Inklingo

How to Say "concern" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “concern” is “preocupación” — use this for a specific issue, topic, or problem that is causing worry or is a priority..

English → Spanish

preocupación

nounB1general
Use this for a specific issue, topic, or problem that is causing worry or is a priority.

Examples

La seguridad de los datos es nuestra principal preocupación.

Data security is our main concern (or priority).

interés

nounA1general
Use this when 'concern' means something matters to you or you are interested in it.

Examples

¿Tienes interés en aprender a bailar salsa?

Do you have any interest in learning to dance salsa?

importan

/eem-por-TAHN//im.poɾˈtan/

verbA1general
Use this when 'concern' means something affects you or is important to you (as a verb, 'they matter').
A single, small, bright red glowing pebble resting prominently on a simple wooden pedestal, surrounded by many dull gray pebbles on the ground, symbolizing significance.

Examples

Los pequeños detalles siempre importan.

The small details always matter.

Para mí, sus palabras no me importan en absoluto.

For me, their words don't matter at all.

The 'Gustar' Structure

When using 'importar' to mean 'to matter,' the item that matters is the grammatical subject. Since 'importan' is plural, the thing(s) that matter must be plural: 'Los regalos (subject) importan (verb) a ella (indirect object).'

Directly Addressing People

This form 'importan' is used when speaking formally (Ustedes) or about a group of people (Ellos/Ellas) in the present tense: 'Ustedes importan la paz.' (You all value peace.)

Confusing the Subject

Mistake: “Yo importan la opinión. (I matter the opinion.)”

Correction: La opinión me importa. (The opinion matters to me.) Remember, the thing that matters is the subject, and the person affected is the object (me/te/le/nos/os/les).

alarma

ah-LAHR-mah/aˈlaɾma/

nounB1general
Use this for general worry, alarm, or a sense of unease spreading through a group or society.
A cartoon drawing of a young child looking very scared, with wide eyes and their hands held up near their chest.

Examples

La caída de la bolsa causó una gran alarma social.

The stock market crash caused great social alarm (worry).

El doctor dijo que no había motivo para la alarma.

The doctor said there was no cause for alarm.

Trató de no mostrar alarma ante la situación.

He tried not to show panic (alarm) given the situation.

Using 'Causar'

When talking about an event creating this feeling, use the verb 'causar' (to cause): 'El ruido causó alarma entre los vecinos'.

asunto

/ah-SOON-toh//aˈsunto/

nounB1general
Use this for a matter, issue, or topic that needs attention or resolution, often personal.
A focused character carrying a massive, towering stack of colorful folders marked with simple abstract symbols, representing pending business or matters to resolve.

Examples

Tengo que resolver un asunto personal esta tarde.

I have to take care of a personal matter this afternoon.

La falta de agua es un asunto muy grave en esta región.

The lack of water is a very serious issue in this region.

No te metas en mis asuntos.

Don't meddle in my business/affairs.

Confusing with 'Negocio'

Mistake: “Using 'negocio' for any kind of 'business' you have to do. 'Negocio' is almost always about commerce or a company.”

Correction: If you mean a personal task or issue, use 'asunto'. Say 'Tengo un asunto importante' (I have an important matter), not 'Tengo un negocio importante' unless you're talking about a business deal.

incumbencia

/een-koom-BEN-syah//iŋkumˈbenθja/

nounB2formal
Use this specifically when 'concern' refers to something that is your responsibility or business.
A gardener carefully watering a small, vibrant green plant in a pot.

Examples

Ese asunto no es de mi incumbencia.

That matter is none of my concern.

La educación de los hijos es incumbencia de los padres.

The education of children is the parents' responsibility.

Eso queda fuera de tu incumbencia profesional.

That falls outside of your professional duties.

Using 'de' for Belonging

This word is almost always used with the word 'de' (of) to show who the responsibility belongs to, like 'es de mi incumbencia' (it is of my concern).

Don't use 'negocio' for 'business'

Mistake: “Using 'no es mi negocio' to say 'it's none of my business.'”

Correction: Say 'no es de mi incumbencia' or 'no es asunto mío'. 'Negocio' usually refers to a shop or a commercial deal.

Noun vs. Verb Usage

Learners often confuse the noun 'preocupación' (worry) with the verb 'importar' (to matter/affect). Remember that 'preocupación' is a thing causing worry, while 'importar' describes how something affects you.

Related Translations

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