Inklingo
Dictionary

crítica

KREE-tee-kahˈkɾitika

“crítica” means “criticism” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

criticismB1Noun

the act of judging negatively

Learn more →
reviewA2Noun

of a film, book, play, etc.

Learn more →
criticalB2Adjective

crucial, decisive

Learn more →

criticismAlso: censure

NounfB1
A small, sad cartoon character looking down while a larger, stern character points a critical finger at them, symbolizing negative judgment.

📝 In Action

Recibió mucha crítica por su decisión de renunciar.

B1

She received a lot of criticism for her decision to resign.

La crítica constructiva es importante para mejorar.

B2

Constructive criticism is important for improving.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • elogio (praise)
  • alabanza (admiration)

Common Collocations

  • hacer una crítica – to make a criticism
  • recibir crítica – to receive criticism

reviewAlso: critique

NounfA2
A simplified character sitting at a desk, carefully examining a closed book with a large magnifying glass, symbolizing a formal review.

📝 In Action

Leí una crítica excelente de la nueva película de terror.

A2

I read an excellent review of the new horror movie.

La crítica literaria no entendió el mensaje del autor.

B2

The literary review (or: the critics) didn't understand the author's message.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reseña (review (short))
  • análisis (analysis)

Common Collocations

  • crítica de cine – film review
  • crítica de arte – art review

criticalAlso: crucial

AdjectivefB2neutral/formal
A simple balance scale standing perfectly level, with a single tiny feather just starting to make one side decisively tip downward, symbolizing a crucial moment.

📝 In Action

Estamos en una situación crítica debido a la sequía.

B2

We are in a critical situation due to the drought.

La paciente está en condición crítica en el hospital.

C1

The patient is in critical condition in the hospital.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • crucial (crucial)
  • decisiva (decisive (f))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • condición crítica – critical condition
  • masa crítica – critical mass

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: crítica

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'crítica' as a professional evaluation (a review)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
crítico(critical (m) / male critic) — Adjective / Noun
criticar(to criticize) — Verb
criticismo(criticism (philosophy)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
típicamística
📚 Etymology

The word comes from the Latin *critica*, which itself is rooted in the Greek word *kritikē* (τέχνη), meaning 'the art of judging or discerning.' It has always been connected to making careful evaluations.

First recorded: 15th century (in its modern form)

Cognates (Related words)

English: criticItalian: criticaPortuguese: crítica

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'crítica' always negative?

No, not always. While it often refers to negative judgment (criticism), it can also mean a neutral or positive published review (una crítica de cine) or describe something as crucial or decisive (una situación crítica).

How do I know if 'crítica' is a noun or an adjective?

Look at the words around it. If you see 'la' or 'una' before it, or if it is the subject of the sentence, it is the feminine noun (criticism or review). If it comes after a feminine noun like 'situación' or 'condición,' it is the adjective (critical/crucial) describing that noun.