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How to Say "to bother" in Spanish

English → Spanish

molestar

moh-lehs-tahrmolesˈtaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'molestar' for general annoyance or disturbance, especially when causing a nuisance or interrupting someone's peace.
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).'

fastidiar

fas-tee-dee-AHRfastiˈðjaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'fastidiar' to describe someone or something that causes persistent, minor irritation or annoyance, often in a playful or teasing way.
A small buzzing mosquito flying around the head of a person trying to read a book.

Examples

Deja de fastidiar a tu hermana.

Stop annoying your sister.

Me fastidia mucho el ruido de la calle.

The street noise really bothers me.

Le fastidia que la gente no sea puntual.

It bugs him when people aren't punctual.

Using 'Fastidiar' like 'Gustar'

When you want to say something bothers you, use 'me fastidia'. The thing that is annoying becomes the subject, just like with 'me gusta'.

Special Verb Form for Wishes

If you are telling someone 'I hope that doesn't annoy you,' you must use the special subjunctive form: 'Espero que no te fastidie'.

Wrong Word for 'Bored'

Mistake: “Saying 'estoy fastidiado' to mean 'I am bored'.”

Correction: Say 'estoy aburrido'. Use 'estoy fastidiado' only when you are annoyed or upset about something.

incomodar

een-koh-moh-dariŋkomoˈðar

verbB1general
Use 'incomodar' when something causes discomfort or awkwardness, or when it interrupts someone's comfort or activity.
A person trying to read a book while a small, playful dog jumps up and barks at them.

Examples

¿Te incomoda la luz del sol?

Does the sunlight bother you?

No quiero incomodarte con tantas preguntas.

I don't want to make you uncomfortable with so many questions.

Su comentario sobre el dinero incomodó a todos los presentes.

His comment about money made everyone present feel awkward.

Using 'Le' with Incomodar

When 'incomodar' means someone is causing discomfort to another person, we often use words like 'le', 'me', or 'te' to point to the person being affected. For example: 'Esa pregunta le incomodó' (That question made him feel awkward).

The Reflexive 'Incomodarse'

If you add 'se' to the end (incomodarse), it means you are the one feeling upset or getting bothered by something.

False Friend: Accommodate

Mistake: “Using 'incomodar' to mean helping someone find a place to stay.”

Correction: Use 'alojar' or 'hospedar' for staying somewhere. 'Incomodar' only means to cause discomfort.

marear

mah-reh-ahrmaɾeˈaɾ

verbB2informal
Use 'marear' when someone is repeatedly bothering you with requests or a topic, causing frustration or mental fatigue.
A person looking frustrated while a small buzzing fly circles their head.

Examples

¡No me marees más con ese tema!

Don't bother me anymore with that topic!

Nos han mareado con el cambio de horario.

They've messed us around with the schedule change.

Deja de marear al gato, pobrecito.

Stop annoying the cat, poor thing.

Use with Direct Objects

When you annoy 'someone,' you use a direct object: 'No la marees' (Don't annoy her).

Overusing 'molestar'

Mistake: “Always using 'molestar' for everything.”

Correction: Use 'marear' specifically when someone is being repetitive or confusing you with too much information.

Molestar vs. Fastidiar

Learners often confuse 'molestar' and 'fastidiar'. Use 'molestar' for general annoyance or disturbance, like interrupting someone. Reserve 'fastidiar' for more persistent, irritating teasing or minor nuisances.

Related Translations

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