What is the difference between "preocupa", "preocupaciones", "angustia", "teme" in Spanish?

The English word 'worries' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the nuance and context. Understanding these differences will help you express your concerns more accurately.

How to Say "worries" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “worries” is “preocupa” — use this when a third person or thing (he, she, it) is the cause of concern or anxiety for you..

preocupa🔊A2

Use this when a third person or thing (he, she, it) is the cause of concern or anxiety for you.

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preocupaciones🔊B1

Use this to refer to the state of having many anxieties or mental distress about something.

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angustia🔊B2

Use this when something causes you deep anxiety, distress, or anguish, often a strong emotional reaction.

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teme🔊B2

Use this when you are gravely concerned or suspect that something negative might happen, often in a more formal or business context.

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English → Spanish

preocupa

preh-oh-Koo-pah/pɾeoˈkupa/

verbA2general

Use this when a third person or thing (he, she, it) is the cause of concern or anxiety for you.

A small figure sitting alone on a simple bench, looking up with a worried expression at a tiny, gray rain cloud hovering closely above their head.

Examples

Me preocupa que no haya comido nada hoy.

It worries me that she hasn't eaten anything today.

La crisis económica preocupa a muchas familias.

The economic crisis concerns many families.

Él siempre se preocupa demasiado por el trabajo.

He always worries too much about work.

Gustar-like Structure

When using 'preocupa' to mean 'It worries ME,' the word for 'it' is the subject, and the person worried is indicated by a pronoun like 'me,' 'te,' or 'nos.' (Example: 'Me preocupa la lluvia' - The rain worries me.)

Reflexive Use

To say a person 'worries' themselves, you must use the reflexive form 'preocuparse' and the appropriate pronoun: 'Él se preocupa' (He worries himself).

Using 'Por' Incorrectly

Mistake: “Me preocupa SOBRE el examen.”

Correction: Me preocupa EL examen (The exam worries me). If you use 'preocuparse' (the reflexive form), use 'por': 'Me preocupo POR el examen' (I worry about the exam).

See full entry for “preocupa” →

preocupaciones

preh-oh-koo-pah-SYOHN-ess/pɾeoku.paˈsjo.nes/

nounB1general

Use this to refer to the state of having many anxieties or mental distress about something.

A small figure, hunched over and looking stressed, carrying a very large, heavy, dark gray, amorphous cloud resting directly on their shoulders and back.

Examples

Tengo muchas preocupaciones sobre el futuro de mis hijos.

I have many worries about my children's future.

Las preocupaciones financieras lo mantienen despierto por la noche.

Financial concerns keep him awake at night.

Necesitas dejar tus preocupaciones en casa y disfrutar de las vacaciones.

You need to leave your troubles at home and enjoy the vacation.

Always Plural

This word is the plural form of 'preocupación' (worry). You use it when talking about multiple issues or a general state of stress.

Feminine Noun

Since this is a feminine noun, any descriptive words (adjectives) used with it must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'grandes preocupaciones', not 'grandes preocupaciones').

Using the Singular Verb

Mistake: “Mis preocupaciones es grande.”

Correction: Mis preocupaciones son grandes. (The verb 'ser' must match the plural subject 'preocupaciones'.)

See full entry for “preocupaciones” →

angustia

/ahn-GOOS-tyah//anˈɡustja/

verbB2general

Use this when something causes you deep anxiety, distress, or anguish, often a strong emotional reaction.

A person walking while a small, dark rain cloud hovers directly over them, making them look worried.

Examples

Ese ruido me angustia mucho.

That noise distresses me a lot.

¡No me angustia con tus problemas ahora!

Don't distress me with your problems now!

Dual use

This specific word 'angustia' works as the form for 'he/she/it' and 'you (formal)' in the present, but also as a command for a friend (tú).

See full entry for “angustia” →

teme

/teh-meh//ˈt̪e.me/

verbB2general

Use this when you are gravely concerned or suspect that something negative might happen, often in a more formal or business context.

A person with a worried expression is carefully examining a closed wooden box that has a small crack, indicating suspicion about its contents.

Examples

El director teme que la empresa no cumpla los objetivos este trimestre.

The director suspects the company won't meet its goals this quarter.

La comunidad teme que el nuevo proyecto dañe el ecosistema local.

The community worries that the new project will damage the local ecosystem.

Formal Worry

In this context, 'teme' means 'is seriously worried' or 'suspects with concern,' often used when discussing politics, business, or serious news.

See full entry for “teme” →

Verb vs. Noun: 'Preocupa' vs. 'Preocupaciones'

The most common mistake is using the verb 'preocupa' when you mean the noun 'preocupaciones' (worries). Remember, 'preocupa' is used when something *causes* you worry (e.g., 'It worries me...'), while 'preocupaciones' refers to the worries *themselves* (e.g., 'I have worries...').

Related Translations

concerns→anguish→anxieties→anxiety→distress→distresses→dreads→fears→

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