How to Say "unbearable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “unbearable” is “insoportable” — use this for physical pain, extreme heat, or a heavy burden that is difficult to tolerate or endure.
insoportable
een-soh-por-TAH-blehin.so.poɾˈta.βle
Examples
El dolor de cabeza era insoportable, tuve que tomar una pastilla.
The headache was unbearable; I had to take a pill.
La humedad del verano hace que el clima sea insoportable.
The summer humidity makes the weather intolerable.
imposible
im-po-SEE-blehimpoˈsible
Examples
¡Este niño es imposible! No para quieto ni un segundo.
This child is impossible! He doesn't stay still for a second.
El tráfico a esta hora es imposible, vamos a llegar tarde.
The traffic at this hour is unbearable, we're going to be late.
Tratar con esa burocracia es una tarea imposible.
Dealing with that bureaucracy is an impossible task.
inaceptable
ee-nah-sep-tah-blehinaθepˈtable
Examples
Tu comportamiento en la escuela fue inaceptable.
Your behavior at school was unacceptable.
Es inaceptable que los precios suban tanto.
It is unacceptable that prices are rising so much.
Trabajar sin descanso es una condición inaceptable.
Working without rest is an unacceptable condition.
One Ending for All
This word ends in -e, which means it stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine thing (like 'el comportamiento') or a feminine thing (like 'la actitud').
Using 'Ser' for Judgment
We almost always use this word with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes an inherent quality or a strong judgment about a fact.
Avoid 'inaceptabla'
Mistake: “La situación es inaceptabla.”
Correction: La situación es inaceptable. Remember that adjectives ending in -e don't change to -a for feminine things.
Preposition Choice
Mistake: “Esto es inaceptable a mí.”
Correction: Esto es inaceptable para mí. Use 'para' when saying that something is unacceptable 'for' someone.
intolerable
een-toh-leh-rah-blehintoleˈɾable
Examples
El ruido de la construcción es intolerable.
The construction noise is unbearable.
Tienen unas condiciones de trabajo intolerables.
They have intolerable working conditions.
Su falta de respeto es simplemente intolerable.
His lack of respect is simply insufferable.
One Form for All
This word ends in 'e', which means it stays exactly the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (like 'el calor') or a feminine noun (like 'la situación').
Placement for Emphasis
Like most adjectives in Spanish, it usually goes after the noun it describes. Placing it there makes your sentence sound natural.
The 'A' Trap
Mistake: “La situación es intolerabla.”
Correction: La situación es intolerable. Even though 'situación' is feminine, words ending in 'e' don't change to 'a'.
Intolerable vs. Intolerante
Mistake: “Él es un hombre intolerable.”
Correction: Usually, we say 'él es intolerante' if he doesn't accept others' opinions. 'Intolerable' describes the behavior or the person's presence if it is impossible to bear.
infernal
een-fehr-NALiɱfeɾˈnal
Examples
Hace un calor infernal hoy.
It's unbearably hot today.
Había un ruido infernal en la calle.
There was a hellish noise in the street.
El tráfico de la ciudad es simplemente infernal.
The city traffic is simply unbearable.
One size fits all
Unlike many Spanish describing words, 'infernal' doesn't change for boys or girls. You can use it with 'el calor' (masculine) or 'la bulla' (feminine) without changing the ending.
Placement for emphasis
Usually, you put this word after the thing you are describing. If you put it before (e.g., 'un infernal ruido'), it sounds more dramatic or poetic.
Adding an 'o' or 'a'
Mistake: “Hace un calor infernalo.”
Correction: Say 'calor infernal'. Words ending in 'l' usually don't need a vowel at the end to show gender.
inhumano
een-oo-MAH-nohin.uˈma.no
Examples
Trabajar bajo este sol es inhumano.
Working under this sun is unbearable.
El atleta hizo un esfuerzo inhumano para terminar la carrera.
The athlete made a superhuman effort to finish the race.
Hace un frío inhumano en la cima de la montaña.
The cold is unbearable at the top of the mountain.
Describing Conditions
When describing weather or tasks, this word acts as an intensifier, meaning 'much more than a normal person can handle.'
Insoportable vs. Intolerable
Related Translations
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