Inklingo

How to Say "worried" in Spanish

English → Spanish

preocupado

preh-oh-koo-PAH-dohpɾe.o.kuˈpaðo

AdjectiveA2General
Use this when you mean feeling general anxiety or concern about a specific situation or person.
A storybook illustration of a small child sitting alone, hugging their knees, looking down with a slight frown, conveying worry.

Examples

Mi hermano está muy preocupado por su entrevista de trabajo.

My brother is very worried about his job interview.

Si estás preocupada (femenino), deberías hablar con alguien.

If you are concerned, you should talk to someone.

Los padres estaban preocupados por la baja nota de su hijo.

The parents were worried about their son's low grade.

Ella ha preocupado a sus amigos con su silencio.

She has worried her friends with her silence.

Agreement is Key

Since 'preocupado' is a descriptive word (an adjective), its ending must match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number: 'preocupado' (m.), 'preocupada' (f.), 'preocupados' (m. plural), 'preocupadas' (f. plural).

Use 'Estar' for States

When talking about how someone feels right now (a temporary state), you must use the verb 'estar' (to be) before 'preocupado,' not 'ser.' For example: 'Estoy preocupado' (I am worried).

Forming Perfect Tenses

This form ('preocupado') is combined with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create compound tenses like the present perfect ('ha preocupado' - has worried). When used this way, the ending never changes, remaining 'preocupado' regardless of who is doing the worrying.

Missing Agreement

Mistake: “Mi madre está preocupado.”

Correction: Mi madre está preocupada. (The ending must change to '-a' because 'madre' is feminine.)

Using the Wrong 'To Be'

Mistake: “Yo soy preocupado.”

Correction: Yo estoy preocupado. (Use 'estar' for temporary emotions, not 'ser,' which is for permanent traits.)

ansioso

ahn-SYOH-sohanˈsjo.so

AdjectiveA2General
Use this when the worry is accompanied by a strong sense of eager anticipation or nervousness about a future event.
A small, wide-eyed rabbit sitting alone, gripping its paws tightly, conveying a feeling of worry and nervousness.

Examples

Mi hermana está ansiosa por su entrevista de trabajo mañana.

My sister is anxious about her job interview tomorrow.

Estábamos ansiosos esperando la llamada del médico.

We were anxiously waiting for the doctor's call.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'ansioso' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'ansioso' (masculine singular), 'ansiosa' (feminine singular), 'ansiosos' (masculine plural), 'ansiosas' (feminine plural).

Confusing 'Anxious' Meanings

Mistake: “Using 'ansioso' when you simply mean 'eager' (Definition 2) but forgetting the preposition.”

Correction: When meaning 'worried,' you often use 'ansioso POR' + noun. When meaning 'eager,' it's common to use 'ansioso POR' or 'ansioso DE' + infinitive.

inquieto

een-KYEH-tohiŋˈkjeto

AdjectiveA2General
Use this to describe someone who is restless and unable to settle down due to worry or general agitation.
A child fidgeting and twisting in a wooden chair, unable to stay still.

Examples

Mi hijo es muy inquieto y no para de correr.

My son is very restless and doesn't stop running.

Estoy un poco inquieto por los resultados del médico.

I'm a bit anxious about the doctor's results.

Tuvo un sueño inquieto después de ver esa película.

He had a restless sleep after watching that movie.

Personality vs. Feeling

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally a restless or hyperactive person. Use 'estar' if they are just feeling worried or fidgety right now.

Matching the Person

Since this is a describing word, change the ending to 'inquieta' for girls/women, 'inquietos' for a group of men/mixed, and 'inquietas' for a group of women.

Confusing 'Inquieto' with 'Annoyed'

Mistake: “Estoy inquieto con el ruido.”

Correction: Estoy molesto con el ruido.

preocupado

Past ParticipleB1General
Use this form when 'worried' functions as part of a past tense construction, meaning someone has caused worry to others.

Examples

Ella ha preocupado a sus amigos con su silencio.

She has worried her friends with her silence.

Confusing 'ansioso' and 'preocupado'

Learners often confuse 'ansioso' and 'preocupado'. Remember that 'preocupado' is a general worry, while 'ansioso' implies a more specific, often future-oriented, nervous anticipation. If you're just concerned, use 'preocupado'; if you're excitedly or nervously waiting for something, 'ansioso' might be better.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.