Inklingo

How to Say "meddling" in Spanish

English → Spanish

interferencia

/een-tehr-feh-rehn-syah//inteɾfeˈɾensja/

nounB1
Use 'interferencia' when referring to the act of interfering or a disruption, often in a more general or abstract sense, like technical interference or unwanted involvement.
A colorful illustration of a radio with jagged, wavy lines coming out of it, representing signal disruption.

Examples

Su constante interferencia en nuestros asuntos familiares nos agota.

Their constant interference in our family matters exhausts us.

Hay mucha interferencia en la radio por la tormenta.

There is a lot of static on the radio because of the storm.

No quiero ninguna interferencia en mis asuntos privados.

I don't want any interference in my private affairs.

La interferencia del gobierno causó problemas en la empresa.

The government's meddling caused problems in the company.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', it's worth remembering that this word is always feminine. Use 'la' and 'una' with it, and make sure any words describing it also end in 'a' (like 'la interferencia externa').

Using 'en' vs 'con'

When you want to say something is interfering 'in' a situation, use 'en'. If you are talking about technical signals clashing, you might use 'con'.

Spelling Trap

Mistake: “interferenchia”

Correction: interferencia (In Spanish, the 'sh' or 'ch' sound isn't used here; it's a soft 's' or 'th' sound depending on where you are).

metida

/meh-TEE-dah//meˈtiða/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'metida' as an adjective to describe a person, typically female, who is nosy and gets involved in other people's business where they are not wanted.
A woman peeking through a gap in a tall green hedge with a curious expression.

Examples

Ella es muy metida y siempre quiere saber todo de todos.

She is very nosy and always wants to know everything about everyone.

No seas metida, deja que ellos resuelvan sus problemas.

Don't be nosy, let them solve their own problems.

Esa vecina es muy metida y siempre está vigilando.

That neighbor is very meddling and is always watching.

Gender Matching

Use 'metida' only when describing a female. If you are talking about a male, you must change it to 'metido'.

Don't use with 'estar' for personality

Mistake: “Ella está metida.”

Correction: Ella es metida.

Noun vs. Adjective for 'Meddling'

The most common mistake is using 'interferencia' to describe a person. Remember, 'interferencia' is a noun referring to the act of meddling or a disruption, while 'metida' is an adjective used specifically to label someone as meddlesome or nosy.

Related Translations

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