Inklingo
← Dictionary
A bright red square wooden block fitting exactly into a matching square cutout on a contrasting blue surface.

adecuado

ah-deh-KWAH-doh

adjectivemB1
appropriate?fitting the situation,suitable?well-matched
Also:adequate?enough for the purpose,proper?correct or right

📝 In Action

Necesitas encontrar la herramienta adecuada para este trabajo.

B1

You need to find the appropriate tool for this job.

La respuesta que diste no fue adecuada.

B2

The answer you gave was not suitable.

Este es el momento adecuado para empezar a estudiar.

A2

This is the right moment to start studying.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • inadecuado (inappropriate)
  • incorrecto (incorrect)

Common Collocations

  • el lugar adecuado – the right place
  • vestimenta adecuada – suitable clothing

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'adecuado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Remember the four forms: 'adecuado' (masculine singular), 'adecuada' (feminine singular), 'adecuados' (masculine plural), and 'adecuadas' (feminine plural).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Gender Match

Mistake: "La decisión fue adecuado."

Correction: La decisión fue adecuada. (Since 'decisión' is feminine, the adjective must be 'adecuada'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Ser

We almost always use 'adecuado' with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes a permanent quality or judgment about the nature of something, not a temporary state.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: adecuado

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'adecuado'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

adecuar(to adapt, to adjust) - verb
adecuación(suitability, adaptation) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'adecuado' and 'apropiado'?

They are synonyms and often interchangeable, both meaning 'suitable' or 'fitting.' 'Adecuado' sometimes carries a slightly stronger sense of being exactly sufficient or meeting a standard, while 'apropiado' focuses more on social fitness or correctness.

Since 'adecuado' comes from the verb 'adecuar' (to adapt), can I use it in place of 'adapted'?

Yes, 'adecuado' is the past participle of 'adecuar.' When used as a past participle (usually with 'haber' or 'ser'), it means 'adapted' or 'adjusted.' However, it is far more commonly used as a simple adjective meaning 'appropriate' or 'suitable.'