Inklingo

How to Say "to harass" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acosar

ah-ko-SARakoˈsaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'acosar' when referring to persistent, unwanted attention or pestering, especially in contexts like bullying, stalking, or workplace harassment.
A small bird being persistently followed and surrounded by several noisy, larger birds in a bright garden.

Examples

Es ilegal acosar a los compañeros de trabajo.

It is illegal to harass co-workers.

No me acoses con tantas preguntas ahora mismo.

Don't pester me with so many questions right now.

El niño denunció que otros estudiantes lo acosaban.

The boy reported that other students were bullying him.

The 'Personal A'

Since 'acosar' usually involves a person receiving the action, you must use the word 'a' before the person's name or title. For example: 'Acosar a su vecino'.

Direct Object Use

In Spanish, the person being harassed is treated as the direct target. This means you use pronouns like 'lo', 'la', or 'los' to refer back to them.

Confusion with 'Cazar'

Mistake: “Using 'cazar' when you mean social bullying.”

Correction: Use 'acosar' for persistent bothering or bullying; 'cazar' is specifically for hunting animals for sport or food.

perseguir

pehr-seh-GEERpeɾseˈɣiɾ

verbC1formal
Use 'perseguir' when the harassment involves a continuous effort to bother, chase, or target someone, often with political, ideological, or criminal connotations.
A sad, isolated figure sitting on a bench while two other figures stand nearby using harsh, unwelcoming body language directed toward them.

Examples

El régimen persiguió a los disidentes políticos durante décadas.

The regime persecuted political dissidents for decades.

Ella siente que su jefe la persigue con tareas imposibles.

She feels that her boss is harassing her with impossible tasks.

Acosar vs. Perseguir

Learners often confuse 'acosar' and 'perseguir' because both imply bothering someone. Remember that 'acosar' is more about direct, unwanted attention or pestering, while 'perseguir' suggests a more sustained, targeted campaign, often with serious implications.

Related Translations

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