apretado
/ah-preh-TAH-doh/
tight
Apretado describes clothing that is a tight fit.
📝 In Action
Estos zapatos me quedan muy apretados.
A2These shoes are very tight on me.
El metro iba tan apretado que no podía moverme.
B1The subway was so cramped that I couldn't move.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
This word must match what you are describing. Use 'apretado' for masculine items (el zapato) and 'apretada' for feminine items (la camisa).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Tight vs. Narrow
Mistake: "Using 'estrecho' to describe small shoes."
Correction: Use 'apretado' for things that feel tight on your body; 'estrecho' means a space is physically narrow (like a hallway).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using with 'Quedar'
To say something 'fits' tight, use the verb 'quedar'. For example: 'Me queda apretado' (It fits me tightly).
Apretado can refer to something that is packed or very full.
📝 In Action
Tengo un horario muy apretado hoy.
B1I have a very busy schedule today.
Fue un partido muy apretado; ganamos por un punto.
B2It was a very close game; we won by one point.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Tightness
In English and Spanish, we both use the idea of 'tightness' to describe a lack of time or a small difference in score.
Apretado is also used to describe someone who is stingy with money.
📝 In Action
No seas apretado, deja una buena propina.
B2Don't be stingy, leave a good tip.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: apretado
Question 1 of 2
Which of these would you describe as 'apretado' if it were too small for you?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'apretado' to describe a person?
Yes. Depending on the country, it can mean someone who is physically 'buff' (tight muscles) or, more commonly in Latin America, someone who is stingy with money.
What is the difference between 'apretado' and 'estrecho'?
Think of 'estrecho' as the physical width of a place (a narrow bridge). Think of 'apretado' as how things are packed together (a tight shirt or a crowded room).