How to Say "intolerable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “intolerable” is “insoportable” — use 'insoportable' for situations, conditions, or physical discomfort that are extremely difficult or impossible to bear.
insoportable
een-soh-por-TAH-blehin.so.poɾˈta.βle
Examples
El calor en la ciudad durante el verano es insoportable.
The heat in the city during the summer 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
Examples
Sus comentarios racistas fueron intolerables y provocaron su despido.
His racist comments were intolerable and led to his dismissal.
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.
Choosing Between 'Insoportable' and 'Intolerable'
Related Translations
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