Inklingo

How to Say "tiredness" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tiredness” is “cansancio” — use 'cansancio' to describe a general feeling of being physically or mentally exhausted, lacking energy due to exertion or prolonged activity.

English → Spanish

cansancio

kan-SAN-syohkanˈsanθjo

nounA2general
Use 'cansancio' to describe a general feeling of being physically or mentally exhausted, lacking energy due to exertion or prolonged activity.
A small bird sitting on a tree branch with its eyes closed and head tucked under its wing.

Examples

El viaje largo me provocó un gran cansancio.

The long trip caused me great tiredness.

Tengo mucho cansancio después de correr diez kilómetros.

I am very tired after running ten kilometers.

El cansancio acumulado puede afectar tu salud.

Built-up tiredness can affect your health.

No es solo sueño, es un cansancio mental profundo.

It's not just sleepiness, it's a deep mental weariness.

Using Cansancio vs. Cansado

Use 'cansancio' when you want to name the feeling (it's a noun). Use 'cansado' when you are describing a person (it's a description word).

Paired with 'Tener'

In Spanish, you often 'have' tiredness (Tengo cansancio) rather than just 'being' tired, especially when focusing on the physical sensation itself.

Confusing Nouns and Descriptions

Mistake: “Estoy muy cansancio.”

Correction: Estoy muy cansado (I am very tired) or Tengo mucho cansancio (I have much tiredness). You can't 'be' a noun.

sueño

SWEN-yoˈsweɲo

nounA1general
Use 'sueño' when the tiredness is specifically related to the need for sleep; it directly translates to 'sleepiness'.
A small child sitting at a table, yawning widely and rubbing their eyes, showing extreme sleepiness.

Examples

Después de la cena, me entró mucho sueño y me fui a la cama.

After dinner, I felt very sleepy and went to bed.

Tengo mucho sueño, me voy a dormir.

I'm very sleepy, I'm going to sleep.

Después de comer, siempre me entra el sueño.

After eating, I always get sleepy.

El bebé tiene sueño y está llorando.

The baby is sleepy and is crying.

Using 'tener' for Feelings

In Spanish, you don't 'are' sleepy, you 'have' sleepiness. Always use the verb 'tener' (to have) with 'sueño' to say you're sleepy. This also works for hunger ('tener hambre'), thirst ('tener sed'), and age ('tener años').

Using 'ser' or 'estar' instead of 'tener'

Mistake: “Estoy sueño.”

Correction: Tengo sueño. Remember that many physical states that use 'to be' in English use 'tener' in Spanish.

General Fatigue vs. Sleepiness

The most common mistake is using 'sueño' when you mean general exhaustion. Remember, 'sueño' specifically means 'sleepiness' and the desire to sleep, while 'cansancio' refers to a broader feeling of being tired or fatigued.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.