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clásico

KLAH-see-koh/ˈkla.si.ko/

classic, traditional

Also: typical, old-fashioned
A single, perfectly preserved white marble Greek column standing alone on a grassy hill under a bright sky, symbolizing timelessness.

📝 In Action

Ella tiene un estilo clásico que nunca pasa de moda.

A2

She has a classic style that never goes out of fashion.

Pedimos la paella clásica, con mariscos y pollo.

A1

We ordered the classic paella, with seafood and chicken.

Ese es un error clásico que cometen los principiantes.

B1

That is a classic mistake that beginners make.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • música clásica – classical music
  • literatura clásica – classic literature

classic

Also: masterpiece
NounmB1
A thick, antique closed book with a plain, ornate cover resting on a wooden table, symbolizing a classic piece of literature.

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo siempre relee los clásicos de la literatura española.

B1

My grandfather always rereads the classics of Spanish literature.

Vimos un clásico del cine de terror en blanco y negro.

B2

We watched a classic black and white horror film.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • obra maestra (masterpiece)

derby, classic match

Also: big game
NounmB2neutral/informal (sports reporting)
SpainArgentina/Mexico
A brightly colored soccer ball sitting on a green field between two opposing goalposts, one draped with a blue jersey and the other draped with a red jersey, symbolizing a sports rivalry.

📝 In Action

Mañana se juega El Clásico entre los dos equipos de la capital.

B2

Tomorrow, The Classic (the derby) between the two capital teams is being played.

Siempre hay mucha tensión en los clásicos de fútbol.

B2

There is always a lot of tension in the soccer rivalry games.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • derbi (derby)

Common Collocations

  • ganar el clásico – to win the classic match

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "clásico" in Spanish:

big game→classic match→derby→typical→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: clásico

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'clásico' is used when describing a famous soccer match?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
clásica(classic (feminine adjective)) — Adjective
clasicismo(classicism) — Noun
clasificar(to classify) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
básicomágico
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *classicus*, which originally meant 'belonging to the highest class of citizens.' Later, it was applied to literature and art that was considered first-rate and timeless.

First recorded: Around the 16th century in Spanish, adapting from Latin.

Cognates (Related words)

English: classicFrench: classique

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'clásico' always mean 'old'?

Not exactly. While it often refers to older things (like classical music), it mainly means something is traditional, high-quality, and enduring—it has a timeless appeal, whether it was made last week or a hundred years ago.

What is the difference between 'clásico' and 'tradicional'?

'Clásico' usually implies excellence and a standard that sets the bar (like a classic novel). 'Tradicional' just means it follows old customs or methods (like a traditional meal).