Inklingo

How to Say "troublesome" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “troublesome” is “molesta” — use 'molesta' when something is annoying or irritating and prevents you from concentrating or enjoying yourself, like a persistent insect.

English → Spanish

molesta

moh-LEH-stahmoˈlesta

adjectiveA2general
Use 'molesta' when something is annoying or irritating and prevents you from concentrating or enjoying yourself, like a persistent insect.
A cartoon person with a slightly irritated expression trying to swat a small mosquito buzzing loudly near their ear.

Examples

El ruido de la construcción es muy molesto.

The construction noise is very troublesome.

La mosca es muy molesta. No me deja concentrarme.

The fly is very annoying. It won't let me concentrate.

Esa actitud tan pesimista es realmente molesta.

That pessimistic attitude is genuinely bothersome.

Tu hermana estaba un poco molesta después de la discusión.

Your sister was a little annoyed after the argument.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'molesta' is the feminine version of 'molesto' and must always be used when describing a feminine noun (like 'la música' or 'la gente').

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “El ruido es muy molesta.”

Correction: El ruido es muy *molesto*. (Noise is masculine, so the adjective must also be masculine.)

problemático

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'problemático' for things or situations that tend to cause issues or require extra effort to manage, such as an unreliable vehicle.

Examples

Este software antiguo es muy problemático.

This old software is very troublesome.

conflictivo

con-fleek-TEE-bokoɱfliɣˈtiβo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'conflictivo' to describe a person or group that frequently causes disputes, arguments, or disagreements.
A grumpy child with crossed arms standing in a messy room with toys scattered everywhere.

Examples

Es un vecino conflictivo que siempre se queja.

He's a troublesome neighbor who always complains.

No quiero trabajar con él porque es un empleado muy conflictivo.

I don't want to work with him because he is a very troublesome employee.

Ese es un barrio conflictivo por la noche.

That is a tough/problematic neighborhood at night.

La reforma de la ley es un tema conflictivo en el parlamento.

The law reform is a contentious issue in parliament.

Gender and Number Agreement

This word changes its ending to match what you are describing: 'un hombre conflictivo' (one man), 'una mujer conflictiva' (one woman), 'unos niños conflictivos' (boys), 'unas zonas conflictivas' (areas).

Using 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

We almost always use this word with 'ser' (to be) because it describes a person's character or the nature of a place, which are seen as lasting qualities.

Conflicting vs. Conflicted

Mistake: “Estoy muy conflictivo sobre qué decisión tomar.”

Correction: Estoy muy confundido (or 'tengo un dilema'). 'Conflictivo' means YOU are the one causing the trouble, not that you feel unsure.

llevado

yeh-VAH-dohʎeˈβa.ðo

adjectiveB2colloquial
Use the colloquial term 'llevado' for a child who is difficult, disobedient, or acts impulsively without thinking.
A small child confidently standing on a tall stack of books, reaching high toward a cookie jar.

Examples

Mi hijo pequeño es muy llevado y no me hace caso.

My young son is very troublesome and doesn't listen to me.

No seas tan llevado, pide permiso antes de entrar.

Don't be so rash/bold, ask for permission before entering.

Ese niño es muy llevado; siempre está subiendo a los árboles.

That child is very daring; he's always climbing trees.

Using 'Ser' for Personality

This meaning uses the verb ser because it describes a fundamental personality trait or characteristic: 'Es llevado' (He is bold/daring).

Person vs. Thing

Learners often confuse 'problemático' and 'conflictivo'. Remember that 'problemático' usually refers to inanimate objects or situations causing issues, while 'conflictivo' specifically describes people who create conflict.

Related Translations

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