
trouble
?causing someone extra work or effort
,inconvenience
?problems caused by a situation
bother
?minor annoyances
,nuisance
?something that causes irritation
📝 In Action
Siento mucho las molestias.
A2I am very sorry for the trouble.
Perdone las molestias, estamos en obras.
B1Sorry for the inconvenience, we are doing construction work.
No quiero causarte más molestias.
B1I don't want to cause you any more bother.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
This word is always feminine and usually used in the plural form when apologizing or talking about general trouble.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not always 'molest'
Mistake: "Thinking 'molestias' refers to serious crimes."
Correction: In Spanish, this word is much lighter. It usually just means a small bother or a technical problem.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Perfect Apology
Use 'Perdón por las molestias' whenever you interrupt someone or if your work is causing a delay for others. It sounds very polite.
Molestias also describes physical discomfort or slight pain.
molestias(noun)
discomfort
?physical feeling of slight pain
,aches
?mild physical pain
ailments
?minor health issues
📝 In Action
Tengo algunas molestias en la espalda.
B1I have some discomfort in my back.
¿Siente molestias al tragar?
B2Do you feel discomfort when swallowing?
💡 Grammar Points
Plural for General Feeling
Even if you have one specific ache, it's very common to use the plural 'molestias' to describe a general feeling of being unwell.
⭐ Usage Tips
At the Doctor
If you are at the hospital and the pain isn't 'sharp' (dolor), use 'molestias' to describe that nagging, uncomfortable feeling.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: molestias
Question 1 of 2
If you are fixing your house and making noise for the neighbors, what should you say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'molestias' mean the same as the English word 'molest'?
Not exactly. While they share an origin, 'molestias' is much milder in Spanish. It usually means 'trouble,' 'nuisance,' or 'aches.' The English word 'molest' has much more serious and criminal connotations that the Spanish word usually does not have.
Why is it usually plural?
In Spanish, many words that describe abstract feelings or states (like 'gracias' or 'felicidades') are often used in the plural. 'Molestias' follows this pattern when referring to the general 'trouble' someone experiences.