Inklingo

How to Say "weariness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cansancio

/kan-SAN-syoh//kanˈsanθjo/

nounA2general
Use 'cansancio' for general feelings of tiredness or exhaustion, whether physical, mental, or emotional, in everyday conversations.
A small bird sitting on a tree branch with its eyes closed and head tucked under its wing.

Examples

Tengo mucho cansancio después de correr diez kilómetros.

I have a lot of weariness after running ten kilometers.

El cansancio acumulado puede afectar tu salud.

Built-up tiredness can affect your health.

No es solo sueño, es un cansancio mental profundo.

It's not just sleepiness, it's a deep mental weariness.

Using Cansancio vs. Cansado

Use 'cansancio' when you want to name the feeling (it's a noun). Use 'cansado' when you are describing a person (it's a description word).

Paired with 'Tener'

In Spanish, you often 'have' tiredness (Tengo cansancio) rather than just 'being' tired, especially when focusing on the physical sensation itself.

Confusing Nouns and Descriptions

Mistake: “Estoy muy cansancio.”

Correction: Estoy muy cansado (I am very tired) or Tengo mucho cansancio (I have much tiredness). You can't 'be' a noun.

fatiga

/fah-TEE-gah//faˈtiɣa/

nounA2formal/literary
Opt for 'fatiga' when referring to a profound or prolonged sense of exhaustion, typically in more formal writing, medical contexts, or literary descriptions.
A hiker sitting on a rock with their head resting in their hands, looking very tired.

Examples

Siento una gran fatiga después de trabajar doce horas.

I feel great fatigue after working twelve hours.

La fatiga muscular es normal después de ir al gimnasio.

Muscle fatigue is normal after going to the gym.

El descanso es el mejor remedio contra la fatiga crónica.

Rest is the best remedy against chronic fatigue.

Gender of Fatiga

Even though it ends in 'a', it's worth remembering it's always feminine. Use 'la fatiga' or 'mucha fatiga'.

Stronger than Cansancio

While 'cansancio' is general tiredness, 'fatiga' usually implies a deeper, more heavy exhaustion.

Fatigue vs. Fatigues

Mistake: “Using 'fatigas' to mean army clothes.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'fatiga' refers to the feeling. Army uniforms are called 'uniforme de campaña'.

Choosing Between Cansancio and Fatiga

Learners often confuse 'cansancio' and 'fatiga' because both relate to tiredness. Remember that 'cansancio' is the go-to for everyday exhaustion, while 'fatiga' sounds more serious or formal. Stick to 'cansancio' unless you're in a specific, elevated context.

Related Translations

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