What it's NOT
molest does NOT translate to molestar.
To say "molestar" in English, use to bother / to annoy.
ESEN
False cognate · False friend
molest
Does NOT mean molestar
It means to sexually abuse
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
molest means to sexually abuse.
Why it's confused
Spanish "molestar" means to mildly irritate or bother someone. English "molest" has a connotation of sexual abuse, especially toward minors. The legal and moral weight is completely different between the two languages.
How it's pronounced
molestmo-LÉST
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Examples of correct use
English
Stop bothering me, please.
Spanish
Deja de molestarme, por favor.
English
The noise is annoying me.
Spanish
El ruido me está molestando.
A trick to remember it
For Spanish "molestar" (to bother), say "bother" or "annoy." "Molest" in English is far more serious, avoid it in that sense.
Mini quiz
How do you say Spanish "deja de molestarme" (stop bothering me)?
Frequently asked questions
What does "molest" mean in English?
"Molest" means "to sexually abuse". It looks a lot like "molestar", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "molestar" in English?
To say "molestar" in English, use "to bother / to annoy". If you use "molest" instead, you would actually be saying "to sexually abuse".
Do "molest" and "molestar" mean the same thing?
Spanish "molestar" means to mildly irritate or bother someone. English "molest" has a connotation of sexual abuse, especially toward minors. The legal and moral weight is completely different between the two languages.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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