When you're learning Spanish, you'll often talk about how you or others are feeling. One very common feeling is being tired. In Spanish, the word for 'tired' is cansado.
Remember that Spanish adjectives change their ending to match the gender and number of the noun they describe. So, if a man is tired, you say cansado. If a woman is tired, you say cansada.
When we talk about feeling cansado, it's pretty straightforward. It just means tired. Like in English, you can say you're tired because you worked a lot or didn't sleep well.
You'll use it with the verb estar, which is for temporary states. So, it's estoy cansado (I am tired) if you're a male, or estoy cansada if you're a female.
It also changes for plural: estamos cansados (we are tired) or están cansadas (they are tired, feminine).
You might also hear it in phrases like estar cansado de algo, meaning to be tired of something. For example, Estoy cansado de estudiar means I am tired of studying.
When we talk about feeling tired in Spanish, we use the adjective cansado/cansada. It's important to remember that, like many adjectives in Spanish, it changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. So, if a man is tired, he is cansado. If a woman is tired, she is cansada. If a group of men or a mixed group is tired, they are cansados. And if a group of women is tired, they are cansadas.
We often use estar cansado/a to express this state, as in Estoy cansado (I am tired). You can also use it to describe things that are tiring, like un día cansado (a tiring day), though it's more common to use verbs like agotar for that meaning.
When we talk about feeling cansado, we're expressing a state of fatigue or weariness. This can be from physical exertion, lack of sleep, or even mental strain. It's a common adjective to describe how someone feels after a long day of work or an intense workout. Remember, like many Spanish adjectives, its ending will change to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. So, a male would say "estoy cansado," and a female would say "estoy cansada."
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Spanish word 'cansado' is an adjective, and it directly translates to 'tired' in English. It's one of the most common and useful words you'll learn in Spanish, especially for everyday conversations. Think about how often you say you're tired, or ask someone if they are tired, in English. You'll use 'cansado' just as frequently in Spanish.
You use 'cansado' to describe a state of being. This means it tells you how someone or something feels at a particular moment. Because it's an adjective, it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. This is a fundamental rule in Spanish grammar, and 'cansado' is a perfect example to practice it with. If the person is male, you say 'cansado'. If the person is female, you say 'cansada'. If there are multiple people (male or mixed group), you say 'cansados'. If there are multiple people (all female), you say 'cansadas'. Don't worry, we'll break this down with examples.
- DEFINITION
- An adjective describing a state of fatigue or weariness.
People use 'cansado' in many situations. You can use it after a long day at work, after exercising, or even if you haven't slept well. It's also used in slightly more nuanced ways, like saying you're 'tired of something' (e.g., 'cansado de esperar' - tired of waiting). For now, focus on its primary meaning of physical or mental fatigue.
Estoy cansado hoy. (I am tired today.)
Here, 'cansado' refers to a male speaker. If a female were speaking, she would say 'Estoy cansada hoy'.
Ella está muy cansada después del trabajo. (She is very tired after work.)
Notice 'cansada' because 'ella' (she) is feminine.
Nosotros estamos cansados de estudiar. (We are tired of studying.)
'Cansados' is used here because 'nosotros' (we) is plural and can refer to a group of males or a mixed group.
Las chicas están cansadas. (The girls are tired.)
Here, 'cansadas' is used because 'las chicas' (the girls) is feminine plural.
So, when someone asks you '¿Cómo estás?' (How are you?), a very common and natural response if you're feeling fatigued is 'Estoy cansado/a'. This simple phrase will make you sound much more like a native speaker right away. Don't underestimate the power of using basic vocabulary correctly!
Here are some key takeaways:
- 'Cansado' means 'tired'.
- It's an adjective, so it changes form to match the gender and number of who or what is tired.
- Use 'cansado' for a male, 'cansada' for a female.
- Use 'cansados' for multiple males or a mixed group, 'cansadas' for multiple females.
- Almost always pair it with the verb 'estar'.
Practice these forms, and you'll quickly get comfortable using 'cansado' in your daily Spanish conversations. It's a foundational word for expressing how you feel, and mastering its usage is a big step in becoming more fluent.
§ Understanding 'Cansado'
Let's talk about 'cansado.' It means 'tired' in Spanish. It's an adjective, so it describes a noun. Like many adjectives in Spanish, its ending changes to match the noun it describes in terms of gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
Here’s the basic breakdown:
- Cansado: Masculine singular (e.g., El hombre cansado - The tired man)
- Cansada: Feminine singular (e.g., La mujer cansada - The tired woman)
- Cansados: Masculine plural (e.g., Los hombres cansados - The tired men)
- Cansadas: Feminine plural (e.g., Las mujeres cansadas - The tired women)
§ Basic Sentences with 'Cansado'
The most common way to say someone is tired is by using the verb 'estar' (to be) with 'cansado.' 'Estar' is used for temporary states, and being tired is usually a temporary condition. Don't confuse it with 'ser,' which is for more permanent characteristics.
- Spanish phrase
- Estoy cansado.
- English translation
- I am tired.
Ella está cansada después del trabajo.
- English translation hint
- She is tired after work.
Nosotros estamos cansados de correr.
- English translation hint
- We are tired from running.
§ 'Cansado' with prepositions
You'll often hear 'cansado' followed by certain prepositions, especially when you want to explain *why* someone is tired. The most common prepositions used are 'de' (of/from) and 'por' (for/by).
Using 'de'
'Cansado de' is used to express being tired *of* something or *from* doing something. It's very similar to English.
Estoy cansado de estudiar.
- English translation hint
- I am tired of studying.
Ella está cansada de la misma rutina.
- English translation hint
- She is tired of the same routine.
Using 'por'
While less common than 'de', 'cansado por' can be used to indicate the *cause* or *reason* for being tired, often implying 'tired due to' or 'tired by'.
Estoy cansado por el viaje largo.
- English translation hint
- I am tired by/due to the long trip.
In many cases, 'de' and 'por' can feel interchangeable when talking about the source of your tiredness. However, 'de' often focuses on the *source* or *content* of the tiredness (e.g., tired of studying), while 'por' can emphasize the *reason* or *agent* causing it (e.g., tired due to the trip). Don't overthink it at A1; 'de' is your safest bet for 'tired of/from'.
§ Cansado: Definition
- Spanish Word
- Cansado
- Grammar
- Adjective
- CEFR Level
- A1
- Definition
- Tired
§ Hearing 'Cansado' at Work
You'll hear 'cansado' a lot in any workplace. People get tired from their jobs, long meetings, or demanding tasks. It's a very common way to express fatigue. Listen for it when colleagues are talking about their day.
Estoy muy cansado después de la reunión. (I am very tired after the meeting.)
Mi colega está cansada de trabajar horas extra. (My colleague is tired of working overtime.)
§ Hearing 'Cansado' at School
Students, teachers, and parents all get tired. You'll hear 'cansado' used to describe how someone feels after a long day of classes, studying for exams, or dealing with school activities. It's a universal feeling.
Los estudiantes están cansados después del examen final. (The students are tired after the final exam.)
La profesora parece cansada hoy. (The teacher looks tired today.)
§ Hearing 'Cansado' in the News
While less common than in personal conversations, 'cansado' can appear in news reports, especially when discussing public sentiment or the physical state of individuals after a difficult event. For example, you might hear about rescue workers being 'cansados' after a long effort.
- When reporting on emergencies or natural disasters, journalists might mention people who are physically tired from the situation.
- Political commentary can sometimes use 'cansado' to describe a general public sentiment of being 'tired' of a particular situation or policy.
Los bomberos estaban muy cansados después de horas de trabajo. (The firefighters were very tired after hours of work.)
La población está cansada de la situación económica. (The population is tired of the economic situation.)
§ Mistakes people make with this word
Alright, let's talk about 'cansado'. It means 'tired,' and it's pretty straightforward, but there are a few places where English speakers often trip up. Avoid these common mistakes, and you'll sound much more natural.
§ Mistake 1: Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'
This is a big one. In Spanish, you use 'ser' for permanent characteristics and 'estar' for temporary states or conditions. Being tired is usually temporary, right? So, you almost always use 'estar' with 'cansado'.
- Incorrect
- Soy cansado.
- Correct
- Estoy cansado.
Estoy cansado después de trabajar todo el día. (I am tired after working all day.)
§ Mistake 2: Forgetting Gender and Number Agreement
'Cansado' is an adjective, which means it has to agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun it describes. This is a fundamental rule in Spanish, and it's easy to forget when you're speaking quickly.
- If you are a male, you say: cansado
- If you are a female, you say: cansada
- If there are multiple males (or mixed group), you say: cansados
- If there are multiple females, you say: cansadas
Ella está cansada de correr. (She is tired of running.)
Nosotros estamos cansados después del viaje. (We are tired after the trip.)
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 'cansado' for 'bored'
Sometimes, English speakers use 'tired of' to mean 'bored of'. In Spanish, 'cansado de' can definitely mean 'tired of' in the sense of being fed up or physically exhausted from something. However, if you mean 'bored,' there's a more direct word: 'aburrido'.
- Correct (Tired of)
- Estoy cansado de las mismas excusas. (I am tired of the same excuses.)
- Correct (Bored)
- Estoy aburrido con la película. (I am bored with the movie.)
Estaba cansado de esperar el autobús. (I was tired of waiting for the bus.)
Si estás aburrido, podemos hacer otra cosa. (If you are bored, we can do something else.)
§ Mistake 4: Using 'tener' with 'cansado'
Just like in English we say 'I *am* tired' and not 'I *have* tired', in Spanish, you *estar cansado*, not *tener cansado*. While 'tener' is used with some physical states (like 'tener hambre' - to be hungry, or 'tener sed' - to be thirsty), 'cansado' does not follow this pattern.
- Incorrect
- Tengo cansado.
- Correct
- Estoy cansado.
Estoy tan cansado que me iré a dormir. (I am so tired that I will go to sleep.)
By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you'll use 'cansado' much more accurately and sound more like a native speaker. Pay attention to context, verb choice, and agreement, and you'll be golden!
§ 'Cansado' vs. 'Fatigado' and 'Agotado'
When you're learning Spanish, you'll encounter a few different words that can mean 'tired.' While 'cansado' is the most common and versatile, it's good to understand its alternatives so you can choose the best word for any situation. Let's look at 'cansado,' 'fatigado,' and 'agotado.' Each of these words expresses a level of tiredness, but they have slightly different nuances.
- DEFINITION
- Cansado: This is the most general word for 'tired.' You use it for everyday tiredness, whether it's from a long day at work, a late night, or a mild workout. It's the go-to word when you simply feel a lack of energy or a desire to rest.
Estoy muy cansado después de trabajar todo el día. (I am very tired after working all day.)
Ella está cansada de estudiar para el examen. (She is tired of studying for the exam.)
- DEFINITION
- Fatigado: This word implies a deeper, more physical or mental tiredness than 'cansado.' It often suggests that the tiredness is due to effort, exertion, or prolonged activity. Think of it as 'fatigued' in English. It's a bit more formal and less common in everyday conversation than 'cansado.'
Los corredores estaban fatigados después de la maratón. (The runners were fatigued after the marathon.)
Me siento mentalmente fatigado por el estrés. (I feel mentally fatigued from stress.)
- DEFINITION
- Agotado: This is the strongest of the three, meaning 'exhausted' or 'worn out.' You use 'agotado' when you've reached your limit, physically or mentally. It suggests a complete depletion of energy, where you can't do any more. It's often used after extreme effort, lack of sleep, or prolonged stress.
Estaba completamente agotado después de la mudanza. (I was completely exhausted after the move.)
Después de tres noches sin dormir, me siento agotado. (After three nights without sleep, I feel exhausted.)
§ When to Use Which Word
The key is to think about the intensity of the tiredness:
- Cansado: Everyday tiredness, generally manageable. You need a rest, but you're not completely drained.
- Fatigado: More profound tiredness, often from sustained physical or mental effort. You're feeling the effects of exertion.
- Agotado: Extreme tiredness, complete exhaustion. You're at your limit and really need to stop and recover.
Here are some more examples to help you see the differences in context:
Estoy un poco cansado porque me acosté tarde anoche. (I'm a little tired because I went to bed late last night.)
El excursionista se sintió fatigado después de escalar la montaña. (The hiker felt fatigued after climbing the mountain.)
Después de correr cien kilómetros, me sentía agotado y no podía dar un paso más. (After running a hundred kilometers, I felt exhausted and couldn't take another step.)
§ Related Expressions with 'Cansado'
'Cansado' can also be used in some common expressions that expand its meaning beyond just physical tiredness:
- DEFINITION
- Estar cansado de + infinitivo / sustantivo: To be tired of (doing something / something). This expresses boredom or annoyance.
Estoy cansado de la misma rutina. (I'm tired of the same routine.)
Estamos cansados de esperar. (We are tired of waiting.)
How Formal Is It?
"Me siento fatigado después del viaje tan largo. (I feel fatigued after the very long journey.)"
"Estoy cansado después de trabajar todo el día. (I am tired after working all day.)"
"Estoy agotado, necesito dormir. (I'm exhausted, I need to sleep.)"
"El osito está con sueño y quiere ir a la cama. (The little bear is sleepy and wants to go to bed.)"
"Estoy reventado, no puedo más. (I'm beat, I can't do any more.)"
Guia de pronúncia
- pronouncing the 'a' like in 'cat'
- not rolling the 'r' if it were present (though not in this word, it's a common Spanish pronunciation error for English speakers)
Exemplos por nível
Estuve trabajando todo el día, así que estoy muy cansado.
I was working all day, so I'm very tired.
Using 'estar' for a temporary state of being.
¿Estás cansada después de correr la maratón?
Are you tired after running the marathon?
Feminine form of 'cansado' to match 'tú' (feminine implied).
Los niños se quedaron dormidos porque estaban cansados de jugar tanto.
The children fell asleep because they were tired from playing so much.
Plural form 'cansados' for 'los niños'.
Después de un largo viaje, todos estábamos muy cansados.
After a long trip, we were all very tired.
Plural form 'cansados' and 'estábamos' for 'we'.
Si no duermes lo suficiente, siempre te sentirás cansado.
If you don't sleep enough, you will always feel tired.
Using 'sentirse' (to feel) with 'cansado'.
El profesor parecía cansado de las preguntas repetitivas.
The teacher seemed tired of the repetitive questions.
Using 'parecer' (to seem) with 'cansado'.
Mis padres están cansados de escuchar la misma canción una y otra vez.
My parents are tired of listening to the same song over and over.
Using 'estar cansado de' (to be tired of) with an infinitive verb.
Aunque estaba cansada, seguí estudiando para mi examen.
Even though I was tired, I kept studying for my exam.
Feminine form 'cansada' when the subject is feminine (implied 'yo').
Después de un largo día de trabajo, me siento completamente cansado y solo quiero descansar.
After a long day of work, I feel completely tired and just want to rest.
Here, 'cansado' agrees in gender and number with 'me' (referring to the speaker).
Los niños estaban tan cansados después de jugar todo el día que se durmieron en el coche.
The children were so tired after playing all day that they fell asleep in the car.
'Cansados' is plural and masculine, agreeing with 'los niños'.
¿Estás cansada de esperar? Deberíamos buscar otra solución.
Are you tired of waiting? We should look for another solution.
'Cansada' is feminine singular, agreeing with 'tú' (assuming the listener is female).
El profesor parecía cansado de las constantes interrupciones durante la clase.
The professor seemed tired of the constant interruptions during the class.
'Cansado' is masculine singular, agreeing with 'el profesor'.
Mis padres siempre están cansados después de cuidar a sus nietos todo el fin de semana.
My parents are always tired after taking care of their grandchildren all weekend.
'Cansados' is masculine plural, agreeing with 'mis padres'.
Aunque estaba muy cansada, se quedó despierta para terminar su proyecto.
Although she was very tired, she stayed awake to finish her project.
'Cansada' is feminine singular, agreeing with the implied 'ella' (she).
Estamos cansados de la misma rutina; necesitamos unas vacaciones.
We are tired of the same routine; we need a vacation.
'Cansados' is plural, agreeing with 'nosotros' (we).
No puedes estar tan cansado si acabas de despertarte, ¿verdad?
You can't be that tired if you just woke up, can you?
'Cansado' is masculine singular, agreeing with 'tú' (assuming the listener is male).
Frequentemente confundido com
When using 'cansado' to describe a temporary state of being tired, always use the verb 'estar'.
To express being 'tired of' something, use 'cansado de' followed by a noun or an infinitive verb.
The verb 'cansar' means 'to tire' or 'to make someone tired.' For example, 'Este trabajo me cansa mucho.' (This job tires me a lot.)
Padrões gramaticais
Expressões idiomáticas
"Estar cansado como un perro"
To be dog-tired / To be very tired
Después de correr un maratón, estaba cansado como un perro.
informal"Caer rendido"
To drop from exhaustion / To be extremely tired and fall asleep quickly
Después de un largo día de trabajo, caí rendido en la cama.
neutral"No poder más"
To not be able to go on / To be completely exhausted
Después de escalar la montaña, no podía más.
neutral"Estar agotado"
To be exhausted
El viaje fue largo y estoy agotado.
neutral"Tener sueño"
To be sleepy
Son las once de la noche y tengo mucho sueño.
neutral"Estar hecho polvo"
To be shattered / To be extremely tired or worn out
Después de la fiesta, estaba hecho polvo.
informal"Estar reventado"
To be knackered / To be completely exhausted
Trabajé todo el día y estoy reventado.
informal"No tener fuerzas"
To not have strength / To be very weak from tiredness
Después de la enfermedad, no tenía fuerzas para levantarme.
neutral"Dormirse por las esquinas"
To be falling asleep standing up / To be so tired you can barely stay awake
Estaba tan aburrido en la reunión que me dormía por las esquinas.
informal"Estar para el arrastre"
To be on one's last legs / To be completely worn out and ready to collapse
Después de trabajar sin parar, el coche estaba para el arrastre.
informalFácil de confundir
Often confused with 'cansado' because both can describe states of being, but 'aburrido' specifically means bored, not tired.
Cansado (tired) describes a physical or mental state of needing rest. Aburrido (bored) describes a feeling of weariness due to lack of interest or stimulation.
Estoy cansado después de trabajar todo el día. (I am tired after working all day.) vs. Estoy aburrido con esta película. (I am bored with this movie.)
Sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably with 'cansado' if someone feels generally unwell. However, 'enfermo' specifically means sick or ill.
Cansado (tired) indicates a need for rest. Enfermo (sick) indicates a state of illness, which may include tiredness as a symptom, but is not the primary meaning.
Me siento cansado, necesito dormir. (I feel tired, I need to sleep.) vs. Estoy enfermo con la gripe. (I am sick with the flu.)
Confused with 'cansado' because both relate to sleep. However, 'dormido' means asleep, while 'cansado' means tired.
Cansado (tired) is the state before or leading to sleep. Dormido (asleep) is the state of actively sleeping.
Estoy muy cansado, voy a la cama. (I am very tired, I'm going to bed.) vs. El bebé está dormido. (The baby is asleep.)
While 'agotado' can mean exhausted, which is a more intense form of tired, it's sometimes used when 'cansado' is sufficient, leading to overuse or misunderstanding of its intensity.
Cansado (tired) is a general state of needing rest. Agotado (exhausted) implies a more severe level of tiredness, often to the point of being completely drained.
Estoy cansado después de un paseo. (I am tired after a walk.) vs. Estoy agotado después de correr un maratón. (I am exhausted after running a marathon.)
Occasionally confused because a 'flojo' person might also be tired, but 'flojo' primarily means lazy or loose, not tired.
Cansado (tired) is a physical or mental state. Flojo (lazy/loose) describes a characteristic or a physical property, not a state of weariness.
Estoy cansado y no quiero cocinar. (I am tired and don't want to cook.) vs. Él es muy flojo y nunca ayuda. (He is very lazy and never helps.)
Padrões de frases
Estar + cansado/a
Estoy cansado. (I'm tired.)
Estar + cansado/a + de + [noun/infinitive]
Estoy cansado de estudiar. (I'm tired of studying.)
Sentirse + cansado/a
Me siento cansada. (I feel tired.)
Lucir + cansado/a
Ella luce cansada. (She looks tired.)
Parecer + cansado/a
Parece cansado. (He seems tired.)
Estar + cansado/a + de que + [subjunctive]
Estoy cansado de que la gente no entienda. (I'm tired of people not understanding.)
Tener sueño + y + estar + cansado/a
Tengo sueño y estoy cansado. (I'm sleepy and I'm tired.)
Dejar a alguien + cansado/a
El trabajo me dejó cansado. (The work left me tired.)
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Como usar
Cansado is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So, a male speaker would say 'Estoy cansado' (I am tired), and a female speaker would say 'Estoy cansada' (I am tired). Plural forms would be 'Estamos cansados' (We are tired - masculine or mixed group) or 'Estamos cansadas' (We are tired - feminine group).
A common mistake is using 'ser' instead of 'estar' with 'cansado'. 'Ser' is for inherent qualities, while 'estar' is for temporary states. Since being tired is a temporary state, you almost always use 'estar'. For example, say 'Estoy cansado' (I am tired), not 'Soy cansado'.
Dicas
Basic use of 'cansado'
The most common use of 'cansado' is to describe someone who is tired. You'll hear this all the time.
Agreement with gender and number
'Cansado' is an adjective, so it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
- Masculine singular: cansado (e.g., Él está cansado - He is tired)
- Feminine singular: cansada (e.g., Ella está cansada - She is tired)
- Masculine plural: cansados (e.g., Ellos están cansados - They are tired)
- Feminine plural: cansadas (e.g., Ellas están cansadas - They are tired)
Using 'estar' with 'cansado'
Always use the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) with 'cansado'.
- Correct: Estoy cansado (I am tired)
- Incorrect: Soy cansado (I am a tired person - this implies a permanent trait, which isn't the meaning here).
Common phrases with 'cansado'
You'll often hear phrases like:
- 'Estoy muy cansado': I am very tired.
- 'Estoy un poco cansado': I am a little tired.
Asking if someone is tired
To ask someone if they are tired, you can say:
- '¿Estás cansado?' (Are you tired? - informal, singular)
- '¿Están cansados?' (Are you tired? - informal, plural, or formal plural)
When something is tiring
If you want to say something is tiring (the activity itself), you'd use a different word like 'agotador' or 'agotadora'. 'Cansado' describes the state of being tired.
Beyond physical tiredness
'Cansado' can also mean mentally tired or fed up.
- 'Estoy cansado de estudiar': I'm tired of studying (or fed up with studying).
Opposite of 'cansado'
The opposite of 'cansado' is usually 'descansado' (rested) or 'energético' (energetic).
Practice with daily routines
Think about when you get tired during your day. Practice saying 'Estoy cansado/a después de...' (I'm tired after...). For example, 'Estoy cansado después de trabajar'.
Don't confuse with 'cansar'
'Cansar' is the verb 'to tire'. 'Cansado' is the adjective 'tired'.
- 'El trabajo me cansa': The work tires me.
- 'Yo estoy cansado': I am tired.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of 'cansado' sounding like 'can-sad-oh'. When you're tired, you might feel a bit 'sad, oh' no!
Associação visual
Imagine a big, cozy CANopy bed where you can lie down and feel very tired and sleepy. The word 'cansado' starts with 'CAN'.
Word Web
Desafio
Describe three things that make you feel 'cansado' in Spanish. For example: 'El trabajo me hace sentir cansado.' (Work makes me feel tired.)
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
After a long day of work/school
- Estoy cansado después del trabajo.
- Llegué a casa muy cansado de estudiar.
- ¿Estás cansado de la escuela?
Physical exhaustion from exercise/activity
- Estoy cansado de correr tanto.
- Ella está cansada de bailar toda la noche.
- Nosotros estamos cansados de caminar.
Mental fatigue from thinking/stress
- Estoy cansado de pensar en esto.
- Mi mente está cansada.
- Se sienten cansados de tanto estrés.
Lack of sleep
- Estoy cansado porque no dormí bien.
- Él siempre está cansado si no duerme ocho horas.
- ¿Estás cansado por quedarte despierto?
Being tired of something (figurative)
- Estoy cansado de la misma rutina.
- Ellos están cansados de esperar.
- Ella está cansada de sus excusas.
Iniciadores de conversa
"¿Estás cansado hoy?"
"¿Qué te hace sentir cansado normalmente?"
"¿Cómo te sientes cuando estás muy cansado?"
"¿Qué haces para descansar cuando estás cansado?"
"¿Crees que es importante decir cuando estás cansado?"
Temas para diário
Describe una vez que te sentiste extremadamente cansado. ¿Qué pasó?
¿Cómo afecta el cansancio tu día a día?
Escribe sobre las diferentes maneras en que puedes usar la palabra 'cansado' en español.
¿Qué cosas te cansan más, física o mentalmente? Explica por qué.
Imagina una conversación donde alguien dice que está 'cansado'. Escribe un diálogo corto.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasCansado is the masculine singular form, used when the person or thing that is tired is masculine (e.g., El perro está cansado - The dog is tired). Cansada is the feminine singular form, used when the person or thing that is tired is feminine (e.g., La mujer está cansada - The woman is tired). It's all about gender agreement in Spanish!
To say 'we are tired', you would use Estamos cansados if 'we' refers to a group of all men or mixed gender, or Estamos cansadas if 'we' refers to a group of all women. Remember, it needs to agree in number and gender with the subject.
Yes, absolutely! You can use cansado to describe inanimate objects, though it's less common and usually implies something is worn out or used up. For example, Este coche está cansado (This car is worn out).
You always use the verb estar (to be) with cansado. This is because 'tired' describes a temporary state. For example, Estoy cansado (I am tired), Ella está cansada (She is tired).
To ask someone if they are tired, you can say ¿Estás cansado? (informal, to a male or general) or ¿Estás cansada? (informal, to a female). For a formal setting, use ¿Está usted cansado/a?
A very common phrase is Estoy muy cansado/a, which means 'I am very tired'. You can also hear things like Me siento cansado/a (I feel tired).
Generally, yes, cansado indicates a state of fatigue, which is usually seen as negative or at least undesirable. However, it's not a word with inherent negative connotations beyond its meaning of being tired.
To make cansado plural, you add an 's': cansados for masculine plural (e.g., Ellos están cansados - They are tired) and cansadas for feminine plural (e.g., Ellas están cansadas - They are tired, all female).
No, cansado does not mean 'boring'. If something is boring, you would use words like aburrido/a. 'Cansado' specifically means 'tired'.
Cansado comes from the Latin word campsāre, which means 'to turn a course, to tack'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to tire' or 'to wear out'. It's a pretty old word with a long history in Spanish!
Teste-se 72 perguntas
The speaker is saying they are tired today.
A question asking if someone is tired (feminine).
The speaker is saying 'we are very tired'.
Read this aloud:
Estoy cansado.
Focus: can-sah-doh
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Read this aloud:
Ella está cansada.
Focus: can-sah-dah
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Read this aloud:
¿Estás cansado?
Focus: es-tas can-sah-doh
Você disse:
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Write a sentence describing someone who is tired after a long day of work.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi padre está muy cansado después de un día de trabajo.
Imagine you went for a run. Write a short sentence about how you feel afterward.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Después de correr, estoy cansado.
Your friend looks tired. Write a question asking if they are tired.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¿Estás cansado?
¿Cómo se sentía María después de la escuela?
Read this passage:
María fue a la escuela. Ella estudió mucho para un examen. Después de la escuela, María estaba muy cansada. Quería dormir.
¿Cómo se sentía María después de la escuela?
The passage says 'María estaba muy cansada' (Maria was very tired).
The passage says 'María estaba muy cansada' (Maria was very tired).
¿Qué hizo el perro para estar cansado?
Read this passage:
El perro jugó todo el día en el parque. Corrió, saltó y ladró. Por la noche, el perro estaba muy cansado y durmió mucho.
¿Qué hizo el perro para estar cansado?
The passage states 'El perro jugó todo el día' (The dog played all day).
The passage states 'El perro jugó todo el día' (The dog played all day).
¿Por qué la abuela dice que está cansada?
Read this passage:
Mi abuela siempre se levanta temprano para trabajar en el jardín. A veces, después de un día largo, ella dice: 'Hoy estoy muy cansada.'
¿Por qué la abuela dice que está cansada?
The passage mentions 'trabajar en el jardín' (to work in the garden) and 'después de un día largo' (after a long day).
The passage mentions 'trabajar en el jardín' (to work in the garden) and 'después de un día largo' (after a long day).
Listen for 'cansado' and understand its meaning in the context of work.
Identify 'cansada' and the action that caused it.
Listen for 'cansados' and relate it to the trip.
Read this aloud:
Estoy muy cansado hoy.
Focus: ca-n-sa-do
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Read this aloud:
Ella está cansada de correr.
Focus: can-sa-da
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Read this aloud:
Nosotros estamos cansados.
Focus: can-sa-dos
Você disse:
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Write a short sentence describing how someone feels after a long day of work, using 'cansado'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Después de un largo día de trabajo, mi padre está muy cansado.
Imagine you went for a run. Write a sentence saying you are tired.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Corrí mucho y ahora estoy cansado.
Write a question asking a friend if they are tired after studying all night.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¿Estás cansado después de estudiar toda la noche?
¿Cómo se siente María después del gimnasio?
Read this passage:
María fue al gimnasio por dos horas. Levantó pesas y corrió en la cinta. Ahora ella se siente muy cansada. Quiere ir a casa a dormir.
¿Cómo se siente María después del gimnasio?
El pasaje dice que María 'se siente muy cansada' después del gimnasio.
El pasaje dice que María 'se siente muy cansada' después del gimnasio.
¿Por qué estaban cansados los niños?
Read this passage:
Los niños jugaron en el parque toda la tarde. Corrieron, saltaron y gritaron mucho. Por la noche, todos estaban muy cansados y se durmieron rápido.
¿Por qué estaban cansados los niños?
El pasaje indica que los niños 'jugaron en el parque toda la tarde', lo que los dejó cansados.
El pasaje indica que los niños 'jugaron en el parque toda la tarde', lo que los dejó cansados.
¿Cuándo está cansada la abuela?
Read this passage:
Mi abuela trabaja en el jardín todos los días. Planta flores y cuida las verduras. Es un trabajo duro. Por la noche, ella siempre está un poco cansada, pero muy feliz con su jardín.
¿Cuándo está cansada la abuela?
El texto dice que 'Por la noche, ella siempre está un poco cansada'.
El texto dice que 'Por la noche, ella siempre está un poco cansada'.
This sentence means 'I am very tired after working all day.' The word order is typical for Spanish sentences.
This sentence means 'She is tired because she didn't sleep well last night.' Remember that 'cansado' changes its ending to match the subject's gender.
This sentence means 'My friends are tired after the party.' The plural form 'cansados' is used because the subject 'mis amigos' is plural and masculine.
The athlete after the marathon.
Are you tired of working?
Parents after taking care of children.
Read this aloud:
Estoy tan cansado que solo quiero dormir.
Focus: cansado
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Read this aloud:
No puedo más, estoy muy cansada.
Focus: cansada
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Read this aloud:
¿Ustedes están cansados?
Focus: cansados
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Describe a time you felt very tired. What did you do to rest?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ayer, después de trabajar mucho, me sentí muy cansado. Fui a casa, cené algo ligero y me acosté temprano para descansar. Dormí ocho horas y hoy me siento mejor.
Imagine you have a friend who is feeling very tired. Write a short message to them offering advice or comfort.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hola [Nombre del amigo], supe que estás muy cansado. Es importante que descanses bien. Te sugiero que te tomes un día libre y duermas lo suficiente. ¡Espero que te recuperes pronto!
Write three sentences using 'cansado' in different contexts (e.g., about yourself, about an object, about a situation).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. Después de la larga caminata, mis piernas estaban cansadas. 2. Este viejo coche está muy cansado; necesita reparaciones. 3. La situación se volvió cansada y aburrida para todos.
¿Por qué está cansada María?
Read this passage:
María siempre se levanta muy temprano para ir a trabajar. Su trabajo es exigente y, a menudo, tiene que quedarse hasta tarde. Cuando llega a casa, está tan cansada que apenas tiene energía para cocinar. Lo único que quiere es cenar algo rápido y dormir.
¿Por qué está cansada María?
El texto indica que 'Su trabajo es exigente y, a menudo, tiene que quedarse hasta tarde.', lo que explica su cansancio.
El texto indica que 'Su trabajo es exigente y, a menudo, tiene que quedarse hasta tarde.', lo que explica su cansancio.
¿Cómo se sentían Juan y sus amigos al final de la excursión?
Read this passage:
El fin de semana pasado, Juan y sus amigos decidieron ir de excursión a la montaña. Caminaron durante horas bajo el sol y subieron muchas cuestas. Al final del día, todos estaban muy cansados, pero contentos con la aventura. Celebraron con una buena cena y prometieron repetir la experiencia.
¿Cómo se sentían Juan y sus amigos al final de la excursión?
El texto dice que 'todos estaban muy cansados, pero contentos con la aventura', lo que significa que estaban satisfechos a pesar del cansancio.
El texto dice que 'todos estaban muy cansados, pero contentos con la aventura', lo que significa que estaban satisfechos a pesar del cansancio.
¿Cuál es la principal razón por la que Ana se siente cansada?
Read this passage:
Ana ha estado estudiando para sus exámenes finales durante las últimas semanas. Pasa la mayor parte del día en la biblioteca, leyendo y haciendo resúmenes. Por la noche, le cuesta conciliar el sueño debido al estrés. Es natural que ahora se sienta muy cansada y necesite un descanso.
¿Cuál es la principal razón por la que Ana se siente cansada?
El pasaje menciona que 'Ana ha estado estudiando para sus exámenes finales durante las últimas semanas' y que pasa 'la mayor parte del día en la biblioteca', lo que directamente causa su cansancio.
El pasaje menciona que 'Ana ha estado estudiando para sus exámenes finales durante las últimas semanas' y que pasa 'la mayor parte del día en la biblioteca', lo que directamente causa su cansancio.
Which sentence correctly uses 'cansado' to describe someone feeling tired after a long journey?
When describing a temporary state or feeling like being tired, use 'estar'. 'Ser' is for permanent characteristics, and 'tener' (to have) or 'hacer' (to make/do) are not used in this context.
Choose the most appropriate response to '¿Estás cansado después de trabajar todo el día?'
To respond affirmatively to 'Are you tired?', you would use 'estar' (to be) with 'cansado' or a synonym like 'agotado' (exhausted). 'Ser cansado' would mean 'to be a tiring person/thing', 'tener cansado' is grammatically incorrect, and 'hacer cansado' also doesn't make sense in this context.
Which of the following phrases indicates that someone is tired OF something?
When expressing that you are tired 'of' something (like an activity or situation), the correct preposition to use after 'cansado' is 'de'.
The phrase 'Mi trabajo es cansado' means 'My job is tired.'
The phrase 'Mi trabajo es cansado' means 'My job is tiring' or 'My job is exhaustive.' If you wanted to say 'My job is tired', it would be 'Mi trabajo está cansado', but jobs don't get tired in Spanish.
You can use 'cansado' to describe both people and things in Spanish.
While 'cansado' most commonly describes people (e.g., 'El hombre está cansado'), it can also describe things, often meaning 'tiring' or 'exhausting' when used with 'ser' (e.g., 'Este libro es cansado' - 'This book is tiring/boring').
If someone says 'Estoy cansado', it always means they are physically tired.
'Estoy cansado' can mean physically tired, but it can also mean mentally or emotionally tired, or tired of a situation. The context would clarify the specific meaning.
After running the marathon, my legs were so tired that I could barely walk.
Are you tired of the daily routine? Maybe it's time for a vacation.
Although she was very tired, she stayed up late to finish the project.
Read this aloud:
Estoy cansado de estudiar para este examen.
Focus: cansado
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Read this aloud:
Ella siempre está cansada después del trabajo.
Focus: cansada
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Read this aloud:
Mis amigos y yo estamos cansados de esperar.
Focus: cansados
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After weeks of intense negotiations, the diplomats were visibly _____.
The context of 'intense negotiations' suggests fatigue, making 'cansados' (tired) the appropriate choice.
La prolongada jornada laboral dejó a los trabajadores completamente _____.
The phrase 'prolongada jornada laboral' (prolonged workday) implies extreme tiredness, making 'agotados' (exhausted) the best fit, which is a stronger form of 'cansado'.
A pesar de la emocionante victoria, el equipo se sentía _____ después de un partido tan exigente.
An 'exigente' (demanding) match would naturally leave the team 'exhausto' (exhausted), even after a victory.
If someone says 'Estoy cansado', they are expressing a feeling of refreshment.
'Estoy cansado' means 'I am tired', which is the opposite of feeling refreshed.
The phrase 'Están cansados de la situación' can imply that people are fed up with a situation, not just physically tired.
In Spanish, 'estar cansado de algo' can idiomatically mean to be fed up or weary of something, beyond just physical fatigue.
If you are feeling 'cansado' from a long hike, you would typically look for more activities to do immediately.
If you are 'cansado' (tired) from a long hike, you would typically look to rest, not engage in more activities.
Focus on 'incansable' and 'agotamiento'.
Pay attention to 'cansina' and its implication.
Listen for 'extenuante' and 'cansancio profundo'.
Read this aloud:
Expresa tu opinión sobre cómo el cansancio crónico puede afectar el rendimiento cognitivo y la toma de decisiones.
Focus: Rhythm and intonation for complex sentences.
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Read this aloud:
Describe una situación en la que, a pesar de estar completamente exhausto, tuviste que seguir adelante y cumplir con una responsabilidad importante.
Focus: Clear articulation of past tense verbs.
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Read this aloud:
¿Cuáles son las implicaciones socioeconómicas de una población laboral que sufre de fatiga constante y falta de descanso adecuado?
Focus: Pronunciation of complex terms like 'socioeconómicas' and 'implicaciones'.
Você disse:
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Which of the following idioms best conveys a state of profound exhaustion in Spanish?
'Estar hecho polvo' literally means 'to be made dust' and is commonly used to express extreme tiredness or exhaustion. The other options refer to being crazy, daydreaming, or being in a difficult situation, respectively.
In a formal context, which of these phrases would be the most appropriate way to express that someone is very tired without being too colloquial?
'Se encuentra exhausto' is a more formal and polite way to state that someone is very tired. The other options are more colloquial or intense.
If someone describes themselves as 'con el ánimo por los suelos' after a long day, what are they most likely implying about their physical state?
'Con el ánimo por los suelos' refers to being disheartened or very low in spirits, which often accompanies or results from profound physical exhaustion after a long day.
The expression 'no poder con su alma' implies a level of tiredness so extreme that one feels unable to continue moving or functioning.
'No poder con su alma' is a very common idiom used to express extreme exhaustion, meaning one is so tired they feel they can't even carry their own body or spirit.
When a Spanish speaker says 'estoy molido,' they are likely indicating that they have been physically injured.
While 'molido' can mean ground or crushed, in the context of personal feeling, 'estar molido' is an idiomatic expression meaning to be extremely tired or aching from physical exertion, not injured.
The phrase 'agotado hasta la médula' literally translates to 'exhausted to the marrow' and is used to describe superficial tiredness.
'Agotado hasta la médula' literally means 'exhausted to the marrow' and is used to describe deep, profound exhaustion, not superficial tiredness.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'cansado'
The most common use of 'cansado' is to describe someone who is tired. You'll hear this all the time.
Agreement with gender and number
'Cansado' is an adjective, so it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
- Masculine singular: cansado (e.g., Él está cansado - He is tired)
- Feminine singular: cansada (e.g., Ella está cansada - She is tired)
- Masculine plural: cansados (e.g., Ellos están cansados - They are tired)
- Feminine plural: cansadas (e.g., Ellas están cansadas - They are tired)
Using 'estar' with 'cansado'
Always use the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) with 'cansado'.
- Correct: Estoy cansado (I am tired)
- Incorrect: Soy cansado (I am a tired person - this implies a permanent trait, which isn't the meaning here).
Common phrases with 'cansado'
You'll often hear phrases like:
- 'Estoy muy cansado': I am very tired.
- 'Estoy un poco cansado': I am a little tired.
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a diferencia de
B1Unlike; in contrast to.
abatido
B1Feeling or showing great sadness or discouragement; dejected.
abatimiento
B2State of being low in spirits; dejection or depression.
abatir
B1To make someone feel dejected or disheartened.
abierto/a de mente
B2Open-minded; willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
aborrecer
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to loathe.
abrazar
A1To put one's arms around someone as a sign of affection.
abrazo
A1An act of holding someone closely in one's arms; a hug.
abrumador
B1Overpowering; very great or intense.
abrumar
B1To overwhelm (someone) with a large amount of something.
