Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Uncomfortable in Spanish

Incómodo · adjective · een-KOH-moh-doh

The Spanish word for uncomfortable is 'incómodo' (masculine) or 'incómoda' (feminine). It applies equally to physical discomfort, like an uncomfortable seat, and emotional unease, like an awkward conversation.

Pronounce 'incómodo' as een-KOH-moh-doh. The stress falls on the second syllable, marked by the accent on the first 'o.'

Esta silla es muy incómoda para trabajar.

This chair is very uncomfortable for working.

uncomfortable in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for uncomfortable, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

SpanishEnglishPronunciationRegion / Register
incómodouncomfortableeen-KOH-moh-dohDefault, widely understood
incómodauncomfortablefeminine form

How Native Speakers Use Incómodo

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Physical discomfort

Estos zapatos nuevos son incómodos.

These new shoes are uncomfortable.

Complaining about footwear.

Emotional discomfort

Me sentí incómodo durante la reunión.

I felt uncomfortable during the meeting.

Describing social awkwardness.

Describing a situation

Fue una conversación muy incómoda.

It was a very uncomfortable conversation.

Reflecting on an awkward exchange.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Incómodo

Forgetting gender agreement

Incorrect: La cama es incómodo.

Correct: La cama es incómoda.

'Cama' is feminine, so the adjective must also be feminine: 'incómoda,' not 'incómodo.'

Saying 'no cómodo' instead

Incorrect: El asiento es no cómodo.

Correct: El asiento es incómodo.

Spanish uses the prefix 'in-' to negate 'cómodo,' forming 'incómodo' as a single word, rather than using 'no' before the adjective.

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See Incómodo used by native speakers

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Common Questions About uncomfortable in Spanish

Can 'incómodo' describe emotional situations?
Absolutely — 'incómodo' is used for both physical discomfort and emotional unease, such as 'una situación incómoda' (an awkward situation) or 'me siento incómodo' (I feel uncomfortable).
What is the opposite of 'incómodo'?
The opposite is 'cómodo' (comfortable), which simply drops the 'in-' prefix — as in 'este sofá es muy cómodo' (this sofa is very comfortable).
How do you say 'to make someone uncomfortable' in Spanish?
The verb 'incomodar' means to make uncomfortable, as in 'no quiero incomodarte' (I don't want to make you uncomfortable).