Inklingo

How to Say "exhausted" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “exhausted” is “cansados” — use this for a general feeling of tiredness after a day's work or activity, suitable for most everyday situations.

cansados🔊A1

Use this for a general feeling of tiredness after a day's work or activity, suitable for most everyday situations.

Learn more →
agotado🔊A2

This is a strong and common translation for being completely worn out, both physically and mentally, often from prolonged effort.

Learn more →
exhausto🔊B1

A direct cognate and good option for expressing significant physical or mental fatigue after demanding activity.

Learn more →
aplastado🔊B1

Use this when the exhaustion feels so intense it's like being physically crushed, emphasizing severe physical tiredness.

Learn more →
fundido🔊B1

This implies being completely drained of energy, as if your 'battery' has run out, often after intense work or stress.

Learn more →
molido🔊B1

This conveys being physically worn out, as if your body has been 'ground down', typically after strenuous physical activity.

Learn more →
rendido🔊B1

Indicates a state of surrender to fatigue, meaning you are too tired to continue or function effectively.

Learn more →
llevado🔊B1

This implies being worn out or depleted, often due to sustained effort or a long period of activity.

Learn more →
matado🔊B1

A very informal way to say you are extremely tired, as if the day's activities have 'killed' your energy.

Learn more →
destruida🔊B1

Use this when the exhaustion is so severe it feels like being emotionally or mentally 'destroyed' or devastated, often from trauma or loss.

Learn more →
hecha🔊B2

Often used in the idiom 'hecha polvo', this describes being utterly drained, physically or emotionally, to the point of feeling broken.

Learn more →
pedazos🔊B1

Used in the phrase 'estar hecho pedazos', this describes feeling completely wrecked or falling apart due to extreme exhaustion or distress.

Learn more →
tirado🔊B2

This implies being completely worn out and perhaps unable to move or function, often used after a very long or difficult day.

Learn more →
terminado🔊B2

This is an informal way to say your energy is completely gone, as if you have 'finished' or run out of steam.

Learn more →
muerta🔊A2

Used figuratively to express extreme tiredness, often in a dramatic or humorous way, implying you feel 'dead' from exhaustion.

Learn more →
frito🔊C1

A very informal and colorful expression for being completely exhausted, often after intense physical or mental exertion.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

cansados

kan-SA-doskanˈsaðos

adjectiveA1
Use this for a general feeling of tiredness after a day's work or activity, suitable for most everyday situations.
A small child sleeping soundly on a soft green beanbag chair.

Examples

Mis padres están cansados después de trabajar todo el día.

My parents are tired after working all day.

Los niños llegaron cansados de la excursión.

The children arrived tired from the field trip.

Estamos muy cansados por el viaje.

We are very tired because of the trip.

The '-os' Ending

The 'os' at the end tells you that we are talking about more than one person, and either they are all male or the group is a mix of males and females.

Using 'Estar'

Since being tired is usually a temporary feeling, always use the verb 'estar' (to be) instead of 'ser'.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Somos cansados.”

Correction: Estamos cansados. Use 'estar' because tiredness is a state that changes, not a permanent personality trait.

agotado

ah-goh-TAH-doha.ɣoˈta.ðo

adjectiveA2
This is a strong and common translation for being completely worn out, both physically and mentally, often from prolonged effort.
A cartoon bear cub, clearly tired, slumped over and asleep right after crossing a finish line.

Examples

Llegué a casa después del trabajo y estaba completamente agotado.

I arrived home after work and I was completely exhausted.

Mi madre se siente agotada de tanto cuidar a los niños.

My mother feels worn out from taking care of the children so much.

Hemos agotado todos los intentos de financiación.

We have exhausted all attempts at financing.

Si hubieras agotado tu energía antes, no habrías ganado la carrera.

If you had used up your energy earlier, you wouldn't have won the race.

Adjective Agreement

'Agotado' is an adjective, so it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'agotado' (masc. singular), 'agotada' (fem. singular), 'agotados' (masc. plural), 'agotadas' (fem. plural).

Use in Perfect Tenses

As a past participle, 'agotado' combines with the verb 'haber' (to have) to form perfect tenses, like 'Ha agotado' (He/She/It has used up).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy agotado.”

Correction: Use 'Estoy agotado.' because exhaustion is a temporary state or condition, which requires the verb 'estar'.

exhausto

ex-OWS-toheɡˈsawsto

adjectiveB1
A direct cognate and good option for expressing significant physical or mental fatigue after demanding activity.
A hiker sitting on a large rock with their head resting on their hands and a backpack on the ground.

Examples

Después de trabajar doce horas, me siento exhausto.

After working twelve hours, I feel exhausted.

Los corredores llegaron exhaustos a la meta.

The runners reached the finish line worn out.

Las reservas de petróleo están casi exhaustas.

The oil reserves are almost depleted.

Use with 'estar'

Always use this word with 'estar' because it describes a temporary feeling or state, not a permanent personality trait.

Matching gender

This word changes its ending. Use 'exhausto' for a man, 'exhausta' for a woman, and 'exhaustos' or 'exhaustas' for groups.

Exhausto vs. Cansado

Mistake: “Using 'cansado' when you are actually at 0% energy.”

Correction: Use 'exhausto' when you have no energy left at all. 'Cansado' is just regular 'tired'.

Wrong 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy exhausto.”

Correction: Estoy exhausto. Using 'soy' would imply being exhausted is your permanent identity, which doesn't make sense!

aplastado

ah-plahs-TAH-dohaplasˈtaðo

adjectiveB1informal
Use this when the exhaustion feels so intense it's like being physically crushed, emphasizing severe physical tiredness.
A small person carrying a massive, heavy gray boulder on their back, looking exhausted.

Examples

Después de trabajar doce horas, me siento aplastado.

After working twelve hours, I feel exhausted/crushed.

El equipo volvió aplastado tras la derrota.

The team came back feeling defeated after the loss.

Estoy aplastado por tantas deudas.

I am overwhelmed by so many debts.

Emotional State

When using this for feelings, it almost always follows the verb 'sentirse' (to feel) or 'estar' (to be).

Romantic 'Crush'

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo un aplastado' to mean you have a romantic crush.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'aplastado' is never used for romance. Use 'me gusta' or 'estoy colado por alguien' instead.

fundido

foon-DEE-dohfunˈdiðo

adjectiveB1informal
This implies being completely drained of energy, as if your 'battery' has run out, often after intense work or stress.
A tired person sitting on a plush sofa with their head resting back and eyes closed.

Examples

Después de trabajar doce horas, estoy fundido.

After working twelve hours, I am wiped out.

No puedo salir esta noche, me quedé fundida en el sofá.

I can't go out tonight, I'm completely spent on the sofa.

El entrenamiento de hoy nos dejó fundidos a todos.

Today's training left us all exhausted.

Using with 'Estar'

Always use the verb 'estar' (to be) with this meaning, because exhaustion is a temporary state, not a permanent personality trait.

Fundido vs. Cansado

Mistake: “Using 'fundido' in a formal meeting.”

Correction: Stick to 'cansado' or 'agotado' in formal settings. 'Fundido' is very casual, like saying you're 'fried'.

molido

mo-LEE-dohmoˈliðo

adjectiveB1informal
This conveys being physically worn out, as if your body has been 'ground down', typically after strenuous physical activity.
A tired hiker sitting on a rock with their head resting in their hands and a backpack on the ground.

Examples

Después de correr el maratón, terminé molido.

After running the marathon, I ended up exhausted.

Estoy molida de tanto trabajar en el jardín.

I'm worn out from working so much in the garden.

Me siento molido; creo que me voy a dormir temprano.

I feel beat; I think I'm going to sleep early.

Using 'Estar' for States

Since being exhausted is a temporary state or feeling, always use 'estar' (to be) with 'molido'.

Wrong Verb 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy molido.”

Correction: Estoy molido. Use 'estar' because tiredness is a condition, not a permanent personality trait.

rendido

ren-DEE-dohrenˈdi.ðo

adjectiveB1
Indicates a state of surrender to fatigue, meaning you are too tired to continue or function effectively.
A hiker sitting on a large rock with their head resting in their hands, looking very tired.

Examples

Después de correr diez kilómetros, estoy rendido.

After running ten kilometers, I am exhausted.

Llegó a casa rendido de tanto trabajar.

He arrived home worn out from working so much.

Los niños cayeron rendidos después de la fiesta.

The children collapsed from exhaustion after the party.

Using with 'to be'

Always use 'estar' (temporary state) rather than 'ser' (permanent characteristic) because exhaustion is something you feel right now, not who you are forever.

Matching the Ending

Since this acts like an adjective, remember to change the last letter: 'rendido' for a man, 'rendida' for a woman, and 'rendidos/as' for groups.

The 'Ser' Trap

Mistake: “Soy rendido.”

Correction: Estoy rendido. You are describing a current feeling, so 'estar' is the correct version of 'to be'.

llevado

yeh-VAH-dohʎeˈβa.ðo

adjectiveB1informal
This implies being worn out or depleted, often due to sustained effort or a long period of activity.
A cartoon rabbit lying flat on the ground, sweat dripping from its brow, looking completely worn out.

Examples

Los trabajadores estaban muy llevados después de la jornada extra.

The workers were very worn out/exhausted after the extra shift.

Me siento tan llevado por el estrés de los exámenes.

I feel so worn out by the stress of the exams.

Using 'Estar' for States

This meaning always uses the verb estar because it describes a temporary physical or emotional state: 'Estoy llevado' (I am exhausted).

matado

mah-TAH-dohmaˈtaðo

adjectiveB1very informal
A very informal way to say you are extremely tired, as if the day's activities have 'killed' your energy.
A storybook illustration of a student completely exhausted, slumped over a wooden desk with their eyes closed.

Examples

Llegué a casa matado después del turno de diez horas.

I got home exhausted after the ten-hour shift.

Mi hermana está matada con los exámenes finales; no ha dormido bien.

My sister is worn out from final exams; she hasn't slept well.

Masculine vs. Feminine

Since this is an adjective, make sure it matches the person you are describing: 'Estoy matado' (if male) or 'Estoy matada' (if female).

Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'

Mistake: “Soy matado.”

Correction: Estoy matado. Use 'estar' because exhaustion is a temporary state, not a permanent characteristic.

destruida

des-troo-EE-dahdesˈtɾwiða

adjectiveB1informal
Use this when the exhaustion is so severe it feels like being emotionally or mentally 'destroyed' or devastated, often from trauma or loss.
A sad person sitting on a park bench with their head in their hands, looking very upset.

Examples

Ella quedó destruida después de la ruptura.

She was devastated after the breakup.

Estoy destruida tras correr el maratón.

I'm wiped out after running the marathon.

Describing People

When used for a person, it's almost always feminine in this form ('Ella está destruida'). If you are a woman, you say 'Estoy destruida'.

hecha

AY-chahˈe.tʃa

adjectiveB2informal
Often used in the idiom 'hecha polvo', this describes being utterly drained, physically or emotionally, to the point of feeling broken.
A small, friendly cartoon dog lying completely flat on its back on a grassy field, panting slightly with its eyes closed, appearing completely physically drained.

Examples

Después de correr la maratón, estaba hecha polvo.

After running the marathon, she was absolutely exhausted (made dust).

Tras la noticia, su moral estaba hecha trizas.

After the news, her morale was shattered (made shreds).

Fixed Idioms

These phrases are fixed expressions. You must use 'estar' and ensure 'hecha' agrees with the subject (e.g., 'Yo estoy hecha polvo' if the speaker is female).

pedazos

peh-DAH-sospeˈða.θos

nounB1informal
Used in the phrase 'estar hecho pedazos', this describes feeling completely wrecked or falling apart due to extreme exhaustion or distress.
A simple cartoon figure sitting alone on a wooden bench, hunched over with their head in their hands, conveying deep sadness and emotional distress.

Examples

Después de correr la maratón, estaba hecho pedazos.

After running the marathon, I was totally exhausted/wrecked.

La crítica hizo pedazos su nueva novela.

The review tore her new novel to shreds (destroyed it completely).

Me sentí hecha pedazos cuando se fue.

I felt shattered/broken when he left.

Using 'Hecho'

In the common phrase 'estar hecho pedazos,' notice that 'hecho' (made) must match the gender of the person speaking ('hecho' for masculine, 'hecha' for feminine), even though 'pedazos' is masculine plural.

tirado

tee-RAH-dohtiˈɾa.ðo

adjectiveB2informal
This implies being completely worn out and perhaps unable to move or function, often used after a very long or difficult day.
A cartoon runner slumped over, sweating heavily, looking completely exhausted after finishing an activity.

Examples

Después de trabajar doce horas, llegué a casa tirado.

After working twelve hours, I arrived home exhausted.

Ella estaba tirada de la tristeza por las malas noticias.

She was worn out with sadness because of the bad news.

Figurative Use

This meaning is figurative, meaning you are 'thrown down' by exhaustion. It emphasizes a complete lack of energy.

terminado

ter-mee-NAH-dohteɾ.miˈna.ðo

adjectiveB2informal
This is an informal way to say your energy is completely gone, as if you have 'finished' or run out of steam.
A cartoonish figure lying flat on their back on the ground, completely motionless and wiped out after a long effort.

Examples

Después de trabajar 12 horas, estoy terminado.

After working 12 hours, I'm exhausted.

Este coche está terminado, no creo que arranque.

This car is finished, I don't think it will start.

Las chicas llegaron terminadas del viaje.

The girls arrived worn out from the trip.

Describing a State of Being

Just like when it means 'finished', this meaning uses the verb 'estar' because being exhausted is a temporary state. 'Estoy terminado' (I'm exhausted).

muerta

MWER-tahˈmweɾta

adjectiveA2informal
Used figuratively to express extreme tiredness, often in a dramatic or humorous way, implying you feel 'dead' from exhaustion.
A close-up illustration of a single, completely wilted, brown, and dry flower lying on the earth, symbolizing something that is dead.

Examples

La flor que me regalaste está muerta.

The flower you gave me is dead.

Después de la maratón, llegué a casa muerta.

After the marathon, I got home exhausted.

Se me quedó la pierna muerta después de estar sentada tanto tiempo.

My leg went numb after sitting for so long.

Matches the Noun

As an adjective, 'muerta' must agree with the feminine thing it describes. For a masculine noun, you'd use 'muerto'. Example: 'la planta muerta' (the dead plant), 'el árbol muerto' (the dead tree).

Use with 'Estar', not 'Ser'

To say something is dead, you almost always use the verb 'estar' (e.g., 'La mosca está muerta'). Using 'ser' is very rare and sounds unnatural in most situations.

Past Participle of 'Morir'

'Muerta' is also a special form of the verb 'morir' (to die), called a past participle. This is why it can describe the result of that action, like 'a dead flower' is a flower that has died.

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La flor está muerto.”

Correction: La flor está muerta. Because 'flor' is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also be feminine.

frito

FREE-tohˈfɾito

adjectiveC1very informal
A very informal and colorful expression for being completely exhausted, often after intense physical or mental exertion.
A small, cartoonish figure sitting slumped on the ground with their head resting on their knees, indicating extreme tiredness or exhaustion.

Examples

Después de correr la maratón, estoy completamente frito.

After running the marathon, I am completely exhausted.

Si llegas tarde al aeropuerto, estás frito, pierdes el vuelo.

If you arrive late to the airport, you are done for; you'll miss the flight.

Used with 'Estar'

This figurative meaning almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a temporary state of feeling tired or being in trouble.

agotado

ah-goh-TAH-doha.ɣoˈta.ðo

Past ParticipleB2
This is used when something (like resources or attempts) has been completely used up or consumed.
A cartoon bear cub, clearly tired, slumped over and asleep right after crossing a finish line.

Examples

Hemos agotado todos los intentos de financiación.

We have exhausted all attempts at financing.

Llegué a casa después del trabajo y estaba completamente agotado.

I arrived home after work and I was completely exhausted.

Mi madre se siente agotada de tanto cuidar a los niños.

My mother feels worn out from taking care of the children so much.

Si hubieras agotado tu energía antes, no habrías ganado la carrera.

If you had used up your energy earlier, you wouldn't have won the race.

Adjective Agreement

'Agotado' is an adjective, so it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'agotado' (masc. singular), 'agotada' (fem. singular), 'agotados' (masc. plural), 'agotadas' (fem. plural).

Use in Perfect Tenses

As a past participle, 'agotado' combines with the verb 'haber' (to have) to form perfect tenses, like 'Ha agotado' (He/She/It has used up).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy agotado.”

Correction: Use 'Estoy agotado.' because exhaustion is a temporary state or condition, which requires the verb 'estar'.

General Tiredness vs. Extreme Exhaustion

The most common mistake is using very informal or intense words like 'frito' or 'aplastado' when a simple 'cansado' or 'agotado' would suffice. Pay attention to the CEFR level and context; 'cansado' is your safe bet for general tiredness, while more extreme terms are for specific, severe situations.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.