Inklingo

How to Say "insufferable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

insoportable

een-soh-por-TAH-blehin.so.poɾˈta.βle

adjectiveC1general
Use this word when referring to extreme physical discomfort, pain, or difficult environmental conditions.
A character is visibly struggling and sweating profusely under an enormous, blazing yellow sun, depicting unbearable heat.

Examples

El calor del verano en Sevilla es insoportable.

The summer heat in Seville is unbearable.

El dolor de cabeza era insoportable, tuve que tomar una pastilla.

The headache was unbearable; I had to take a pill.

La humedad del verano hace que el clima sea insoportable.

The summer humidity makes the weather intolerable.

intolerable

een-toh-leh-rah-blehintoleˈɾable

adjectiveB1general
This word is best used to describe a person's behavior, attitude, or a situation that is offensive or unacceptable.
A small figure struggling to carry an impossibly large, heavy sack on their back.

Examples

Su actitud arrogante es intolerable.

His arrogant attitude is intolerable.

El ruido de la construcción es intolerable.

The construction noise is unbearable.

Tienen unas condiciones de trabajo intolerables.

They have intolerable working conditions.

Su falta de respeto es simplemente intolerable.

His lack of respect is simply insufferable.

One Form for All

This word ends in 'e', which means it stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (like 'el calor') or a feminine noun (like 'la situación').

Placement for Emphasis

Like most adjectives in Spanish, it usually goes after the noun it describes. Placing it there makes your sentence sound natural.

The 'A' Trap

Mistake:La situación es intolerabla.

Correction: La situación es intolerable. Even though 'situación' is feminine, words ending in 'e' don't change to 'a'.

Intolerable vs. Intolerante

Mistake:Él es un hombre intolerable.

Correction: Usually, we say 'él es intolerante' if he doesn't accept others' opinions. 'Intolerable' describes the behavior or the person's presence if it is impossible to bear.

Physical vs. Behavioral Unbearableness

Learners often confuse 'insoportable' and 'intolerable' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'insoportable' is more common for physical sensations or conditions, while 'intolerable' is preferred for negative personal conduct or situations.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.