How to Say "agitated" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “agitated” is “nervioso” — use 'nervioso' when referring to a general feeling of unease or physical restlessness, often before an event like an interview or exam.
nervioso
nair-vee-OH-sohneɾˈβjoso
Examples
Estoy nervioso por la entrevista de trabajo de mañana.
I am nervous about tomorrow's job interview.
Mi hermana está muy nerviosa antes de subir al escenario.
My sister is very anxious before going up on stage.
No te pongas nervioso; todo va a salir bien.
Don't get nervous; everything is going to turn out well.
Agreement is Key
Since 'nervioso' is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person or thing you are describing. Use '-a' for feminine words (nerviosa), and '-os' or '-as' for plurals (nerviosos, nerviosas).
Use 'Estar' for Feelings
To express feeling nervous, always use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary emotional state, not a permanent characteristic.
Using 'Ser'
Mistake: “Soy nervioso.”
Correction: Estoy nervioso.
alterado
al-te-RAH-dohalteˈɾaðo
Examples
Cálmate un poco, te veo muy alterado.
Calm down a bit, you look very upset.
El cliente se puso alterado porque el vuelo se canceló.
The customer became agitated because the flight was canceled.
Using 'estar' vs 'ser'
Use 'estar' with this word to describe a temporary mood or state of mind. Using 'ser' is very rare and would imply the person is permanently 'changed'.
Not a False Friend for 'Alternative'
Mistake: “Using 'alterado' to mean 'an alternative option'.”
Correction: Use 'alternativo' for options. 'Alterado' always means something has been changed or someone is upset.
agitado
ah-hee-TAH-dohaxiˈtaðo
Examples
Llegó agitado después de subir las escaleras.
He arrived out of breath after climbing the stairs.
Su respiración era agitada y superficial.
Her breathing was heavy and shallow.
El paciente se mostraba agitado y confuso.
The patient appeared agitated and confused.
Describing People
When 'agitado' describes a person, it usually refers to their physical breathing or a state of nervousness.
Don't use for 'Angry'
Mistake: “Él está agitado conmigo.”
Correction: Él está enfadado conmigo. 'Agitado' is more about restlessness than anger.
atacado
ah-tah-KAH-dohataˈkaðo
Examples
No la molestes, está atacada con el examen de mañana.
Don't bother her, she is stressed out about tomorrow's exam.
Después de la noticia, me quedé totalmente atacado de los nervios.
After the news, I became a total nervous wreck.
Use with ESTAR
When 'atacado' means 'stressed' or 'agitated,' it almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a temporary emotional state.
excitado
eks-see-TAH-doheksiˈtaðo
Examples
El paciente llegó al hospital muy excitado y agresivo.
The patient arrived at the hospital very agitated and aggressive.
Un átomo excitado tiene más energía de la normal.
An excited atom has more energy than normal.
El sistema nervioso está demasiado excitado por la cafeína.
The nervous system is too over-stimulated by caffeine.
Formal Contexts
In medical or scientific writing, this word is safe to use and doesn't carry the sexual meaning it has in casual conversation.
Distinguishing Nervousness from Upset
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.