Inklingo

How to Say "irritated" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “irritated” is “irritado” — use 'irritado' when referring to physical irritation of the skin, eyes, or other body parts, often due to external factors like allergens or friction.

English → Spanish

irritado

ee-rree-TAH-dohiriˈtaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'irritado' when referring to physical irritation of the skin, eyes, or other body parts, often due to external factors like allergens or friction.
A close-up illustration of a person's red, inflamed elbow skin.

Examples

Tengo la garganta irritada por la tos.

I have an irritated throat from coughing.

Tengo los ojos irritados por el cloro de la piscina.

My eyes are irritated because of the chlorine in the pool.

Su piel está muy irritada después de estar al sol.

Her skin is very sore after being in the sun.

Si tienes el brazo irritado, no te rasques.

If your arm is irritated, don't scratch.

Using 'Estar' for States

Since physical irritation is usually temporary, always use the verb 'estar' (to be) instead of 'ser'.

Matching the Noun

The ending of the word changes to match what is irritated: 'el ojo irritado' (male), 'la piel irritada' (female), 'los ojos irritados' (plural).

The 'Ser' Trap

Mistake: “Soy irritado.”

Correction: Estoy irritado. Use 'estar' because physical irritation isn't a permanent personality trait.

molestado

mo-les-TAH-dohmolesˈtaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'molestado' when describing someone's mood or general feeling of being bothered, annoyed, or disturbed by something.
A person sitting at a desk with a frustrated expression, trying to read a book while a single mosquito buzzes persistently near their ear.

Examples

El ruido constante me tiene muy molestado.

The constant noise has me very bothered.

La audiencia se sintió molestada por la interrupción.

The audience felt bothered by the interruption.

Un hombre molestado por el ruido llamó a la policía.

A man disturbed by the noise called the police.

Gender and Number Agreement

When 'molestado' is used as an adjective, it must match the person or thing it describes: 'molestada' (f.), 'molestados' (m. pl.), 'molestadas' (f. pl.).

Confusing Adjectives

Mistake: “Using 'molesto' when you mean 'molestado'.”

Correction: While 'molesto' (annoying/annoyed) is more common for describing a feeling, 'molestado' specifically means 'having been actively bothered or disturbed by someone else.' Use 'molestado' when the action of bothering is clear.

Physical vs. Emotional Irritation

The most common mistake is using 'irritado' for emotional annoyance. Remember, 'irritado' is for physical discomfort on your body, while 'molestado' is for feeling bothered or annoyed by something.

Related Translations

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