Inklingo

molesto

/moh-LEH-stoh/

annoying

A close-up illustration of a buzzing mosquito flying right next to a person's ear, suggesting irritation.

The buzzing mosquito is annoying (molesto).

molesto(Adjective)

mA2

annoying

?

Describes a thing or situation

Also:

bothersome

?

Describes something that causes trouble

,

irritating

?

Describes a continuous nuisance

📝 In Action

El ruido de la construcción es muy molesto.

A2

The construction noise is very annoying.

Esa luz brillante es molesta para mis ojos.

B1

That bright light is irritating to my eyes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fastidioso (tedious, annoying)
  • irritante (irritating)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un olor molestoan annoying smell
  • una situación molestaa bothersome situation

💡 Grammar Points

Molesto vs. Molestado

When describing a thing, use 'molesto' (the quality). The verb 'molestar' is used to describe the action: 'El ruido me molesta' (The noise annoys me).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Ser

When 'molesto' describes an inherent quality of a thing (it is annoying by nature), always use the verb 'ser': 'Ese perro es molesto' (That dog is [always] annoying).

A storybook illustration of a young child looking visibly annoyed, with their arms crossed tightly and a slight frown.

The child is annoyed (molesto) by something and showing frustration.

molesto(Adjective)

mA2

annoyed

?

Describes a person's feeling

Also:

bothered

?

Feeling inconvenienced

,

upset

?

Slightly cross or irritated

📝 In Action

Estoy molesto porque perdí mis llaves.

A2

I am annoyed because I lost my keys.

¿Estás molesta conmigo? No quise ofenderte.

B1

Are you upset with me? I didn't mean to offend you. (Note: using 'molesta' for a female speaker)

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enojado (angry (stronger feeling))
  • irritado (irritated)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar molesto conto be annoyed with
  • ponerse molestoto get annoyed

💡 Grammar Points

Use with Estar

When describing a person's temporary feeling or state, 'molesto' always pairs with the verb 'estar': 'Ella está molesta' (She is annoyed right now).

Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'molesto' must match the gender and number of the person feeling the emotion (molesta, molestos, molestas).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Ser vs. Estar Error

Mistake: "Soy molesto."

Correction: Estoy molesto. Saying 'Soy molesto' means 'I am an annoying person' (Definition 1), which is different from 'I feel annoyed' (Definition 2).

⭐ Usage Tips

A Mild Feeling

'Molesto' usually describes a mild form of irritation or annoyance, not deep anger. It's often used when someone is slightly inconvenienced.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: molesto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'molesto' to describe a temporary feeling?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'Don't bother me' using a form of this word?

You would use the imperative form of the verb 'molestar': 'No me molestes' (informal tú) or 'No me moleste' (formal usted).

Is 'molesto' a strong word for anger?

No, 'molesto' is usually a mild expression of irritation or inconvenience. For stronger anger, use words like 'enojado' (angry) or 'furioso' (furious).