Inklingo

How to Say "discomfort" in Spanish

English → Spanish

malestar

mah-les-TAHRmalesˈtaɾ

nounA2general
Use 'malestar' to describe a general feeling of being unwell, sick, or uneasy, often without a precise cause.
A person sitting on a sofa with a blanket, holding a warm mug and looking slightly tired with a thermometer nearby.

Examples

Siento un malestar general por la gripe.

I feel a general discomfort because of the flu.

El paciente describió un leve malestar en el estómago.

The patient described a slight discomfort in their stomach.

A pesar de su malestar físico, fue a la fiesta.

Despite her physical discomfort, she went to the party.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-ar', it's a noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

One word, not two

In Spanish, this is written as a single word 'malestar'. Don't separate it into 'mal' and 'estar' when you mean the feeling of discomfort.

Don't say 'estoy malestar'

Mistake: “Estoy malestar.”

Correction: Siento malestar or Tengo malestar.

molestia

moh-LEHS-tee-ahmoˈlestja

nounB2general
Use 'molestia' to refer to a specific, often minor, physical pain, ache, or irritation in a particular part of the body.
A child sitting uncomfortably on a bench, frowning and shifting due to a small object causing physical unease.

Examples

Después de correr, sentí una pequeña molestia en el tobillo.

After running, I felt a slight discomfort in my ankle.

Si la molestia persiste, debe consultar a un médico.

If the discomfort persists, you should consult a doctor.

Describing Physical Feelings

Use the verb 'sentir' (to feel) or 'tener' (to have) when talking about physical 'molestia': 'Siento una molestia' or 'Tengo una molestia'.

General vs. Specific Discomfort

Learners often confuse 'malestar' and 'molestia' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'malestar' is for a vague, overall feeling of being unwell, while 'molestia' points to a specific ache or irritation in one spot.

Related Translations

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