Meaning
To feel fatigued or in need of rest.
Cultural Background
The 'siesta' is a famous tradition, but in big cities, it's more of a weekend luxury. However, businesses still often close between 2 PM and 5 PM. Using 'estoy cansado' can be a soft way to say you're done for the night without being blunt. The phrase 'estar liquidado' is a very common local way to say you are extremely tired. In countries like Cuba or DR, you might hear 'estoy molido' (I am ground up) to express deep physical tiredness.
Gender Check
Always check who you are talking about. If it's a girl, use 'cansada'.
Ser vs Estar
Never use 'Soy cansado'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Meaning
To feel fatigued or in need of rest.
Gender Check
Always check who you are talking about. If it's a girl, use 'cansada'.
Ser vs Estar
Never use 'Soy cansado'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Intensity
Use 'muerto' (dead) informally to sound like a native when you're really tired.
Politeness
Saying 'estoy cansado' is a very acceptable way to leave a party early.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb for a temporary state.
Yo ____ cansado hoy.
We use 'estar' for temporary feelings like being tired.
Change the ending of 'cansado' to match the subject.
María está ____ (cansado).
María is feminine, so the adjective must end in '-a'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: ¿Quieres ir a correr? B: No, gracias. ____.
B is declining exercise because they lack energy.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You have been working for 12 hours straight.
12 hours of work causes significant fatigue.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs Ser with Cansado
Levels of Tiredness
Low
- • Un poco cansado
Medium
- • Cansado
High
- • Agotado
- • Hecho polvo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ____ cansado hoy.
We use 'estar' for temporary feelings like being tired.
María está ____ (cansado).
María is feminine, so the adjective must end in '-a'.
A: ¿Quieres ir a correr? B: No, gracias. ____.
B is declining exercise because they lack energy.
You have been working for 12 hours straight.
12 hours of work causes significant fatigue.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use 'aburrido'. 'Cansado' is for your energy level, not the quality of an object.
'Agotado' is much stronger, like 'exhausted' vs 'tired'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Estoy cansado de ti'. Be careful, it's quite strong!
No, 'Estoy cansado' already implies 'I am'. Adding 'Yo' is for emphasis.
Yes, but you must use the subjunctive verb after it.
Use the masculine plural: 'Estamos cansados'.
Yes, 'Estoy hecho polvo' is very common in Spain.
Yes, when used with 'de', it means you've lost patience.
It's very soft. Don't make it a hard 'D' like in 'Dog'.
Related Phrases
Tengo sueño
similarI am sleepy
Estoy agotado
similarI am exhausted
Estoy harto
similarI am fed up
Descansar
builds onTo rest
Estar hecho polvo
specialized formTo be worn out
