A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm tired" in Spanish
Express your tiredness in Spanish with 'Estoy cansado/a', the most common way to say 'I'm tired'.
Estoy cansado/a.
es-TOY kahn-SAH-doh / dahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've had a long day, a tough workout, or just feel generally worn out. It works in almost any situation where you'd say 'I'm tired' in English.
Alternatives
- Tengo sueño.Use this if you specifically mean you are sleepy, not just generally tired.
- Estoy agotado/a.This is a stronger way to say you're exhausted or completely drained.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'estar' and 'tener'
Remember that 'tired' is a state, so you always use 'estar' (estoy), not 'tener' (tengo).
Forgetting gender agreement
Add '-o' if you are male and '-a' if you are female.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, it's common to express tiredness openly. Don't hesitate to use this phrase when you feel it.
Frequently asked
How to say I'm tired in Spanish?
The most common way is 'Estoy cansado' if you're male, or 'Estoy cansada' if you're female. It's a direct translation and widely understood.
When do I use cansado vs cansada?
You use 'cansado' if you are a man and 'cansada' if you are a woman. This is called gender agreement in Spanish.
Is there a more informal way to say I'm tired?
While 'Estoy cansado/a' is neutral, you might hear variations or slang depending on the region, but this is the safest and most common option.
How do Mexicans say I'm tired?
In Mexico, you can say 'Estoy cansado' for males or 'Estoy cansada' for females. A common slang term is 'Estoy bien chafa'.
How do you say tired in Spanish slang?
Spanish slang for tired varies by region. Some common options include 'estar hecho polvo' (to be worn out) or 'estar reventado' (to be exhausted).
How does a woman say 'I am tired' in Spanish?
A woman would say 'Estoy cansada' to express that she is tired. The feminine ending '-a' is added to the adjective.
How do you say 'I am very tired' in Spanish?
To say 'I am very tired' in Spanish, you can say 'Estoy muy cansado' (if male) or 'Estoy muy cansada' (if female). You can also use phrases like 'Estoy agotado/a' for exhausted.
