Lael logo

jaleado means exhausted — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 4, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

jaleado

adjective • /[ha-le-A-do]/

exhausted

Example:

Estoy bien jaleado hoy.

I’m super exhausted today.

🧠 What does jaleado mean?

Jaleado is a Mexican slang adjective used to describe someone who is extremely tired or exhausted, often to the point of being worn out. It conveys a strong sense of fatigue, typically from physical exertion or a demanding task. While a direct translation might be 'exhausted,' jaleado carries a more colloquial and informal feel, suggesting a deep state of tiredness that may also imply a loss of energy or motivation.

📚 Extra examples

  • Después de la mudanza, quedé completamente jaleado.
    After the move, I was completely exhausted.
  • Trabajamos todo el día en el campo, al final del día estábamos jaleados.
    We worked all day in the field; by the end of the day, we were exhausted.
  • Corrí la maratón y terminé hecho jaleado.
    I ran the marathon and finished totally worn out.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'jaleado' likely derives from the verb 'jalar,' which in Mexican Spanish can mean 'to pull' or 'to work hard.' The intensive suffix '-eado' suggests a state of being significantly affected by this 'pulling' or hard work, leading to the meaning of exhaustion.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "jaleado"

Synonyms: agotado, cansado, rendido, fundido, hecho polvo
Opposites: descansado, energizado, activo, fresco

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'exhausted' in Spanish?
The standard Spanish word for 'exhausted' is 'agotado' or 'cansado'. In Mexican slang, 'jaleado' is used to mean exhausted.
How do you pronounce 'jaleado' in Spanish?
Jaleado is pronounced roughly as hah-leh-AH-doh. The 'j' is a guttural sound similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch', the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'father', and the 'd' is soft, almost like the 'th' in 'the'.
How do you use 'jaleado' in a sentence?
'Jaleado' is used as an adjective after the verb 'estar' (to be) or directly before a noun it modifies, though its use after 'estar' is more common to describe a person's state. For example, 'Yo estoy jaleado' (I am exhausted) or 'Los obreros terminaron jaleados' (The workers finished exhausted).
What is the English translation of 'jaleado'?
The most common English translation for 'jaleado' is 'exhausted' or 'worn out'. It can also imply being drained of energy.
Does 'jaleado' change for gender or number?
Yes, as an adjective, 'jaleado' agrees in gender and number with the noun it describes. For masculine singular: jaleado. For feminine singular: jaleada. For masculine plural: jaleados. For feminine plural: jaleadas.
Is 'jaleado' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'jaleado' is a common term in informal speech in Mexico, it is not typically used in formal contexts or standard Spanish spoken in other regions.
Does 'jaleado' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'jaleado' means exhausted. Its slang nature in Mexican Spanish gives it a strong colloquial connotation, but it does not typically carry other double meanings.
Is 'jaleado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Jaleado' is specifically associated with Mexican slang. In Spain and other parts of Latin America, more standard terms like 'agotado', 'cansado', or 'fundido' are used to express exhaustion.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store