How to Say "to disturb" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to disturb” is “molestar” — use this common verb when you want to say someone or something is bothering or annoying another person or animal, often by interrupting them.
molestar
moh-lehs-tahrmolesˈtaɾ
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).'
incomodar
een-koh-moh-dariŋkomoˈðar
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.
inquietar
een-kyeh-TAHRiŋkjeˈtaɾ
Examples
Me inquieta que todavía no haya llegado a casa.
It worries me that he hasn't arrived home yet.
Sus palabras inquietaron a todos los presentes.
His words troubled everyone present.
No dejes que los rumores te inquieten.
Don't let the rumors make you uneasy.
Using 'Inquietar' like 'Gustar'
This verb often works by describing what thing is doing the 'worrying' to a person. Instead of saying 'I worry about X,' you say 'X worries me' (Me inquieta X).
Triggering the Subjunctive
When you say 'It worries me that...' (Me inquieta que...), the verb that follows must use the special form for doubt and feelings (the subjunctive mood).
Confusing it with 'Quiet'
Mistake: “Using inquietar to mean 'making someone quiet'.”
Correction: Inquietar means the opposite! The 'in-' prefix means 'not,' so you are taking away someone's quiet/peace.
perturbar
pair-toor-BARpeɾtuɾˈβaɾ
Examples
El ruido de la construcción perturba mi concentración.
The construction noise disturbs my concentration.
No queremos perturbar la paz del vecindario.
We don't want to disturb the peace of the neighborhood.
La tormenta perturbó el tráfico aéreo durante horas.
The storm disrupted air traffic for hours.
Easy to Conjugate
This is a regular -ar verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'caminar' in all tenses.
Making it Personal
When someone is disturbed or upset by something, you can use the reflexive form 'perturbarse' (to become disturbed).
Annoyance vs. Disturbance
Mistake: “Using 'perturbar' for mild annoyances, like a fly.”
Correction: Use 'molestar' for everyday annoyances. 'Perturbar' is for serious disruptions of peace or deep mental distress.
Molestar vs. Incomodar
Related Translations
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