determinado
/deh-tehr-mee-NAH-doh/
specific
A specific red apple stands out from the rest.
determinado(adjective)
specific
?referring to one particular thing
certain
?referring to a particular but unspecified amount or type
,fixed
?set in advance
📝 In Action
Debes entregar el informe en un día determinado.
B1You must hand in the report on a specific day.
Bajo determinadas condiciones, el experimento funciona.
B2Under certain conditions, the experiment works.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
This word needs to change its ending to match what you are talking about. Use 'determinado' for one male thing, 'determinada' for one female thing, and add an 's' for plurals.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Placement Matters
Mistake: "Using 'determinado' always after the noun."
Correction: When it means 'certain' or 'some,' it often goes before the noun (e.g., 'determinadas personas'). When it means 'specific,' it usually goes after.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Professional
Use this word instead of 'específico' to sound more natural and varied in your Spanish writing.
A determined person climbing a mountain to reach their goal.
determinado(adjective)
determined
?having a strong desire to do something
resolute
?showing great fixedness of purpose
,bold
?fearless and decided
📝 In Action
Ella es una mujer muy determinada y valiente.
B1She is a very determined and brave woman.
Dio un paso determinado hacia la puerta.
B2He took a resolute step toward the door.
💡 Grammar Points
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' if you are describing a person's character (they are a determined person). Use 'estar' if they have made up their mind about a specific goal right now.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Actions
You can use this word to describe how someone moves or speaks to show they have no doubts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: determinado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'She is a determined person'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'determinado' a verb?
It is the '-ed' form (past participle) of the verb 'determinar'. You can use it as a description (an adjective) or with the word 'haber' to say 'have determined'.
What is the difference between 'determinado' and 'específico'?
They are very similar. 'Determinado' often implies that something has been 'fixed' or 'chosen' from a group, while 'específico' just means 'particular'.