clásico
/KLAH-see-koh/
classic
Clásico as an adjective means having an enduring or timeless quality.
clásico(adjective)
classic
?timeless quality, enduring
,traditional
?following established style or method
typical
?a common or expected example
,old-fashioned
?sometimes used negatively for style
📝 In Action
Ella tiene un estilo clásico que nunca pasa de moda.
A2She has a classic style that never goes out of fashion.
Pedimos la paella clásica, con mariscos y pollo.
A1We ordered the classic paella, with seafood and chicken.
Ese es un error clásico que cometen los principiantes.
B1That is a classic mistake that beginners make.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'clásico' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'clásica' for feminine things (la casa clásica) and 'clásicos' or 'clásicas' for plural things.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong ending
Mistake: "Compré un carro clásica."
Correction: Compré un carro clásico. (Since 'carro' is masculine, the adjective must be 'clásico'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Timeless Quality
Use 'clásico' when something is considered excellent, high quality, and has stood the test of time, like a famous piece of art or a reliable recipe.
Clásico as a noun refers to a timeless book, film, or piece of music.
clásico(noun)
classic
?a timeless book, film, or piece of music
masterpiece
?high-quality classic work
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo siempre relee los clásicos de la literatura española.
B1My grandfather always rereads the classics of Spanish literature.
Vimos un clásico del cine de terror en blanco y negro.
B2We watched a classic black and white horror film.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Article
When used as a noun, 'clásico' needs an article (like 'el' or 'un') just like any other thing: 'El clásico...' (The classic...).
Clásico also refers to a major sports rivalry match, often called a derby.
clásico(noun)
derby
?major sports rivalry match
,classic match
?sports
big game
?highly anticipated match
📝 In Action
Mañana se juega El Clásico entre los dos equipos de la capital.
B2Tomorrow, The Classic (the derby) between the two capital teams is being played.
Siempre hay mucha tensión en los clásicos de fútbol.
B2There is always a lot of tension in the soccer rivalry games.
💡 Grammar Points
Capitalization
When referring to a specific, famous rivalry (like Real Madrid vs. Barcelona), it is often capitalized as 'El Clásico'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Context
This meaning is almost exclusively used in sports reporting, especially soccer (fútbol), referring to the most famous or intense match-up of a season or region.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: clásico
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'clásico' is used when describing a famous soccer match?
📚 More Resources
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).