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How to Say "impatient" in Spanish

English → Spanish

impaciente

/eem-pah-syen-teh//im.paˈθjen.te/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'impaciente' when someone lacks patience or tolerance, often becoming frustrated when they have to wait.
A person standing by a closed door, tapping their foot and looking at their empty wrist with a frustrated expression.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy impaciente; nunca puede esperar cinco minutos.

My brother is very impatient; he can never wait five minutes.

Estoy impaciente por empezar mis vacaciones.

I am eager to start my vacation.

La multitud se puso impaciente cuando el concierto se retrasó.

The crowd grew impatient when the concert was delayed.

One word for everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for 'él' (him), 'ella' (her), or 'usted' (you) without changing the ending.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally an impatient person, and 'estar' if they are just feeling impatient right now.

Avoid 'impacienta'

Mistake: “Ella es impacienta.”

Correction: Say 'Ella es impaciente.' The word never ends in 'a' or 'o'.

ansioso

/ahn-SYOH-soh//anˈsjo.so/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ansioso' when the feeling of impatience is tied to excitement and eagerness for something good to happen soon.
A puppy sitting excitedly by a closed red door, leaning forward with its tail wagging vigorously, clearly eager to go outside.

Examples

Estoy ansioso por empezar mis vacaciones en la playa.

I am eager to start my beach vacation.

Los niños estaban ansiosos de abrir sus regalos.

The children were keen (or impatient) to open their presents.

Positive Anticipation

When 'ansioso' means 'eager,' it often describes a positive or exciting feeling, even though the root word 'ansiedad' (anxiety) is usually negative.

Impaciente vs. Ansioso

The most common mistake is using 'impaciente' when you actually mean 'ansioso'. Remember, 'impaciente' implies frustration or annoyance at waiting, while 'ansioso' implies excited anticipation.

Related Translations

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