aparecido
/ah-pah-reh-SEE-doh/
appeared
Aparecido (appeared) describes something that has become visible, like this apple suddenly resting on the table.
aparecido(adjective)
appeared
?as a descriptor
,newly arrived
?referring to a person or object
shown up
?casual
📝 In Action
El documento aparecido ayer confirma la teoría.
B1The document that appeared yesterday confirms the theory.
La nueva especie animal aparecida en el bosque es fascinante.
B2The new animal species that showed up in the forest is fascinating.
Ella es la persona aparecida en la foto antigua.
A2She is the person who appeared in the old photo.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'aparecido' must match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'la fruta aparecida' (the fruit that appeared).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Participle and Preterite
Mistake: "Using 'aparecido' directly to mean 'he appeared' (e.g., *Él aparecido*)."
Correction: This form must be combined with 'haber' (*ha aparecido*) or used as a description: 'Él apareció' (He appeared) or 'Él es el aparecido' (He is the one who appeared).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
Use 'aparecido' when you want to describe the state of something after it has become visible, not the action of becoming visible itself.
When used as a noun, aparecido means a ghost or supernatural apparition.
📝 In Action
Los abuelos contaban historias de un aparecido en la hacienda vieja.
B2The grandparents told stories about a ghost in the old ranch.
Vi una sombra, pero no sé si era un aparecido o solo mi imaginación.
B2I saw a shadow, but I don't know if it was an apparition or just my imagination.
💡 Grammar Points
Derived Noun
This noun literally means 'the one who has appeared.' Many Spanish nouns are formed this way by taking the past participle and treating it like a thing or person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Folklore Context
While 'fantasma' is the general word for 'ghost,' 'aparecido' often implies a specific, historical spirit tied to a place, especially in Mexican and Andean folklore.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aparecido
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'aparecido' as a noun (meaning a ghost or spirit)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'aparecido' an adjective or a verb?
It is officially the past participle of the verb 'aparecer' (to appear). This means it can be used in two ways: 1) As an adjective (e.g., 'the found object') or 2) As part of a compound verb tense (e.g., 'has appeared').
What is the difference between 'aparecido' and 'fantasma'?
'Fantasma' is the general word for 'ghost.' 'Aparecido' is often used specifically in folklore to mean a ghost or spirit that has suddenly appeared, usually one tied to a specific local legend or tragedy.