compuesto
“compuesto” means “made up of” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
made up of, compound
Also: composed
📝 In Action
El equipo está compuesto por tres expertos.
A2The team is made up of three experts.
En español, 'lavaplatos' es una palabra compuesta.
B1In Spanish, 'lavaplatos' is a compound word.
Él siempre parece muy compuesto y tranquilo.
B2He always seems very composed and calm.
compound
Also: mixture
📝 In Action
El agua es un compuesto químico de hidrógeno y oxígeno.
B1Water is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen.
Los científicos crearon un nuevo compuesto para la medicina.
B2The scientists created a new compound for the medicine.
Este fertilizante tiene varios compuestos orgánicos.
C1This fertilizer has several organic compounds.
fixed
Also: repaired
📝 In Action
Mi radio ya está compuesta.
B1My radio is already fixed.
¿Está compuesto el coche?
B1Is the car repaired?
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: compuesto
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'The group is made up of five people'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'compositus', which means 'put together'. This comes from 'com-' (together) and 'ponere' (to place).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'compuesto' a verb or an adjective?
It can be both! It is the past participle form of the verb 'componer' (like 'fixed' is for 'fix'), but it is very commonly used as a standalone adjective or noun.
What is the difference between 'compuesto' and 'mezcla'?
A 'compuesto' usually implies that the parts are chemically bonded or logically combined into a new single thing, while a 'mezcla' (mixture) is just different things tossed together.
When should I use 'compuesta'?
Use it whenever the thing you are describing is a feminine noun, like 'una palabra compuesta' (a compound word) or 'una ensalada compuesta' (a composed salad).