A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Worried" in Spanish
Express worry or concern in Spanish. Use 'preocupado' for males, 'preocupada' for females.
Preocupado/a
preh-oh-koo-PAH-doh / -dahneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you feel anxious or bothered about a situation, like a friend being late or a looming deadline. It's a common way to share your state of mind.
Alternatives
- Ansioso/aUse when the worry is more about anticipation or nervousness.
- Inquieto/aUse when the worry makes you restless or unable to relax.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'preocupar'
'Preocupar' is the verb 'to worry'; 'preocupado/a' is the adjective 'worried'.
Forgetting gender agreement
Remember to match 'preocupado' to a male subject and 'preocupada' to a female subject.
A small cultural note
It's common to express worry openly in many Spanish-speaking cultures, often as a way to show care and connection.
Frequently asked
how to say worried about something in spanish
You can say 'Estoy preocupado/a por...' followed by the thing you're worried about. For example, 'Estoy preocupado por el examen' (I'm worried about the exam).
preocupado vs preocupada
'Preocupado' is used when the person feeling worried is male. 'Preocupada' is used when the person feeling worried is female.
is preocupado formal or informal
'Preocupado/a' is generally neutral and can be used in most informal and semi-formal situations. It's not overly formal or slang.
What is the Spanish word for worried?
The most common Spanish word for worried is 'preocupado'. It's an adjective that describes the state of being worried.
How do I say I'm worried?
To say 'I'm worried' in Spanish, you can use 'Estoy preocupado' if you are male, or 'Estoy preocupada' if you are female.
What is the verb to worry in Spanish?
The verb to worry in Spanish is 'preocuparse'. It's a reflexive verb, meaning the action is done to oneself.
How do you say 'very worried'?
To say 'very worried' in Spanish, you can say 'muy preocupado' (for male) or 'muy preocupada' (for female).
