encaminado
“encaminado” means “on the right track” in Spanish (figurative sense of progress).
on the right track
Also: heading for, aimed at
📝 In Action
No te preocupes, el proyecto ya está bien encaminado.
B1Don't worry, the project is already well on its way.
Sus esfuerzos están encaminados a mejorar la educación.
B2His efforts are aimed at improving education.
Si sigues por esa calle, vas bien encaminado al centro.
B1If you keep going down that street, you are headed the right way to the center.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encaminado
Question 1 of 3
Which phrase would you use to tell a friend they have a good idea that is almost correct?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'en-' (into) combined with 'camino' (path/road). It literally means 'put onto a path'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encaminado' a verb or an adjective?
It is technically the past participle of the verb 'encaminar', but it is most frequently used as an adjective to describe the state of a project or a person's direction.
Can I use 'encaminado' for people?
Yes! You can say a student is 'bien encaminado' if they are studying the right things for their future career.
Does it always mean 'positive' progress?
Not necessarily. While often positive, you can say someone is 'mal encaminado' if they are making a mistake or heading toward a bad outcome.