Inklingo

How to Say "upset" in Spanish

English → Spanish

molesto

moh-LEH-stoh/moˈlesto/

adjectiveA2
Use 'molesto' when you are slightly annoyed or irritated by a minor inconvenience, like losing something or being bothered.
A storybook illustration of a young child looking visibly annoyed, with their arms crossed tightly and a slight frown.

Examples

Estoy molesto porque perdí mis llaves.

I am annoyed because I lost my keys.

¿Estás molesta conmigo? No quise ofenderte.

Are you upset with me? I didn't mean to offend you. (Note: using 'molesta' for a female speaker)

Use with Estar

When describing a person's temporary feeling or state, 'molesto' always pairs with the verb 'estar': 'Ella está molesta' (She is annoyed right now).

Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'molesto' must match the gender and number of the person feeling the emotion (molesta, molestos, molestas).

Ser vs. Estar Error

Mistake: “Soy molesto.”

Correction: Estoy molesto. Saying 'Soy molesto' means 'I am an annoying person' (Definition 1), which is different from 'I feel annoyed' (Definition 2).

alterado

/al-te-RAH-doh//alteˈɾaðo/

adjectiveB1
Choose 'alterado' to describe someone who is emotionally agitated, visibly disturbed, or not calm.
A person with a frustrated expression holding their head with their hands.

Examples

Cálmate un poco, te veo muy alterado.

Calm down a bit, you look very upset.

El cliente se puso alterado porque el vuelo se canceló.

The customer became agitated because the flight was canceled.

Using 'estar' vs 'ser'

Use 'estar' with this word to describe a temporary mood or state of mind. Using 'ser' is very rare and would imply the person is permanently 'changed'.

Not a False Friend for 'Alternative'

Mistake: “Using 'alterado' to mean 'an alternative option'.”

Correction: Use 'alternativo' for options. 'Alterado' always means something has been changed or someone is upset.

afectado

/ah-fek-TAH-doh//afekˈtaðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'afectado' when someone is emotionally hurt, negatively impacted, or moved by an event, often something more serious.
A small green plant wilting under a very hot sun.

Examples

Las zonas afectadas por la inundación necesitan ayuda.

The areas affected by the flood need help.

Él se sintió muy afectado por la noticia del accidente.

He felt very upset by the news of the accident.

Adjective Agreement

Remember to change the ending to match who or what you are describing: 'afectado' (masculine), 'afectada' (feminine), 'afectados' (plural masculine), and 'afectadas' (plural feminine).

Affected vs. Fan

Mistake: “Using 'afectado' to mean you like a hobby.”

Correction: Use 'aficionado' for 'fan.' Use 'afectado' only for someone impacted by something negative or emotional.

Annoyed vs. Agitated

Learners often confuse 'molesto' (annoyed) with 'alterado' (agitated). Remember, 'molesto' is for mild irritation, while 'alterado' implies a stronger, more visible state of emotional disturbance or agitation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.