Inklingo

How to Say "burnt out" in Spanish

English → Spanish

quemado

keh-MAH-dohkeˈmaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use this when referring to mental or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, overwork, or difficult experiences.
A simple cartoon figure sitting slumped over a small desk, resting their head heavily on their arms, looking utterly exhausted.

Examples

Después de la pandemia, muchos trabajadores se sintieron quemados.

After the pandemic, many workers felt burnt out.

Después de tres meses sin descanso, estoy completamente quemado.

After three months without rest, I am completely burnt out.

Ella está quemada de estudiar la misma materia.

She is fed up with studying the same subject.

Using 'Estar'

This emotional state almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a current feeling or condition, not a permanent characteristic.

Mixing up 'Ser' and 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy quemado.”

Correction: Estoy quemado. Using 'ser' would imply being a 'burnt person' permanently, which doesn't convey the temporary feeling of exhaustion.

fundido

foon-DEE-dohfunˈdiðo

adjectiveA2technical
This term is typically used for electrical components or lightbulbs that have stopped working due to overheating or overuse, not for mental states.
A slice of golden yellow cheese melting over the edge of a piece of bread.

Examples

La bombilla se ha fundido otra vez.

The lightbulb has burnt out again.

Me encanta el pan con queso fundido.

I love bread with melted cheese.

Tengo que cambiar la bombilla porque está fundida.

I have to change the lightbulb because it is burnt out.

La estatua está hecha de hierro fundido.

The statue is made of cast iron.

Matching the Noun

Since this acts as a description word, it must match what it describes. Use 'fundido' for masculine items (el queso) and 'fundida' for feminine items (la bombilla).

The 'Result' Word

This word is a 'past participle' (the -ed form of a verb). We use it with the word 'está' (is) to describe the state of something after an action has happened.

Melted vs. Burnt out

Mistake: “Using 'quemado' for a lightbulb.”

Correction: Say 'La bombilla está fundida'. In Spanish, we use 'fundido' for electrical failures involving a broken connection, whereas 'quemado' usually implies fire or charring.

tostado

tos-TAH-dohtosˈtaðo

adjectiveC1informal
This informal term can describe someone who is acting erratically or speaking nonsensically, often implying they are mentally exhausted or slightly crazy.
A person wearing mismatched shoes and a colander as a hat while juggling colorful balls.

Examples

Creo que el calor lo ha dejado un poco tostado.

I think the heat has left him a bit burnt out/crazy.

Ese tío está un poco tostado, dice cosas sin sentido.

That guy is a bit crazy; he says things that don't make sense.

Después de estudiar diez horas, tengo el cerebro tostado.

After studying for ten hours, my brain is fried/burnt out.

Mira sus ojos, parece que va un poco tostado.

Look at his eyes; he looks a bit stoned.

Confusing Mental Burnout with Electrical Failure

The most common mistake is using 'fundido' for mental exhaustion. Remember, 'fundido' applies to objects like lightbulbs, while 'quemado' is the standard term for feeling mentally or emotionally burnt out from stress or work.

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