Inklingo

How to Say "to upset" in Spanish

English → Spanish

enojar

eh-noh-HAR/e.noˈxaɾ/

Verb (Transitive)A2General
Use 'enojar' when you want to say that someone or something is making another person angry or irritated.
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).

lastimar

lahs-tee-MAHR/lastiˈmaɾ/

VerbB1General
Use 'lastimar' when the upset is caused by something that hurts someone's feelings, pride, or emotional well-being.
A storybook illustration showing emotional distress. A small rabbit character is crying and covering its face with its paws while a fox character stands nearby looking concerned.

Examples

Sus críticas lastimaron mi orgullo.

His criticisms hurt my pride.

No quería lastimarte con ese comentario tan duro.

I didn't want to hurt you with such a harsh comment.

Se lastimó mucho cuando supo la verdad.

She was very hurt (emotionally) when she found out the truth.

Emotional Use

When used for feelings, 'lastimar' is stronger than 'molestar' (to bother). It implies deep offense or sorrow.

Anger vs. Hurt Feelings

Learners often confuse 'enojar' and 'lastimar' because both can describe negative emotional states. Remember that 'enojar' specifically implies causing anger or annoyance, while 'lastimar' focuses on emotional pain or wounded feelings.

Related Translations

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