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How to Say "fed up" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fed up” is “harto” — use 'harto/a' when you are annoyed or frustrated by something specific you've had to endure, often to the point of wanting it to stop..

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harto

AR-toh/ˈaɾ.to/

adjectiveB1
Use 'harto/a' when you are annoyed or frustrated by something specific you've had to endure, often to the point of wanting it to stop.
A colorful storybook illustration of a frustrated child sitting on a stool. The child has crossed arms and a deep frown, clearly showing annoyance.

Examples

Estoy harta de escuchar la misma canción en la radio.

I'm fed up with hearing the same song on the radio.

Mis vecinos están hartos de las fiestas ruidosas.

My neighbors are sick and tired of the noisy parties.

Dile que ya estamos hartos de sus excusas.

Tell him we are tired of his excuses.

Using 'Estar'

This adjective usually pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) because being 'fed up' is a feeling or condition, not a permanent characteristic.

Agreement and Gender

'Harto' changes its ending to match the person or people feeling the emotion: 'harto' (M, singular), 'harta' (F, singular), 'hartos' (M/mixed, plural), 'hartas' (F, plural).

Missing the Preposition

Mistake: “Estoy harto la situación.”

Correction: Estoy harto **de** la situación. (You need 'de'—meaning 'of' or 'with'—to introduce the thing causing the annoyance.)

cansado

cahn-SAH-doh/kanˈsaðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'cansado/a' when you are tired of repeatedly doing or hearing something, implying a sense of exhaustion from the repetition.
A cartoon fox character standing with its arms tightly crossed, rolling its eyes dramatically, showing extreme annoyance and frustration.

Examples

Estoy cansado de que siempre llegues tarde.

I am fed up with you always arriving late.

El público estaba cansado de las promesas vacías del político.

The public was tired of the politician's empty promises.

The Necessary 'De'

When 'cansado' means 'fed up' or 'tired of,' you must place the small word 'de' (of/from) immediately after it, followed by the thing, person, or action causing the fatigue.

Forgetting the Connecting Word

Mistake: “Estoy cansado escuchar esto.”

Correction: Estoy cansado **de** escuchar esto. You need 'de' to link the feeling to the source of annoyance.

aburrido

ah-boo-REE-doh/a.βuˈri.ðo/

adjectiveA1
Use 'aburrido/a' when the feeling of being 'fed up' stems primarily from a lack of stimulation or interesting activity, leading to boredom.
A small child sitting alone at a wooden table, resting their head on their crossed arms with a listless expression, surrounded by colorful but untouched toys.

Examples

Estoy aburrido porque no hay nada que hacer.

I am bored because there is nothing to do.

Mis hermanos están aburridos de esperar el autobús.

My siblings are bored of waiting for the bus.

Ella estaba aburrida con la conversación.

She was bored with the conversation.

Aburrido with ESTAR (State/Emotion)

When 'aburrido' describes a temporary feeling or state—that someone is feeling bored right now—you must use the verb ESTAR: 'Yo estoy aburrido' (I am bored).

Mixing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Using SER when you mean 'to feel bored': 'Soy aburrido.'”

Correction: Use ESTAR for feelings: 'Estoy aburrido.' (Saying 'Soy aburrido' means 'I am a boring person.')

quemado

/keh-MAH-doh//keˈmaðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'quemado/a' to express a deep sense of exhaustion and disillusionment with a prolonged or demanding situation, often implying burnout.
A simple cartoon figure sitting slumped over a small desk, resting their head heavily on their arms, looking utterly exhausted.

Examples

Después de tres meses sin descanso, estoy completamente quemado.

After three months without rest, I am completely burnt out.

Ella está quemada de estudiar la misma materia.

She is fed up with studying the same subject.

Using 'Estar'

This emotional state almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a current feeling or condition, not a permanent characteristic.

Mixing up 'Ser' and 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy quemado.”

Correction: Estoy quemado. Using 'ser' would imply being a 'burnt person' permanently, which doesn't convey the temporary feeling of exhaustion.

Harto vs. Cansado

Learners often confuse 'harto' and 'cansado'. Remember that 'harto' emphasizes annoyance and frustration, while 'cansado' emphasizes being tired from repetition. If you're angry or exasperated, use 'harto'; if you're simply weary of something happening over and over, 'cansado' is often better.

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