adaptar
“adaptar” means “to adapt” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to adapt
Also: to adjust, to fit
📝 In Action
Tenemos que adaptar el plan a las nuevas reglas.
B1We have to adapt the plan to the new rules.
Adapté la silla para que fuera más cómoda.
B1I adjusted the chair so it would be more comfortable.
Es difícil adaptar una empresa a un mercado diferente.
B2It is difficult to adapt a company to a different market.
to adapt
📝 In Action
Van a adaptar mi libro favorito al cine.
B2They are going to adapt my favorite book for the cinema.
El guionista adaptó la obra de teatro para la televisión.
B2The screenwriter adapted the play for television.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: adaptar
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'They adapted the book to a movie'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'adaptare', which combines 'ad' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit). Essentially, it means 'to make something fit for a purpose'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'adaptar' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar, with no stem changes.
What is the difference between 'adaptar' and 'ajustar'?
'Adaptar' usually implies a deeper change to fit a purpose or situation, while 'ajustar' often means a small physical change, like tightening a screw or fixing a collar.
When should I use 'adaptarse' instead?
Use 'adaptarse' (with the reflexive 'se') when you are talking about a person getting used to a new environment, like 'Me adapto a mi nueva casa' (I am adapting to my new house).