Inklingo

acústico

ah-KOOS-tee-ko/aˈkustiko/

acústico means acoustic in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

acoustic

Also: unplugged, sound-related
A classic wooden acoustic guitar resting against a simple white background.

📝 In Action

Ella toca la guitarra acústica muy bien.

A1

She plays the acoustic guitar very well.

El concierto de esta noche es totalmente acústico.

A2

Tonight's concert is totally acoustic (unplugged).

Necesitamos mejorar el aislamiento acústico de la habitación.

B2

We need to improve the soundproofing (acoustic insulation) of the room.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sonoro (sonorous/sound-related)

Antonyms

  • eléctrico (electric)
  • digital (digital)

Common Collocations

  • guitarra acústicaacoustic guitar
  • panel acústicoacoustic panel
  • contaminación acústicanoise pollution

acoustic set

Also: unplugged session
NounmB1
A musician sitting on a wooden stool playing a wooden guitar on a small stage.

📝 In Action

El grupo grabó un acústico para la televisión.

B1

The band recorded an acoustic set for television.

Prefiero el acústico al álbum original.

B1

I prefer the acoustic session to the original album.

Mañana hay un acústico en el bar del centro.

B2

Tomorrow there is an acoustic performance in the downtown bar.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • grabar un acústicoto record an acoustic set
  • tocar en acústicoto play an acoustic session

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: acústico

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'acoustic guitar' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
acústica(acoustics (the science or quality of sound))Noun
acústicamente(acoustically)Adverb
bioacústica(bioacoustics)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
rústicopronóstico
📚 Etymology

From the Greek word 'akoustikos,' which relates to hearing, passing through Latin as 'acousticus.'

First recorded: 18th century (in a scientific context)

Cognates (Related words)

English: acousticFrench: acoustiqueItalian: acustico

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'acústico' always mean 'quiet'?

Not necessarily. While acoustic music is often softer than electric music, the word specifically describes the *source* of the sound (vibrations without electronics) and the science of how sound travels, rather than just volume.

Can I use 'acústico' for people?

No, 'acústico' is used for objects (instruments), places (rooms with good sound), or abstract concepts (sound physics). You wouldn't call a person 'acústico'.

What is the difference between 'acústico' and 'sonoro'?

'Acústico' is more technical or refers to instruments without plugs. 'Sonoro' is a broader term that just means something that produces or relates to sound.