adecuado
“adecuado” means “appropriate” in Spanish (fitting the situation).
appropriate, suitable
Also: adequate, proper
📝 In Action
Necesitas encontrar la herramienta adecuada para este trabajo.
B1You need to find the appropriate tool for this job.
La respuesta que diste no fue adecuada.
B2The answer you gave was not suitable.
Este es el momento adecuado para empezar a estudiar.
A2This is the right moment to start studying.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: adecuado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'adecuado'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *adaequāre*, meaning 'to make equal to' or 'to level.' The idea is that something that is 'adecuado' has been made equal or fit for the situation.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'