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ajuste

ah-HOOS-teh/aˈxuste/

adjustment, setting

Also: tweak, calibration
NounmA2
General
A hand using a small screwdriver to turn a tiny screw on a pair of glasses.

📝 In Action

Necesito hacer un pequeño ajuste en la configuración de mi teléfono.

A2

I need to make a small adjustment to my phone's settings.

El mecánico hizo un ajuste en los frenos de la bicicleta.

B1

The mechanic made an adjustment to the bike's brakes.

Sin un ajuste preciso, la máquina no funcionará correctamente.

B2

Without a precise adjustment, the machine won't work correctly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • arreglo (fix/arrangement)
  • modificación (modification)

Antonyms

  • desajuste (imbalance/misalignment)

Common Collocations

  • ajuste de cuentas – settling of scores
  • ajuste de pantalla – screen setting
  • hacer un ajuste – to make an adjustment

Idioms & Expressions

  • ajuste de cuentas – Getting revenge or settling a dispute, often used in crime contexts.

cutback, realignment

Also: settlement
NounmB2formal
A pair of scissors cutting a thin red line on a pile of gold coins.

📝 In Action

El gobierno anunció un ajuste en el presupuesto de educación.

B2

The government announced a cutback in the education budget.

Hubo un ajuste salarial para compensar la inflación.

C1

There was a salary adjustment to compensate for inflation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • expansión (expansion)

Common Collocations

  • ajuste fiscal – fiscal adjustment/tax cut
  • ajuste de precios – price adjustment

fit, tightness

NounmB1
A person wearing a jacket that fits perfectly around their shoulders and waist.

📝 In Action

El ajuste de estos pantalones es perfecto.

B1

The fit of these pants is perfect.

Prefiero un ajuste más suelto para mi ropa deportiva.

B1

I prefer a looser fit for my sportswear.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • talle (size/fit)

Common Collocations

  • ajuste ceñido – tight fit
  • ajuste holgado – loose fit

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ajuste" in Spanish:

cutback→realignment→tweak→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ajuste

Question 1 of 3

If you are changing the brightness on your computer, which section are you looking for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ajustar(to adjust) — Verb
ajustable(adjustable) — Adjective
ajustado(tight/adjusted) — Adjective
desajuste(mismatch/imbalance) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
asustedeguste
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Spanish verb 'ajustar', which comes from the Latin roots 'ad' (to) and 'iuxtus' (just/right). It literally means to move something until it is 'just right.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: adjustFrench: ajuster

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'ajuste' to talk about social agreements?

Yes, although 'acuerdo' is more common, 'ajuste' can refer to a settlement or a final arrangement between two parties.

Is 'ajuste' the same as 'setting' on my phone?

Exactly! In the plural form ('Ajustes'), it is the standard Spanish translation for the 'Settings' app or menu.

What is the difference between 'ajuste' and 'arreglo'?

'Arreglo' is more general and often means a repair or a fix for something broken. 'Ajuste' is specifically about fine-tuning or making things fit better.