Inklingo

How to Say "distress" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “distress” is “angustia” — use 'angustia' when referring to a deep, often suffocating feeling of worry, suffering, or anxiety, especially when it's intense and overwhelming..

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angustia

/ahn-GOOS-tyah//anˈɡustja/

nounB2general
Use 'angustia' when referring to a deep, often suffocating feeling of worry, suffering, or anxiety, especially when it's intense and overwhelming.
A person sitting alone on a small hill with their head in their hands, looking very sad and overwhelmed.

Examples

Sentí una gran angustia cuando no encontraba mis llaves.

I felt a great sense of distress when I couldn't find my keys.

Su rostro reflejaba la angustia por la noticia.

His face reflected the anguish caused by the news.

Gender and Articles

Even though it ends in 'a', this is a feminine noun. Use 'la angustia' or 'una angustia' when talking about it.

Feeling vs. Being

Mistake: “Estoy angustia.”

Correction: Say 'Tengo angustia' (I have anguish) or 'Estoy angustiado' (I am distressed). In Spanish, you often 'have' feelings rather than 'being' them.

preocupación

nounA2general
Choose 'preocupación' for a more general but still significant feeling of worry or concern about something, often related to future events or the well-being of others.

Examples

Siento mucha preocupación por el futuro de mis hijos.

I feel a lot of worry about the future of my children.

sufrimiento

soo-free-mee-EN-toh/su.fɾiˈmjen.to/

nounB1general
Use 'sufrimiento' to describe a more profound and prolonged state of pain, unhappiness, or hardship, often resulting from loss or difficult circumstances.
A small, simple human figure crouched down, visibly struggling under the weight of a single, large, heavy, dark gray rock resting on their back.

Examples

El sufrimiento por la pérdida de su mascota fue inmenso.

The suffering over the loss of his pet was immense.

Dicen que el sufrimiento nos hace más fuertes.

They say that hardship makes us stronger.

Hay que evitar el sufrimiento innecesario en la vida.

One must avoid unnecessary suffering in life.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', which is common for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine articles and adjectives: el sufrimiento, mucho sufrimiento.

Sufrimiento vs. Dolor

Mistake: “Using *sufrimiento* when referring strictly to a specific physical ache (e.g., 'Tengo sufrimiento en la rodilla').”

Correction: Use *dolor* for specific physical aches ('Tengo dolor en la rodilla'). *Sufrimiento* suggests a deeper, often prolonged emotional or existential distress, though it can include physical pain.

ansiedad

ahn-syay-DAHD/ansjeˈðað/

nounB1general
Opt for 'ansiedad' when the distress is specifically related to psychological anguish, nervousness, or unease, particularly in social situations or when anticipating something.
A small child sitting on the floor, hugging their knees tightly, with a worried or distressed expression. A small, dark gray cloud hovers directly above the child's head.

Examples

Sufre de mucha ansiedad social cuando tiene que hablar en público.

She suffers from a lot of social anxiety when she has to speak in public.

El médico le recomendó ejercicios de respiración para controlar la ansiedad.

The doctor recommended breathing exercises to control the anxiety.

Sentía una ansiedad terrible antes de los exámenes finales.

He felt terrible worry before the final exams.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'ansiedad' is always a feminine word, so you must use 'la' before it (la ansiedad) and feminine adjectives after it (ansiedad profunda).

False Cognate Alert

Mistake: “Using 'ansiedad' to mean 'annoyance' or 'anger.'”

Correction: Ansiedad refers specifically to worry or eagerness, not irritation. Use 'molestia' or 'rabia' for annoyance/anger.

Distinguishing Intense Worry from General Concern

Learners often confuse 'angustia' and 'preocupación'. Remember that 'angustia' implies a more intense, overwhelming feeling of distress, like a knot in your stomach, while 'preocupación' is a more common, general worry.

Related Translations

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