Inklingo

How to Say "nuisance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

molestias

/mo-LES-tyas//moˈlestjas/

nounA2
Use 'molestias' for minor inconveniences or troubles that cause irritation, often in polite apologies for disruptions.
A person balancing a very large, overflowing stack of heavy boxes while trying to open a door.

Examples

Siento mucho las molestias que esto pueda causar.

I am very sorry for the trouble this may cause.

Siento mucho las molestias.

I am very sorry for the trouble.

Perdone las molestias, estamos en obras.

Sorry for the inconvenience, we are doing construction work.

No quiero causarte más molestias.

I don't want to cause you any more bother.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine and usually used in the plural form when apologizing or talking about general trouble.

Not always 'molest'

Mistake: “Thinking 'molestias' refers to serious crimes.”

Correction: In Spanish, this word is much lighter. It usually just means a small bother or a technical problem.

plaga

/PLAH-gah//ˈpla.ɣa/

nounB2
Choose 'plaga' to describe a widespread, persistent, and serious problem that affects a large group or society.
A cartoonish character with a frustrated expression swatting their hand at a small, persistent swarm of flies buzzing near their ear.

Examples

La corrupción se ha convertido en una plaga en el gobierno.

Corruption has become a plague/scourge in the government.

La burocracia es la plaga de nuestra sociedad.

Bureaucracy is the curse/scourge of our society.

Ese ruido constante es una plaga para los vecinos.

That constant noise is a nuisance for the neighbors.

La falta de transporte público es una plaga en las afueras de la ciudad.

The lack of public transport is an affliction in the city outskirts.

Using 'Ser' (To Be)

You often use 'ser' (to be) with 'plaga' to describe something that permanently or characteristically causes trouble: 'El tráfico es una plaga' (Traffic is a plague/curse).

rollo

ROH-yoh/ˈro.ʎo/

nounB2informal
Use 'rollo' in informal contexts to describe something that is a hassle, a bore, or a tedious bother.
A child sits slumped at a wooden table, resting their head on their hand, looking extremely bored while staring at a single, long strand of spaghetti that stretches across the table.

Examples

Tener que hacer este trámite es un rollo.

Having to do this paperwork is a hassle/drag.

¡Qué rollo de película! No pasa nada interesante.

What a boring movie! Nothing interesting happens.

Tener que esperar una hora en la cola fue un rollo.

Having to wait an hour in line was a drag/hassle.

Mi jefe se pone muy rollo cuando habla de sus vacaciones.

My boss gets really boring/tedious when he talks about his vacation.

Expressing Boredom

When 'rollo' means 'bore,' it is usually used with 'ser' (to be) or in the exclamation '¡Qué rollo!' to show strong frustration or boredom.

Confusing 'Rollo' and 'Aburrido'

Mistake: “Using 'Estoy rollo' to mean 'I am bored.'”

Correction: Use 'Estoy aburrido/a' for 'I am bored.' 'Soy un rollo' means 'I am a boring person.'

Choosing between 'molestias' and 'rollo'

Learners often confuse 'molestias' and 'rollo.' Remember that 'molestias' is typically used in more formal or polite situations to apologize for a disruption, while 'rollo' is informal and describes a personal feeling of boredom or hassle.

Related Translations

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