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"Molesto" is a form of "molesto", an adjective which is often translated as "upset". "Molestar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to bother". Learn more about the difference between "molesto" and "molestar" below.
molesto(
moh
-
lehs
-
toh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (offended)
a. upset
Samuel se sintió molesto cuando Elena no lo saludó.Samuel felt upset when Elena didn't say hi to him.
b. irritating
Tiene una voz molesta. Ojalá guardara silencio.He has an irritating voice. I wish he would keep quiet.
c. unpleasant
Hay un olor molesto que emana de la rejilla.There is an unpleasant odor coming from the grate.
3. (angry)
a. annoyed
Joaquín estaba muy molesto porque sorprendió al cartero tirando cartas a la basura.Joaquin was annoyed because he caught the mailman throwing letters in the trash.
4. (shameful)
a. embarrassing
Salió a la luz una verdad molesta sobre el candidato y renunció.An embarrassing truth came out about the candidate and he quit.
b. awkward
Me gusta tener a alguien con quien puedo platicar de esos momentos molestos de la vida.I like having someone with whom I can discuss life's awkward moments.
a. uncomfortable
Como subí de peso, esta chamarra apretada es algo molesta.Since I gained weight, this tight jacket is kind of uncomfortable.
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.
