Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Upset in Spanish: Molesto
Molesto · adjective · moh-LEHS-toh
The English word 'upset' most commonly translates to 'molesto' in Spanish, meaning annoyed or bothered. Depending on the intensity and region, 'enojado' (Latin America) or 'enfadado' (Spain) may be more appropriate when the emotion is closer to anger. Be aware that 'molesto' is a false cognate—it does not mean 'molested' in English.
moh-LEHS-toh
Está molesto porque cancelaron su vuelo sin aviso.
He is upset because they canceled his flight without notice.
Upset in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for upset, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| molesto | upset | moh-LEHS-toh | Default, widely understood |
| disgustado | upset | formal / emotional distress | |
| enojado | upset | Latin America, closer to angry | |
| enfadado | upset | Spain, closer to angry |
How Native Speakers Use Molesto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Emotional reaction
Estoy molesta porque nadie me avisó del cambio de planes.
I am upset because nobody told me about the change of plans.
Expressing frustration about being left out of communication.
Stomach upset
Tiene el estómago revuelto desde la mañana.
He has had an upset stomach since the morning.
Using a different word ('revuelto') for the physical sense of upset.
Concerned parent
Mi mamá estaba muy disgustada cuando llegué tarde sin llamar.
My mom was very upset when I arrived late without calling.
A deeper level of emotional distress, using 'disgustada.'
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Molesto
False cognate danger
Incorrect: Thinking 'molesto' means 'molested.'
Correct: 'Molesto' means upset, annoyed, or bothered.
This is one of Spanish's most important false cognates. 'Molesto' simply means annoyed or upset. The English word 'molested' translates to 'abusado' or 'acosado' in Spanish—a completely different meaning.
Ser vs. estar
Incorrect: Él es molesto por la situación.
Correct: Él está molesto por la situación.
Use 'estar' to describe a temporary emotional state like being upset. Using 'ser' would mean the person is inherently annoying or bothersome, which changes the meaning entirely.
Lock in Upset Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Molesto used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using molesto in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Está molesto porque cancelaron su vuelo sin aviso. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Upset in Spanish
- How do you say 'upset' in Spanish?
- The most versatile translation is 'molesto/a,' covering mild annoyance to moderate frustration. For stronger emotions leaning toward anger, use 'enojado/a' in Latin America or 'enfadado/a' in Spain.
- Does 'molesto' mean 'molested' in English?
- Not at all—this is a well-known false cognate. 'Molesto' in Spanish simply means annoyed, bothered, or upset. The English word 'molested' has a much more serious meaning and translates to entirely different Spanish words.
- How do you say 'upset stomach' in Spanish?
- An upset stomach is commonly expressed as 'estómago revuelto' or 'malestar estomacal.' The adjective 'molesto' is not typically used for physical ailments; 'revuelto' (literally 'churned') better captures the stomach sensation.