Inklingo

molesto

moh-LEH-stoh/moˈlesto/

molesto means annoying in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

annoying

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

📝 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

annoyed

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

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: molesto

Question 1 of 2

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

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Latin verb *molestāre*, meaning 'to trouble' or 'to disturb'. This root is related to the idea of a heavy *moles* or 'mass' that is burdensome.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: molestoPortuguese: molesto

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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).