adaptación
“adaptación” means “adaptation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
adaptation
Also: adjustment, fitting in
📝 In Action
Su adaptación al nuevo país fue más difícil de lo que esperaba.
B1Their adjustment to the new country was harder than they expected.
La adaptación de las plantas al desierto es fascinante.
B2The adaptation of plants to the desert is fascinating.
El proceso de adaptación lleva tiempo.
A2The process of getting used to things takes time.
adaptation
Also: remake
📝 In Action
Esta película es una adaptación de una novela famosa.
B1This movie is an adaptation of a famous novel.
La adaptación teatral fue un gran éxito.
B2The stage adaptation was a great success.
Prefiero el libro original a la adaptación al cine.
B1I prefer the original book to the film adaptation.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: adaptación
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the adaptation'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'adaptatio', coming from 'ad' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit or prepare). It literally means the act of making something fit a specific purpose.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'adaptación' only for biology or movies?
Not at all! You can use it for any situation where you change to fit in, like starting a new job, moving to a new city, or even a recipe being changed for different ingredients.
What is the plural of 'adaptación'?
The plural is 'adaptaciones'. Notice that when we make it plural, we remove the accent mark on the 'o'.
Does it mean the same thing as 'ajuste'?
They are very close! 'Ajuste' usually refers to small technical changes (like adjusting a screw or a budget), while 'adaptación' usually refers to a larger process of changing behavior or form to survive or fit in.