Whether you’re a language learner trying to understand native speakers better, or you just want to add some color to your everyday Spanish, it’s helpful to know how to talk about moods and emotions — especially when someone isn’t having the best day. Here are some common and playful phrases you might hear in Spanish when someone is in a bad mood.
1. ¿Qué mosca te ha picado?
Literal translation: What fly bit you?
Meaning: What’s gotten into you? / Why are you acting like that?
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— ¡Ya deja de gritar!
— ¿Qué mosca te ha picado?
It’s a lighthearted way to call someone out on their mood without being too harsh.
2. ¿Te levantaste con el pie izquierdo?
Literal translation: Did you wake up on the wrong foot (left foot)?
Meaning: Did you wake up in a bad mood?
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— Hoy estás muy callado. ¿Te levantaste con el pie izquierdo?
This is the equivalent of “waking up on the wrong side of the bed” in English.
3. Estás de malas.
Translation: You’re in a bad mood.
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— No quiero hablar ahora.
— ¡Uy, estás de malas hoy!
Simple and direct, but common in casual conversations.
4. Andas muy irritable.
Translation: You’re really irritable.
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— No me hables así, andas muy irritable.
You can also switch the verb and say:
“Hoy estoy muy irritable.” (I’m very irritable today.)
5. Estás que no te aguanta ni tu sombra.
Literal translation: You’re so grumpy even your own shadow can’t stand you.
Meaning: You’re extremely moody or grumpy.
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— ¡Cuidado con Pedro hoy! Está que no se aguanta ni su sombra.
This one’s a little more expressive and often used when someone is particularly cranky.
6. ¡Qué genio tienes hoy!
Literal translation: What a temper you have today!
Meaning: You’re moody or grumpy today.
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— ¡Déjame en paz!
— ¡Uy! ¡Qué genio tienes hoy!
“Genio” can mean “temper” depending on context, not just “genius.”
7. Está de un humor…
Translation: He/She is in a mood…
🗣️ Ejemplo:
— No le hables a Marta. Está de un humor hoy…
You can also expand it:
Está de un humor terrible/horrible. (He/she is in a terrible mood.)
Summary: Helpful Phrases for Bad Moods in Spanish
| Spanish Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Qué mosca te ha picado? | What’s gotten into you? |
| ¿Te levantaste con el pie izquierdo? | Did you wake up on the wrong foot? |
| Estás de malas. | You’re in a bad mood. |
| Andas muy irritable. | You’re very irritable. |
| Estás que no te aguanta ni tu sombra. | You’re too moody to stand yourself. |
| ¡Qué genio tienes hoy! | You’re in a bad temper today! |
| Está de un humor… | He/she is in a mood… |
These phrases are fun, expressive, and culturally rich ways to describe or respond to someone’s bad mood. They can also help you better understand Spanish conversations and react more naturally when things get a little tense.
😅 ¿Y tú? ¿Cuál de estas expresiones has escuchado o usado antes?
Let us know in the comments or share your favorite one!
