Inklingo

How to Say "interfering" in Spanish

English → Spanish

metido

meh-TEE-doh/meˈtiðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'metido' when describing someone as habitually nosy, meddlesome, or someone who 'gets into' things they shouldn't.
A cartoon character with a curious and slightly mischievous expression stealthily peeking over a tall wooden fence, trying to eavesdrop on a secret.

Examples

Mi vecino es muy metido y siempre se entera de todo lo que pasa.

My neighbor is very nosy and always finds out everything that happens.

Odio a la vecina, es muy metida y siempre pregunta todo.

I hate the neighbor, she is very nosy and always asks about everything.

No seas metido y déjanos hablar en privado.

Don't be interfering and let us talk privately.

Permanent Trait

When 'metido' describes a personality trait (nosy, interfering), you use the verb 'ser' ('Ella es metida'), because this is seen as a characteristic of the person.

metiendo

meh-tee-EN-doh/meˈtjen.do/

gerundB1informal
Use 'metiendo' (as part of a reflexive verb like 'meterse') to describe the action of meddling or getting involved in something right now, often implying getting into trouble.
A person stepping across a visible boundary line to join a small, focused group of people collaborating on a project.

Examples

Deja de meterte en mis asuntos, por favor.

Stop meddling in my business, please.

Mi hermano siempre está metiéndose en líos.

My brother is always getting into trouble.

Ella no quiere que estemos metiendo las narices en su vida.

She doesn't want us interfering in her life (literally: 'putting our noses').

The 'Se' Form

When 'meter' means 'to get involved,' it usually needs 'se' attached (meterse). The gerund becomes 'metiéndose' or 'se está metiendo'.

Mixing up 'meter' and 'poner'

Mistake: “Using 'poniendo la llave' instead of 'metiendo la llave'.”

Correction: 'Poner' means 'to place on top of,' while 'meter' means 'to insert into' or 'to put inside.' Use 'metiendo' for insertion.

Adjective vs. Gerund

Learners often confuse 'metido' (adjective describing a person) with 'metiendo' (gerund describing an action). Remember that 'metido' characterizes someone, while 'metiendo' describes the act of interfering as it happens.

Related Translations

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