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"Importar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to matter", and "molestar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to bother". Learn more about the difference between "importar" and "molestar" below.
importar(
eem
-
pohrr
-
tahrr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to be important
El costo no importa; pagaré lo que sea necesario para salvar a mi hijo.The cost isn't important; I'll pay whatever is necessary to save my son.
a. to care
Parece que ni te importa saber lo que opino.It looks like you don't even care what I think.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
molestar(
moh
-
lehs
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to irk)
2. (to offend)
a. to disturb
Disculpe que le moleste, pero ¿ya terminó?Sorry to disturb you, but have you finished yet?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (to pester)
a. to disturb
Puse el cartel en la puerta para que no molesten por la mañana.I put the sign on the door so that they don't disturb us in the morning.
a. to be a nuisance
Amo mi nuevo cachorro aunque siempre anda molestando y haciendo un reguero.I love my new puppy even though he's always being a nuisance and making a mess.
molestarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to take offense (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Mi suegra se molestó por mis comentarios.My mother-in-law took offense at my remarks.
c. to take offence (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No te molestes, pero no me gusta ese vestido.Don't take offence, but I don't like that dress.
