Cuando estoy enfadado, respiro hondo y luego escucho música.

When I am angry, I take a deep breath and then I listen to music.

Breakdown of Cuando estoy enfadado, respiro hondo y luego escucho música.

• yo: I
• la música: the music
• estar: to be
• cuando: when

Questions & Answers about Cuando estoy enfadado, respiro hondo y luego escucho música.

Why is it estoy enfadado and not soy enfadado?

Spanish uses estar for temporary states, moods, and conditions, and ser for more permanent characteristics.

• Estoy enfadado = I am angry (right now / in this situation) – a temporary emotional state.
• Soy enfadado is normally incorrect; it would sound like “I am a naturally angry person” and even then, a native speaker would say something like Soy una persona muy enfadica / muy irritable, not soy enfadado.

So in this sentence, the speaker is talking about what they do when they feel angry in specific moments, so estar is the right verb.

What is the difference between enfadado and other Spanish words for “angry”, like enojado or cabreado?

All three relate to being angry, but they vary by region and strength:

• Enfadado

  • Very common and neutral in Spain.
  • Means angry, upset, annoyed (strength can vary with context and tone).

• Enojado

  • Much more common in Latin America.
  • In Spain it’s understood but sounds more Latin-American.

• Cabreado

  • Mostly used in Spain.
  • Stronger and more colloquial: closer to really pissed off or very annoyed.

So in a Spain context, enfadado is a natural, neutral choice for “angry” here.

If the speaker is a woman, should it be enfadada instead of enfadado?