Inklingo

How to Say "unsettled" in Spanish

English → Spanish

indeciso

/een-deh-SEE-soh//indeˈsiso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'indeciso' when referring to a person who is unable to make a decision or a situation that is unclear and unresolved.
A person standing at a fork in a forest path, looking at two different directions with a thoughtful expression.

Examples

Todavía estoy indeciso sobre si aceptar la oferta de trabajo.

I am still unsettled about whether to accept the job offer.

Soy muy indeciso cuando tengo que elegir qué comer.

I am very indecisive when I have to choose what to eat.

Ella está indecisa sobre qué carrera estudiar.

She is undecided about which career to study.

El resultado del partido sigue indeciso.

The result of the game is still unsettled.

Matching Gender

This word changes its ending based on who you are talking about. Use 'indeciso' for men and 'indecisa' for women.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally an indecisive person (personality). Use 'estar' if they are just having trouble picking something right now (temporary state).

The 'Indecisivo' Trap

Mistake: “Él es muy indecisivo.”

Correction: Él es muy indeciso. In Spanish, 'indeciso' is the standard word for people; 'indecisivo' is much less common and often sounds like an English mistake.

perturbado

/per-toor-BAH-tho//peɾtuɾˈβaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'perturbado' when describing a feeling of deep unease, disturbance, or emotional upset.
A sad-looking person sitting on a small wooden stool with their head in their hands, surrounded by floating storm clouds.

Examples

La noticia del accidente lo dejó profundamente perturbado.

The news of the accident left him deeply unsettled.

Después de ver esa película de terror, me quedé un poco perturbado.

After watching that horror movie, I felt a bit unsettled.

El hombre parecía perturbado y hablaba solo en la calle.

The man seemed disturbed and was talking to himself on the street.

Su pasado traumático lo dejó emocionalmente perturbado.

His traumatic past left him emotionally disturbed.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person: 'perturbado' for a man, 'perturbada' for a woman, and 'perturbados/as' for groups.

Using with 'estar'

We almost always use this with 'estar' because it describes a state or a feeling rather than a permanent personality trait.

Disturbed vs. Annoyed

Mistake: “Using 'perturbado' when you just mean you are annoyed.”

Correction: Use 'molesto' for being annoyed. 'Perturbado' is much stronger and usually refers to mental or deep emotional distress.

flotante

/flo-TAHN-teh//floˈtante/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'flotante' to describe a population that is transient or temporary, moving through a place without a permanent connection.
A colorful hot air balloon drifting across a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Examples

El hotel debe prepararse para la población flotante de turistas en verano.

The hotel must prepare for the unsettled tourist population in summer.

La ciudad tiene una gran población flotante en verano.

The city has a large floating population in summer.

El país utiliza un tipo de cambio flotante.

The country uses a floating exchange rate.

La deuda flotante del gobierno es preocupante.

The government's floating debt is worrying.

Abstract Use

When used for people or money, it means they are 'moving through' or 'changing,' much like something moving on water.

Don't confuse feelings with populations

Learners often confuse 'indeciso' or 'perturbado' (feelings or states of indecision) with 'flotante' (a transient population). Remember that 'flotante' specifically applies to people moving through an area, not to a personal emotional state.

Related Translations

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