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How to Say "agitated" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alterado

/al-te-RAH-doh//alteˈɾaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'alterado' when someone is feeling emotionally unsettled, upset, or worked up, often as a reaction to a situation.
A person with a frustrated expression holding their head with their hands.

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.

nervioso

/nair-vee-OH-soh//neɾˈβjoso/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'nervioso' when the agitation is a physical manifestation of anxiety or restlessness, often related to anticipation or stress.
A simplified illustration of a small rabbit looking anxious, nervously rubbing its paws together.

Examples

Estoy nervioso por la entrevista de trabajo de mañana.

I am nervous about the job interview tomorrow.

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.

atacado

/ah-tah-KAH-doh//ataˈkaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'atacado' to describe someone who is particularly worked up or stressed, often implying a more intense or focused state of agitation due to a specific cause.
A small, overwhelmed character buried under a giant, tangled ball of brightly colored string, symbolizing overwhelming worry.

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.

Nervioso vs. Alterado

Learners often confuse 'nervioso' and 'alterado'. Remember that 'nervioso' focuses more on physical restlessness and general anxiety, while 'alterado' describes a state of being emotionally upset or worked up due to a specific event or situation.

Related Translations

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