How to Say "demanding" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “demanding” is “exigente” — use 'exigente' when describing someone who has high standards and expects a lot of quality or effort, particularly in tasks or performance.
exigente
ek-see-HEN-teeksiˈxente
Examples
Mi profesor de matemáticas es muy exigente con la tarea.
My math teacher is very demanding with the homework.
Ser un atleta profesional es una carrera muy exigente.
Being a professional athlete is a very demanding career.
No seas tan exigente contigo mismo; lo hiciste bien.
Don't be so tough on yourself; you did well.
One Form for All
This word is 'gender-neutral.' It ends in -e, so it stays exactly the same whether you are describing a man (un hombre exigente) or a woman (una mujer exigente).
Using 'Con'
When you want to say who or what someone is demanding towards, use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Soy exigente con mi perro' (I am demanding with my dog).
The 'O' Trap
Mistake: “El jefe es exigento.”
Correction: El jefe es exigente. Even though 'jefe' is masculine, the adjective 'exigente' never ends in 'o'.
Confusing with 'Demandante'
Mistake: “Es una persona muy demandante.”
Correction: Es una persona muy exigente. While 'demandante' exists, it usually refers to a 'plaintiff' in a lawsuit. Use 'exigente' for personality.
demandante
deh-mahn-DAHN-tehðemanˈdante
Examples
Tengo un jefe muy demandante que siempre quiere todo para ayer.
I have a very demanding boss who always wants everything by yesterday.
Ser padre es un trabajo demandante pero gratificante.
Being a parent is a demanding but rewarding job.
El entrenamiento para el maratón fue extremadamente demandante.
The marathon training was extremely taxing.
One Form for All
This adjective ends in '-e,' which means it stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman (el jefe demandante / la jefa demandante).
Don't use 'demandoso'
Mistake: “Mi trabajo es muy demandoso.”
Correction: Mi trabajo es muy demandante.
difícil
dee-FEE-seel (Remember the stress is on the second 'i'!)diˈfi.sil
Examples
Es un niño muy difícil en la escuela; siempre quiere salirse con la suya.
He is a very difficult child at school; he always wants to get his own way.
La negociación fue difícil porque ninguna parte quería ceder.
The negotiation was tricky because neither side wanted to give in.
Describing People
When describing a permanent personality trait, you use the verb ser: 'Ella es difícil' (She is a difficult person).
Exigente vs. Demandante
Related Translations
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