B1 Subjunctive 17 min read Medium

Expressing Annoyance: Me molesta que... (+ Subjunctive)

When one person's feeling (Me molesta) reacts to another person's action (que...), swap the second verb's vowel to the Subjunctive.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you express annoyance or emotion about someone else's action, use 'que' followed by the subjunctive mood.

  • Use 'Me molesta que' + subjunctive when the subject changes: Me molesta que llegues tarde.
  • If there is no subject change, use the infinitive: Me molesta llegar tarde.
  • The subjunctive triggers a shift in verb endings (e.g., -ar verbs take -er endings).
Me molesta + que + [Subject 2] + [Verb in Subjunctive]

Overview

Expressing annoyance is a fundamental aspect of human communication, and in Spanish, it necessitates a specific grammatical construction to convey the speaker's subjective reaction. The phrase Me molesta que... (It annoys me that...) is a critical tool for articulating personal irritation, displeasure, or bothersome feelings regarding an action performed by someone else. Unlike statements of objective fact, which typically use the indicative mood, expressing annoyance falls squarely into the realm of subjective evaluation, preference, or emotion.

This inherently subjective nature is precisely why the subjunctive mood is triggered after que in this structure. You are not merely stating that an action occurs, but rather how that action affects you emotionally.

This construction, often referred to as a "backward verb" or gustar-like construction, positions the source of annoyance as the grammatical subject, and the person experiencing the annoyance as the indirect object. Understanding Me molesta que... is crucial for B1-level learners as it allows for more nuanced and authentic expression of personal feelings, moving beyond simple declarative sentences. It connects directly to broader Spanish grammar principles surrounding clauses of emotion, judgment, and volition, all of which generally demand the subjunctive.

Mastering this pattern signifies a learner's growing ability to navigate the complexities of subjective expression in Spanish, a cornerstone of fluent communication.

How This Grammar Works

The core mechanism of Me molesta que... revolves around two key grammatical features: the backward verb construction and the triggering of the subjunctive mood by a verb of emotion. The verb molestar (to bother, to annoy) operates similarly to gustar (to like), encantar (to love), or interesar (to interest). In these structures, the thing or action that causes the emotion is the grammatical subject of the sentence, and the person experiencing the emotion is the indirect object, indicated by an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les).
When molestar is followed by que and a clause, the clause itself—the action being complained about—functions as the grammatical subject. Because molestar conveys an emotional reaction, it introduces a subjective perspective on the action described in the subordinate clause. This subjectivity, where the speaker's feelings dictate the mood, is the fundamental reason for the subjunctive.
Consider Me molesta que llegues tarde. Here, que llegues tarde (that you arrive late) is the subject causing the annoyance, and me indicates who is annoyed. The use of llegues (subjunctive) rather than llegas (indicative) signals that the lateness is not presented as an objective fact, but rather as an action filtered through the speaker's emotional state of annoyance.
Crucially, this construction implies a change of subject between the main clause (Me molesta) and the subordinate clause (que tú llegues tarde). If the subject of molestar and the action were the same, you would typically use an infinitive. For instance, Me molesta esperar (Waiting annoys me) uses the infinitive esperar because I am the one doing the waiting and I am the one who is annoyed.
However, when your waiting annoys me, the subject changes, thus triggering que + subjunctive: Me molesta que esperes (It annoys me that you wait). This distinction is vital for correct application of the rule. The grammatical structure reflects the speaker's emotional response to an external event or action.

Formation Pattern

1
Mastering the Me molesta que... construction requires adherence to a precise formula involving an indirect object pronoun, the verb molestar, the conjunction que, and the appropriate present subjunctive conjugation. This pattern allows you to accurately convey who is annoyed by what action. Pay close attention to the agreement of molestar and the correct subjunctive form.
2
1. Indirect Object Pronoun: This pronoun indicates who is experiencing the annoyance. It always precedes molestar.
3
| Person | Pronoun |
4
| :----- | :------ |
5
| Me (to me) | me |
6
| You (to you, informal singular) | te |
7
| Him/Her/You (to him/her/you, formal singular) | le |
8
| Us (to us) | nos |
9
| You (to you all, informal plural, Spain) | os |
10
| Them/You (to them/you all, formal plural) | les |
11
Example: Me molesta que haga tanto ruido. (It annoys me that he makes so much noise.)
12
2. The Verb molestar: This verb generally remains in the singular third-person form, molesta, when the grammatical subject is a que-clause (an action). It is crucial to remember that molesta is agreeing with the action described in the subordinate clause, not with the person being annoyed (indicated by the indirect object pronoun).
13
If the annoyance is caused by multiple specific nouns (not an action), then molestar would be plural: Me molestan tus zapatos aquí. (Your shoes annoy me here.) However, for actions expressed with que + subjunctive, it's almost always molesta.
14
Example: Me molesta que nunca me escuches. (It annoys me that you never listen to me.)
15
3. The Conjunction que: This small but critical word acts as the bridge connecting the main clause (who is annoyed) to the subordinate clause (the annoying action). It is non-negotiable and always present in this construction when expressing annoyance at another's action.
16
Example: Les molesta que siempre lleguen tarde. (It annoys them that they always arrive late.)
17
4. The Present Subjunctive: The verb describing the annoying action must be conjugated in the present subjunctive mood. To form the regular present subjunctive, follow these steps:
18
Start with the yo form of the present indicative.
19
Drop the -o ending.
20
Add the opposite vowel endings:
21
For -AR verbs, add -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
22
For -ER/-IR verbs, add -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
23
| Infinitive | Yo Indicative | Subjunctive Endings | Tú Subjunctive | Él/Ella/Ud. Subjunctive | Nosotros Subjunctive | Vosotros Subjunctive | Ellos/Ellas/Uds. Subjunctive |
24
| :--------- | :------------ | :------------------ | :------------- | :--------------------- | :------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------------- |
25
| hablar | hablo | -AR → -e | hables | hable | hablemos | habléis | hablen |
26
| comer | como | -ER → -a | comas | coma | comamos | comáis | coman |
27
| vivir | vivo | -IR → -a | vivas | viva | vivamos | viváis | vivan |
28
Irregular Verbs in the Present Subjunctive: Many common verbs are irregular in the subjunctive, often stemming from their irregular yo form or having completely distinct patterns. Here are a few essential ones:
29
| Infinitive | Yo Indicative | Present Subjunctive (e.g., que tú...) |
30
| :--------- | :------------ | :------------------------------- |
31
| ser | soy | seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean |
32
| estar | estoy | estés, esté, estemos, estéis, estén |
33
| ir | voy | vayas, vaya, vayamos, vayáis, vayan |
34
| saber | | sepas, sepa, sepamos, sepáis, sepan |
35
| dar | doy | des, , demos, deis, den |
36
| haber | he | hayas, haya, hayamos, hayáis, hayan |
37
| hacer | hago | hagas, haga, hagamos, hagáis, hagan |
38
| tener | tengo | tengas, tenga, tengamos, tengáis, tengan |
39
| venir | vengo | vengas, venga, vengamos, vengáis, vengan |
40
| decir | digo | digas, diga, digamos, digáis, digan |
41
Example: Te molesta que siempre esté ocupado. (It annoys you that I am always busy.)
42
Example: Nos molesta que no vengáis a la fiesta. (It annoys us that you all aren't coming to the party.)

When To Use It

The Me molesta que... construction is employed whenever you, as the speaker, wish to express your personal irritation, displeasure, or bothersome feeling about an action or state of affairs caused by another person or entity. The key is the subjective emotional impact of the action on you. It is a direct and common way to voice a grievance, set a boundary, or simply vent about something that bothers you.
This structure is versatile across various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal complaints, though the level of formality might influence your tone.
  • Expressing Personal Annoyances: This is the most direct application. Use it to highlight specific behaviors that you find irritating. For example, if a colleague consistently leaves their desk a mess, you might express Me molesta que dejes tus cosas desordenadas. (It annoys me that you leave your things disorganized.) Similarly, with a friend who is habitually late: Me molesta que siempre llegues tarde a nuestras citas. (It annoys me that you always arrive late to our appointments.) The focus is on the effect of their action on your emotional state.
  • Social Dynamics and Etiquette: In social settings, this phrase can be used to address breaches of etiquette or inconsiderate behavior, albeit often softened with a polite introduction or tone. A mi madre le molesta que no quites los zapatos al entrar en casa. (It annoys my mother that you don't take off your shoes when entering the house.) Here, it conveys a social expectation or a personal preference regarding conduct. It's a way to communicate personal boundaries indirectly.
  • Criticism of General Situations/Behaviors: While primarily used for specific actions, it can also refer to more general behaviors or situations caused by others. Nos molesta que la gente tire basura en la calle. (It annoys us that people throw trash in the street.) In this instance, la gente (people) acts as the subject of the subjunctive clause, indicating a collective annoying action. Another example could be Me molesta que el gobierno no haga nada con la inflación. (It annoys me that the government does nothing about inflation.) This demonstrates its use for broader societal or political grievances, still filtered through personal annoyance.
  • Distinction from No me gusta que...: While No me gusta que... (I don't like that...) also triggers the subjunctive and conveys displeasure, Me molesta que... carries a stronger connotation of active bothering, irritation, or being troubled by something. Molestar implies a more significant disturbance, whereas no gustar can simply mean a mild disinclination or preference. For example, No me gusta que hables tan alto (I don't like that you speak so loudly) is softer than Me molesta que hables tan alto (It annoys me that you speak so loudly), which implies the loudness is genuinely bothering you.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when attempting to use Me molesta que... (+ Subjunctive). Recognizing and understanding these common errors is key to mastering the construction and expressing your annoyances accurately in Spanish. The mistakes often stem from incorrect mood selection, omission of necessary particles, or misinterpreting subject agreement.
  • 1. Using the Indicative Mood Instead of the Subjunctive: This is perhaps the most pervasive error. Learners often default to the indicative because they are accustomed to stating facts. However, molestar demands the subjunctive for the subordinate clause due to its emotional nature. If you use the indicative, the meaning can shift, or the sentence simply becomes ungrammatical.
  • Incorrect: Me molesta que llegas tarde. (You use the indicative llegas)
  • Correct: Me molesta que llegues tarde. (The subjunctive llegues is required)
  • Why it's wrong: The indicative treats llegas tarde as an objective fact that happens to annoy you, rather than an action whose annoying effect is being subjectively expressed. The molestar trigger requires the subjective mood.
  • 2. Omitting que: The conjunction que is indispensable when connecting molestar to a subordinate clause containing a conjugated verb. Removing it creates an ungrammatical sentence structure.
  • Incorrect: Me molesta tú hablas alto.
  • Correct: Me molesta que hables alto.
  • Why it's wrong: que acts as the necessary bridge, introducing the subordinate clause that serves as the subject of molestar. Without it, the sentence lacks proper syntactic connection.
  • 3. Misunderstanding Subject Change for the Subjunctive: A crucial aspect is that the subjunctive is triggered only when there is a change of subject between the main clause and the que-clause. If the subject is the same, an infinitive is used instead, and que is omitted.
  • Incorrect: Me molesta que yo espere. (It annoys me that I wait.)
  • Correct: Me molesta esperar. (Waiting annoys me.)
  • Why it's wrong: If you are doing the annoying action, you don't use que + subjunctive. The infinitive correctly captures that the annoyance is directed at your own action. The structure Me molesta que yo... is grammatically incorrect for expressing self-annoyance about one's own actions.
  • 4. Incorrect Agreement of molestar: Remember that molestar agrees with the thing or action that causes the annoyance, not the person who is annoyed. When the subject is a que-clause (an action), molestar is always singular (molesta). Only if the subject is a plural noun (e.g., tus zapatos) does molestar become plural (molestan).
  • Incorrect: Me molestan que haces mucho ruido. (Incorrectly plural molestan)
  • Correct: Me molesta que hagas mucho ruido. (The action que hagas mucho ruido is a singular concept, thus molesta)
  • Why it's wrong: This error reflects a common misassociation, where learners might incorrectly link the plural indirect object pronoun (e.g., les) or a perceived plural subject (e.g., ustedes) to the verb molestar itself. The grammatical subject of molestar is the que-clause, which is conceptually singular.
  • 5. Over-softening or Under-softening: While not a grammatical error, learners sometimes struggle with the appropriate social register. Me molesta que... is direct. In some contexts, it can be perceived as blunt, especially in Latin American Spanish where indirectness is sometimes preferred for politeness. Adding phrases like La verdad, me molesta un poco que... (Honestly, it annoys me a little that...) can soften the impact. Conversely, in situations where strong emotion is warranted, avoiding such softening can be appropriate. Understanding the cultural context of your conversation partner is crucial here.

Real Conversations

Understanding how Me molesta que... functions in theory is one thing; observing its use in authentic, everyday Spanish conversations is another. This construction is a staple of natural discourse, appearing in various registers from casual complaints among friends to more formal expressions of dissatisfaction. These examples illustrate the structure's versatility and how native speakers integrate it into their daily interactions.

1. Casual Conversation (Friends/Family):

- Text message from a sibling: Oye, me molesta un montón que siempre dejes la puerta abierta cuando sales. Entra frío. (Hey, it really annoys me that you always leave the door open when you leave. Cold gets in.)

- Response: Ay, perdón, es la costumbre. No lo hago a propósito. (Oh, sorry, it's habit. I don't do it on purpose.)

- Observation: un montón (a lot) intensifies the annoyance. The directness is common among close relationships.

2. Workplace/Professional (Slightly more formal, but still direct):

- Manager to team member: A la dirección le molesta que no se entreguen los informes a tiempo. Es crucial para la planificación. (Management is annoyed that the reports aren't submitted on time. It's crucial for planning.)

- Observation: la dirección (management) acts as the third-person subject experiencing the annoyance (le molesta). The passive se entreguen avoids directly blaming one person, making it slightly softer in tone while still conveying the displeasure.

3. Social Media/Online Forums (Often more informal and expressive):

- Tweet: Me molesta que la gente critique sin saber. ¡Infórmense primero, por favor! #Opiniones #Respeto (It annoys me that people criticize without knowing. Inform yourselves first, please! #Opinions #Respect)

- Comment: Totalmente. A mí me molesta que no lean los artículos enteros. (Totally. It annoys me that they don't read the full articles.)

- Observation: The use of la gente (people) for the subject of the subjunctive clause is common for expressing general grievances. The tone can be passionate in online contexts.

4. Setting Boundaries in Relationships:

- Partner to partner: Mira, me molesta mucho que me interrumpas cuando estoy hablando. Siento que no me escuchas. (Look, it really annoys me that you interrupt me when I'm speaking. I feel like you don't listen to me.)

- Observation: The addition of mucho (a lot) emphasizes the intensity. This is a direct, yet often necessary, way to communicate personal needs and feelings within a relationship.

5. General Observations/Complaints:

- Friends at a restaurant: Uf, me molesta que el camarero tarde tanto en traer la cuenta. (Ugh, it annoys me that the waiter takes so long to bring the bill.)

- Observation: tarde is the subjunctive form of tardar (to take time). This illustrates Me molesta que... for common, everyday frustrations.

These examples underscore that Me molesta que... is a powerful and frequently used construction for communicating subjective displeasure, reflecting a speaker's emotional response to the world around them. Its prevalence in diverse contexts highlights its importance for B1 learners aiming for authentic communication.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common questions learners have about Me molesta que... (+ Subjunctive), providing clarity on nuances, potential ambiguities, and connections to other grammatical concepts.
  • Q: Can molestar mean something other than 'to annoy' or 'to bother'?
  • A: Yes, molestar can also mean 'to hurt' or 'to cause discomfort', especially in a physical sense. For example, Me molesta la espalda means 'My back hurts me' or 'My back bothers me'. In this context, it functions similarly to doler. However, when followed by que + subjunctive, its meaning almost exclusively refers to emotional or psychological annoyance. Example: Me molesta que no me dejes dormir (It annoys me that you don't let me sleep) vs. Me molesta la pierna (My leg bothers/hurts me).
  • Q: Is Me molesta que... always negative? Can it be used for things I like?
  • A: The verb molestar inherently carries a negative connotation, meaning 'to bother', 'to annoy', or 'to irritate'. Therefore, the construction Me molesta que... is exclusively used to express displeasure or annoyance. For positive emotional reactions, you would use other verbs of emotion that trigger the subjunctive, such as Me gusta que... (I like that...), Me alegra que... (It makes me happy that...), or Me encanta que... (I love that...). Example: Me alegra que vengas a la fiesta. (It makes me happy that you come to the party.)
  • Q: What if I want to soften the complaint, or make it less direct?
  • A: While Me molesta que... is direct, you can certainly soften it. Common strategies include:
  • Adding adverbs: Me molesta un poco que... (It bothers me a little that...), Me molesta bastante que... (It bothers me quite a bit that...).
  • Using introductory phrases: La verdad, me molesta que... (Honestly, it bothers me that...), Sinceramente, me molesta que... (Sincerely, it bothers me that...). These phrases signal that you are about to express a personal, perhaps sensitive, feeling.
  • Using the conditional: Me molestaría que... (It would bother me that...) if you are discussing a hypothetical situation or want to be even more polite.
  • Q: How does Me molesta que... differ from Odio que...?
  • A: Both express strong negative feelings and trigger the subjunctive. Odio que... (I hate that...) is generally a stronger, more intense expression of aversion or dislike than Me molesta que.... Molestar implies irritation or bother, while odiar conveys a deep hatred. The choice depends on the intensity of your feeling. Example: Me molesta que dejes la luz encendida (It annoys me that you leave the light on) is a common complaint, whereas Odio que dejes la luz encendida would suggest a more profound personal affront or an extreme pet peeve.
  • Q: Why does molesta stay singular when the annoying action is performed by multiple people? For example, Me molesta que ellos hablen alto.
  • A: This is a point of common confusion but a clear grammatical rule. In Me molesta que ellos hablen alto, the grammatical subject of molesta is the entire clause que ellos hablen alto (that they speak loudly). This clause, as a single concept or event, is treated as singular. Therefore, molesta remains in the singular third-person form. Molestar only becomes plural (molestan) if its subject is an explicit plural noun not embedded in a que-clause, such as Me molestan sus comentarios (Their comments annoy me). The conceptual singularity of the action itself, regardless of how many people perform it, dictates the singular molesta.
  • Q: Does the use of vs. usted affect the subjunctive form?
  • A: Absolutely. The choice of (informal) or usted (formal) will dictate the specific conjugation of the subjunctive verb. For , you will use the segunda persona del singular (e.g., que hables, que comas). For usted, you will use the tercera persona del singular (e.g., que hable, que coma). This is a standard conjugation rule that applies to all subjunctive uses. Example: Me molesta que tú llegues tarde. vs. Me molesta que usted llegue tarde. Similarly, vosotros (informal plural, Spain) would use que habléis, while ustedes (formal plural, all Spanish-speaking areas; informal plural, Latin America) would use que hablen.

Subjunctive Conjugation Patterns

Infinitive Yo (Indicative) Subjunctive Stem Subjunctive (-ar) Subjunctive (-er/-ir)
Hablar
Hablo
Habl-
Hable
-
Comer
Como
Com-
-
Coma
Vivir
Vivo
Viv-
-
Viva
Hacer
Hago
Hag-
-
Haga
Tener
Tengo
Teng-
-
Tenga
Ir
Voy
Vay-
-
Vaya

Meanings

This structure is used to express personal feelings, annoyance, or frustration regarding an action performed by another person.

1

Expressing annoyance

Showing irritation at a specific behavior.

“Me molesta que hables tan alto.”

“Me molesta que no me escuches.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Expressing Annoyance: Me molesta que... (+ Subjunctive)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Me molesta que + Subj
Me molesta que llegues tarde.
Negative
No me molesta que + Subj
No me molesta que salgas.
Question
¿Te molesta que + Subj?
¿Te molesta que fume aquí?
Same Subject
Me molesta + Infinitive
Me molesta llegar tarde.
Plural Subject
Me molesta que + ellos + Subj
Me molesta que ellos hablen.
Irregular
Me molesta que + Vaya
Me molesta que ella vaya sola.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Me molesta que usted llegue tarde.

Me molesta que usted llegue tarde. (Social)

Neutral
Me molesta que llegues tarde.

Me molesta que llegues tarde. (Social)

Informal
Me molesta que llegues tarde, tío.

Me molesta que llegues tarde, tío. (Social)

Slang
Me raya que llegues tarde.

Me raya que llegues tarde. (Social)

The Subjunctive Trigger

Me molesta que...

Grammar

  • Subjunctive Mood

Subject

  • Change Required

Indicative vs Subjunctive

Indicative (Facts)
Sé que vienes I know you are coming
Subjunctive (Emotion)
Me molesta que vengas It annoys me that you are coming

Do I use Subjunctive?

1

Is the subject the same?

YES
Use Infinitive
NO
Use Subjunctive

Emotional Triggers

😠

Emotions

  • Me molesta
  • Me enfada
  • Me irrita
  • Me sorprende

Examples by Level

1

Me molesta que hables.

It annoys me that you talk.

2

Me molesta que comas aquí.

It annoys me that you eat here.

3

Me molesta que no vengas.

It annoys me that you don't come.

4

Me molesta que salgas.

It annoys me that you go out.

1

Me molesta que llegues tarde a clase.

It annoys me that you arrive late to class.

2

Me molesta que no limpies tu cuarto.

It annoys me that you don't clean your room.

3

Me molesta que siempre digas mentiras.

It annoys me that you always tell lies.

4

Me molesta que no me llames.

It annoys me that you don't call me.

1

Me molesta que mis vecinos hagan ruido por la noche.

It annoys me that my neighbors make noise at night.

2

Me molesta que no se tomen en serio el trabajo.

It annoys me that they don't take the work seriously.

3

Me molesta que ella no quiera venir con nosotros.

It annoys me that she doesn't want to come with us.

4

Me molesta que te olvides de las fechas importantes.

It annoys me that you forget important dates.

1

Me molesta que la empresa no considere nuestras opiniones.

It annoys me that the company doesn't consider our opinions.

2

Me molesta que el gobierno no actúe ante esta crisis.

It annoys me that the government doesn't act in the face of this crisis.

3

Me molesta que no se haya resuelto el problema todavía.

It annoys me that the problem hasn't been solved yet.

4

Me molesta que insistan en cambiar los planes a última hora.

It annoys me that they insist on changing plans at the last minute.

1

Me molesta que se perpetúen estos estereotipos en los medios.

It annoys me that these stereotypes are perpetuated in the media.

2

Me molesta que no se valore el esfuerzo intelectual detrás de este proyecto.

It annoys me that the intellectual effort behind this project isn't valued.

3

Me molesta que se ignore la evidencia científica en este debate.

It annoys me that scientific evidence is ignored in this debate.

4

Me molesta que se prefiera la inmediatez a la calidad.

It annoys me that immediacy is preferred over quality.

1

Me molesta sobremanera que se desestime la complejidad de este fenómeno social.

It annoys me greatly that the complexity of this social phenomenon is dismissed.

2

Me molesta que, a pesar de las advertencias, se persista en el error.

It annoys me that, despite the warnings, they persist in the error.

3

Me molesta que se instrumentalice el lenguaje para fines políticos.

It annoys me that language is instrumentalized for political ends.

4

Me molesta que se soslaye la importancia de este precedente histórico.

It annoys me that the importance of this historical precedent is overlooked.

Easily Confused

Expressing Annoyance: Me molesta que... (+ Subjunctive) vs Indicative vs Subjunctive

Learners use indicative for feelings.

Common Mistakes

Me molesta que vienes.

Me molesta que vengas.

Indicative used instead of subjunctive.

Me molesta que yo llego tarde.

Me molesta llegar tarde.

Redundant subject; use infinitive.

Me molesta que tú hablas.

Me molesta que tú hables.

Incorrect conjugation.

Me molesta que ellos han venido.

Me molesta que ellos hayan venido.

Wrong tense for past emotion.

Sentence Patterns

Me molesta que ___ ___.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

Me molesta que no me escribas.

Job Interview occasional

Me molesta que los procesos no sean claros.

Food Delivery common

Me molesta que el pedido llegue frío.

Social Media very common

Me molesta que la gente comente sin leer.

Travel common

Me molesta que el vuelo se retrase.

Roommates constant

Me molesta que no laves los platos.

💡

Check the subject

If the subject is the same, use the infinitive. If it's different, use the subjunctive.
⚠️

Don't use indicative

Never use the present indicative after 'Me molesta que'.
🎯

Memorize irregulars

Irregular verbs like 'ir' or 'ser' are common in these sentences.
💬

Be polite

Even when annoyed, use 'por favor' if needed.

Smart Tips

Check if the subject changes.

Me molesta que yo hablo. Me molesta hablar.

Always use 'que' + subjunctive.

Me molesta que tú vienes. Me molesta que tú vengas.

Use the 'yo' form as a base.

Me molesta que tú haces. Me molesta que tú hagas.

If it's a feeling, it's likely subjunctive.

Me sorprende que él es. Me sorprende que él sea.

Pronunciation

hables (ah-bles)

Subjunctive endings

Ensure the final vowel is clear and distinct.

Emotional stress

Me MOLESTA que...

Emphasizing the annoyance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'WEIRDO' for subjunctive triggers: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt, Ojalá.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Mood Switch' on a wall. When you feel an emotion about someone else, you flip the switch from 'Fact' (Indicative) to 'Feeling' (Subjunctive).

Rhyme

When the subject changes and feelings are true, the subjunctive is what you must do.

Story

Maria is annoyed. She wants to say 'It annoys me that you are late'. She checks: Is it me? No, it's you. So she uses 'llegues'. She feels better because she used the right mood.

Word Web

molestarquesubjuntivoemociónsujetocambio

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about things that annoy you using 'Me molesta que'.

Cultural Notes

People are very direct about annoyance.

Often softened with 'un poco'.

Uses 'vos' forms.

Derived from Latin subjunctive mood.

Conversation Starters

¿Qué es lo que más te molesta de tus amigos?

Journal Prompts

Describe three things that annoy you at work or school.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Me molesta que tú (llegar) tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: llegues
Subjunctive required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me molesta que él viene.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: venga
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Me molesta que ellos ___ (comer) aquí.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coman
Subjunctive required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que llegues tarde
Correct structure.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

It annoys me that you speak.

Answer starts with: Me ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que hables
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'hacer'. Conjugation Drill

Me molesta que tú lo ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hagas
Subjunctive required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Te molesta que fume? B: Sí, me molesta que ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fumes
Subjunctive required.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'Me molesta que' + 'tú' + 'ir'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que vayas
Subjunctive required.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Me molesta que tú (llegar) tarde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: llegues
Subjunctive required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Me molesta que él viene.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: venga
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Me molesta que ellos ___ (comer) aquí.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: coman
Subjunctive required.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

que / molesta / llegues / Me / tarde

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que llegues tarde
Correct structure.
Translate to Spanish. Translation

It annoys me that you speak.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que hables
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'hacer'. Conjugation Drill

Me molesta que tú lo ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hagas
Subjunctive required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: ¿Te molesta que fume? B: Sí, me molesta que ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fumes
Subjunctive required.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'Me molesta que' + 'tú' + 'ir'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que vayas
Subjunctive required.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete with the subjunctive of 'usar'. Fill in the Blank

Me molesta que mi hermano ___ mi ropa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: use
Complete with the subjunctive of 'ser'. Fill in the Blank

No me gusta que el examen ___ tan difícil.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sea
Identify the correct structure. Multiple Choice

Which assumes different subjects?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que cocines.
Fix the grammar. Error Correction

Te molesta que yo fumo?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Te molesta que yo fume?
Unscramble the complaint. Sentence Reorder

tarde / molesta / llegues / Me / que

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que llegues tarde.
Match the indicative to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Match verb forms

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Tienes -> Tengas","Haces -> Hagas","Vas -> Vayas","Dices -> Digas"]
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

A ellos les molesta que nosotros ___ (hacer) ruido.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: hagamos
Select the right translation. Multiple Choice

It annoys me that you don't listen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que no escuches.
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

Me molesta que ellos van al cine sin mí.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que ellos vayan...
Order the sentence. Sentence Reorder

perro / que / ladre / molesta / Me / tu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que tu perro ladre.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Me molesta que ___ (llover) el fin de semana.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: llueva
Which fits the context? Multiple Choice

Context: Your neighbor plays drums at 2 AM.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me molesta que toques la batería.

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

To show emotion.

No, it's grammatically wrong.

Use the infinitive.

It's used in all registers.

Yes, 'Me alegra que'.

Extremely common.

Use imperfect subjunctive.

Slightly, but the rule is the same.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

French high

Ça m'énerve que + subjonctif

French uses 'que' but conjugation is different.

German moderate

Es nervt mich, dass...

No subjunctive mood for annoyance.

Japanese low

〜のが嫌だ

No verb mood change.

Arabic partial

يزعجني أن...

Different verb system.

Chinese none

我讨厌你...

No mood system.

Spanish high

Me molesta que...

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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