How to Say "to hinder" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to hinder” is “dificultar” — use 'dificultar' when one thing makes a process, task, or situation harder or more complicated to achieve..
dificultar
/dee-fee-kool-tar//difi-kulˈtaɾ/
Examples
El mal tiempo puede dificultar las labores de rescate.
The bad weather can hinder the rescue efforts.
La lluvia fuerte puede dificultar el tráfico esta tarde.
The heavy rain can make traffic difficult this afternoon.
La falta de internet dificultó mi trabajo durante todo el día.
The lack of internet hindered my work throughout the day.
Las nuevas leyes dificultan la apertura de pequeñas empresas.
The new laws make it difficult to open small businesses.
Using the word as a 'barrier'
This word describes the action of putting a barrier in front of something else. It is almost always used with an object—the thing that is being made difficult (like 'traffic', 'progress', or 'understanding').
A regular pattern
This verb follows the most common pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar,' you can conjugate 'dificultar' perfectly.
Overusing 'Hacer difícil'
Mistake: “La lluvia hizo difícil el tráfico.”
Correction: La lluvia dificultó el tráfico.
estorbar
/ess-tor-BAR//estorˈbar/
Examples
Por favor, quita tus libros de la mesa, están estorbando.
Please remove your books from the table, they are in the way.
Esa maleta estorba en medio del pasillo.
That suitcase is in the way in the middle of the hallway.
¿Te estorbo aquí o puedo quedarme?
Am I in your way here or can I stay?
El ruido estorbaba la concentración de los estudiantes.
The noise was hindering the students' concentration.
Using estorbar with people
When you want to say you are in someone's way, you use 'le' or 'te' (indirect objects). For example: 'No quiero estorbarte' (I don't want to be in your way).
Physical vs. Abstract
You can use this for physical objects (like a chair) or abstract things (like a noise or a law) that make a task harder.
Estorbar vs. Molestar
Mistake: “Using 'estorbar' for everything that is annoying.”
Correction: Use 'molestar' for general annoyance or bother. Use 'estorbar' specifically when something is physically blocking you or preventing an action from happening.
frenar
/freh-NAHR//fɾeˈnaɾ/
Examples
Las autoridades intentan frenar la inflación.
The authorities are trying to curb inflation.
El gobierno intenta frenar el aumento de los precios.
The government is trying to curb the price increases.
Tuve que frenar mi lengua para no decir algo grosero.
I had to hold my tongue to avoid saying something rude.
La falta de dinero frenó el proyecto.
The lack of money hindered the project.
Abstract usage
When using 'frenar' for emotions or abstract concepts, it acts exactly like 'to curb' or 'to check' in English.
Using with people
Mistake: “Saying 'frenar a mi amigo' when you mean 'stopping' them from leaving.”
Correction: Use 'frenar' only if you are literally or figuratively slowing their momentum or behavior; otherwise, use 'detener'.
obstruir
/obs-troo-eer//obs.tɾwiɾ/
Examples
La acumulación de basura puede obstruir las tuberías.
The accumulation of trash can obstruct the pipes.
No debemos permitir que la burocracia obstruya el progreso.
We must not allow bureaucracy to hinder progress.
Fue acusado de obstruir a la justicia.
He was accused of obstructing justice.
Sus acciones solo sirven para obstruir las negociaciones.
His actions only serve to hinder the negotiations.
Abstract Usage
Just like in English, physical words are often used for ideas. 'Obstruir' works for both a pipe and a court case.
Using 'obstruir' for people
Mistake: “Él obstruyó a mí.”
Correction: Él me bloqueó or Él me impidió el paso. 'Obstruir' usually focuses on the path or the process, not the person directly.
Choosing between 'dificultar' and 'estorbar'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.