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How to Say "to annoy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to annoy” is “molestar” — use 'molestar' when you want to express causing mild irritation or bothering someone or something in a less intense way, like disturbing them from an activity..

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molestar

/moh-lehs-tahr//molesˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'molestar' when you want to express causing mild irritation or bothering someone or something in a less intense way, like disturbing them from an activity.
A storybook illustration showing a person frowning in annoyance as a small mosquito buzzes loudly near their ear while they try to read a book.

Examples

Por favor, no molestes al perro mientras come.

Please, don't bother the dog while it eats.

¿Le molesta si abro la ventana?

Does it bother you if I open the window?

Me molesta mucho el ruido de la calle.

The street noise annoys me a lot.

Using 'Molestar' like 'Gustar'

When talking about things that bother you, 'molestar' often works backwards, just like 'gustar' (to like). You use 'me', 'te', 'le', etc., followed by the verb. Example: 'Me molesta el calor' (The heat bothers me).

Using 'Molestar' for 'To be Bothered'

Mistake: “Estoy molestando (I am bothered).”

Correction: Estoy molesto/a (I am bothered/annoyed). 'Molestar' means 'to annoy,' so 'estoy molestando' means 'I am annoying (someone).'

enojar

eh-noh-HAR/e.noˈxaɾ/

verbA2general
Choose 'enojar' when the annoyance is significant enough to cause anger or serious irritation in someone.
A scene illustrating conflict: a mischievous character is laughing while tipping over a tower of blocks built by another character, who reacts immediately with an expression of intense rage and disappointment.

Examples

Su actitud siempre enoja a los clientes.

His attitude always angers the customers.

No quiero enojarte, solo quiero ayudarte.

I don't want to make you angry, I just want to help you.

La noticia enojó profundamente a toda la población.

The news deeply angered the entire population.

Direct Object

When using 'enojar' transitively, the person who gets angry is the direct object (the receiver of the action). You can replace them with 'lo/la/los/las' or 'le/les' depending on regional use.

Structure Contrast

This verb is structured like 'Yo enojo a mi perro' (I anger my dog). Compare this to the reflexive form where the anger stays with the subject: 'Mi perro se enoja' (My dog gets angry).

Molestar vs. Enojar

Learners often use 'enojar' for any slight annoyance, but it implies a stronger reaction leading to anger. For everyday bothering or minor disturbances, 'molestar' is the more appropriate and common choice.

Related Translations

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