A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm worried" in Spanish
Learn how to express worry in Spanish with this essential phrase. Perfect for sharing your feelings during everyday conversations.
Estoy preocupado.
es-TOY preh-koo-pah-DOneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you want to tell a friend or colleague that something is weighing on your mind. It works well when you need to explain why you are distracted or why you are hesitant about a specific plan.
Alternatives
- Me preocupa.Use this when a specific situation or thing is the source of your worry.
- Estoy inquieto.Use this when you feel restless or uneasy rather than just worried.
- Me tiene nervioso.Use this if your worry is specifically making you feel anxious or jittery.
Ways to get it wrong
Gender agreement
If you identify as female, you must change the ending to 'preocupada' to match your gender.
Confusing 'estoy' with 'soy'
Always use 'estoy' because worry is a temporary state, not a permanent personality trait.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American cultures, people are quite open about expressing worry to friends, so don't feel like you are being overly negative by using this phrase.
Frequently asked
How do I say I am worried about something?
You should add 'por' followed by the thing you are worried about. For example, say 'Estoy preocupado por el examen' to express worry about a test.
Is there a more casual way to say this?
You can simply say 'Me tiene mal' if you want to sound more informal. This implies that a situation is affecting your mood or well-being.
What is the difference between preocupado and ansioso?
Preocupado is the standard word for general worry or concern. Ansioso is usually reserved for a more intense feeling of anxiety or eagerness.
