"Bother" is to annoy or trouble emotionally; "disturb" is to interrupt or unsettle.
To cause annoyance, worry, or inconvenience. Also: to make the effort to do something.
Does the noise bother you? I can close the window.
¿Te molesta el ruido? Puedo cerrar la ventana.
Do not bother calling him — he never answers.
No te molestes en llamarle. Nunca contesta.
Something is bothering her but she will not say what.
Algo la tiene molesta pero no quiere decir que es.
To interrupt someone's peace, sleep, or concentration. To upset emotionally.
Sorry to disturb you, but there is someone at the door.
Perdon por interrumpirle, pero hay alguien en la puerta.
The graphic images in the documentary disturbed many viewers.
Las imagenes graficas del documental perturbaron a muchos espectadores.
Please do not disturb — I am in a meeting until 3pm.
Por favor no interrumpir. Estoy en reunion hasta las 3pm.
Common mistake
Using "he disturbed me" when you mean he annoyed you. "Disturb" is stronger and more specific: it implies physical interruption or deep psychological unsettling. For everyday annoyance, use "bother": "It bothers me that you are always late."
Trick to remember it
The hotel makes it clear: "Do Not Disturb" on the door = do not interrupt my rest (physical). "Does this bother you?" = does this cause you annoyance? (emotional). Disturb = interruption. Bother = irritation.
Quick rule
Bother = annoy / trouble / inconvenience. Disturb = interrupt / unsettle deeply.
Did you know?
"Disturb" comes from Latin "disturbare" (to completely disturb). That is why it carries more weight — total perturbation. "Bother" comes from Irish "bodhar" (deaf, confused) and entered English in the 18th century. Interestingly, "bother" was considered informal slang until the 20th century.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Please do not _____ me for the next hour. I need to concentrate on this report.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
It really _____ me that she never says thank you after I help her.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Bother = annoy / trouble / inconvenience. Disturb = interrupt / unsettle deeply.
Using "he disturbed me" when you mean he annoyed you. "Disturb" is stronger and more specific: it implies physical interruption or deep psychological unsettling. For everyday annoyance, use "bother": "It bothers me that you are always late."
The hotel makes it clear: "Do Not Disturb" on the door = do not interrupt my rest (physical). "Does this bother you?" = does this cause you annoyance? (emotional). Disturb = interruption. Bother = irritation.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy