Feeling tired is a common experience that everyone faces at some point, and expressing this sensation in different languages can help in daily communication, especially for language learners or travelers. In Spanish, the phrase ‘are tired’ translates in various ways depending on the context, subject, and formality. Understanding how to say ‘are tired’ in Spanish involves grasping verb conjugations, adjective agreements, and alternative expressions that convey fatigue. This topic will guide you through the different ways to express ‘are tired’ in Spanish, covering grammar rules, common phrases, and useful examples for practical use.
Basic Translation of ‘Are Tired’ in Spanish
To say ‘are tired’ in Spanish, you generally use the verbestar(to be) combined with the adjectivecansado(tired). Because Spanish adjectives must agree in gender and number with the subject, the form ofcansadochanges accordingly.
Verb Conjugation: Estar
The verbestaris used to express temporary states or conditions, such as being tired. It is important to conjugateestarproperly to match the subject:
- Yo estoy(I am)
- Tú estás(You are – informal singular)
- Ãl/Ella/Usted está(He/She/You formal is/are)
- Nosotros/Nosotras estamos(We are)
- Vosotros/Vosotras estáis(You all are – informal plural in Spain)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes están(They/You all formal are)
Adjective Agreement: Cansado
The adjectivecansadomust match the subject in gender and number:
- Cansadofor masculine singular subjects (e.g., él está cansado)
- Cansadafor feminine singular subjects (e.g., ella está cansada)
- Cansadosfor masculine plural subjects or mixed groups (e.g., ellos están cansados)
- Cansadasfor feminine plural subjects (e.g., ellas están cansadas)
Examples of ‘Are Tired’ in Spanish Sentences
Here are some practical sentences using ‘are tired’ with different subjects and contexts.
Singular Subjects
- Ãl está cansado después del trabajo.He is tired after work.
- Ella está cansada porque no durmió bien.She is tired because she didn’t sleep well.
- Usted está cansado tras el viaje.You (formal) are tired after the trip.
Plural Subjects
- Nosotros estamos cansados después del partido.We are tired after the game.
- Ellas están cansadas por el esfuerzo.They (all female) are tired because of the effort.
- Ustedes están cansados después de la reunión.You all (formal) are tired after the meeting.
Alternative Ways to Say ‘Are Tired’ in Spanish
Besides the basic ‘estar cansado,’ Spanish offers other expressions to communicate tiredness or fatigue.
Using the Verb ‘Sentirse’ (To Feel)
The reflexive verbsentirsemeans ‘to feel,’ and is often used with adjectives to describe emotions or physical states.
- Estoy cansado.(I am tired) can be replaced byMe siento cansado.(I feel tired).
- Nos sentimos cansados después de correr.We feel tired after running.
Using Other Adjectives
- Agotado / AgotadaExhausted
- Fatigado / FatigadaFatigued
- Molido / MolidaSlang for very tired or worn out
Examples:
- Ellos están agotados tras el largo dÃa.They are exhausted after the long day.
- Ella se siente fatigada por el estrés.She feels fatigued due to stress.
- Estoy molido después del entrenamiento.I am wiped out after training.
Common Questions and Responses About Being Tired
Understanding how to ask and respond about tiredness can be useful in conversation.
How to Ask if Someone Is Tired
- ¿Estás cansado?Are you tired? (to a male)
- ¿Estás cansada?Are you tired? (to a female)
- ¿Están cansados?Are you all tired? (mixed or male group)
- ¿Se sienten cansados?Do you feel tired? (plural)
How to Answer
- SÃ, estoy cansado.Yes, I am tired. (male)
- No, no estoy cansada.No, I am not tired. (female)
- Un poco cansados, pero bien.A little tired, but fine.
Cultural Notes on Expressing Tiredness in Spanish
In Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing tiredness is common and straightforward. People often share how they feel physically or emotionally as part of daily conversation. However, cultural variations may influence how openly tiredness is discussed, especially in formal situations where one might opt for more polite or indirect ways to express fatigue.
Also, note that some Spanish-speaking countries have regional slang for tiredness. For example, in Mexico, saying ‘Estoy bien cansado’ or ‘Estoy hecho polvo’ (literally I am made dust) means ‘I am very tired.’ Learning these colloquial expressions can help you sound more natural.
Summary
Expressing ‘are tired’ in Spanish primarily involves using the verbestarwith the adjectivecansado, adjusting for gender and number. Alternative verbs likesentirseand adjectives such asagotadoenrich your vocabulary for describing fatigue. Whether asking someone if they are tired or describing your own tiredness, mastering these expressions will improve your Spanish communication skills and help you relate better in everyday situations.