afectarse

Afectarse is a Spanish reflexive verb formed from afectar. It describes a process in which the subject experiences an emotional or mental impact due to a person, event, or information. The sense is close to being moved, worried, upset, or concerned. It is widely used in both Spain and Latin America. Typical constructions include se afectó por la noticia, me afectó mucho la decisión, or no te afectes, meaning “don’t worry.” The expression afectarse por signals the cause.

Usage notes: The meaning centers on emotional response rather than a physical effect. It can denote varying degrees of impact, from mild concern to deep distress. The verb is reflexive; its non-reflexive form afectar means to affect or influence, and in some senses to feign, but afectarse emphasizes the subject’s own reaction. Related nouns include afectación (affectation or emotional impact) and afecto (affection or emotion). Examples: La noticia me afectó. Se afectó por la demora. No te afectes por lo que digan. Note that dialectal variation exists; some speakers use afectarse more with por or con to mark the cause.