estable
/es-TAH-bleh/
stable
When something is estable, it is physically firm and not moving, like this sturdy cube.
📝 In Action
Asegúrate de que la escalera esté estable antes de subir.
A2Make sure the ladder is stable before climbing.
El trípode mantuvo la cámara perfectamente estable.
B1The tripod kept the camera perfectly steady.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'estable' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'una base estable' (a stable base).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
Mistake: "La mesa es estable."
Correction: La mesa está estable. (Use ESTAR when talking about a temporary state or condition, like whether an object is currently steady or wobbly.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Stay Consistent
Because 'estable' ends in -e, it is the same whether the noun is masculine (el muro estable) or feminine (la silla estable). You only need to add an -s for the plural (estables).
Estable also means secure and lasting, like a strong, deep-rooted tree.
estable(adjective)
stable
?secure; lasting
,reliable
?predictable
steady
?job, income
,secure
?relationship, system
📝 In Action
Necesito un trabajo estable con buen salario.
B1I need a stable job with a good salary.
Su estado de ánimo se mantuvo estable a pesar de los problemas.
B2Her mood remained stable despite the problems.
El país tiene una economía más estable que antes.
C1The country has a more stable economy than before.
💡 Grammar Points
The Meaning of 'Ser'
When describing something that is stable by nature or design (like a personality trait or a long-term job), always use the verb SER: 'Su carácter es estable' (His character is stable).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Estable' and 'Fijo'
Mistake: "Tengo un trabajo fijo."
Correction: Tengo un trabajo estable. ('Fijo' means 'fixed' or 'set' (like a fixed salary), but 'estable' is much better for describing security and permanence in employment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Financial Context
When talking about money or markets, 'estable' is the key word to describe prices, rates, or economies that are not changing drastically.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estable
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'estable' to describe a secure, lasting situation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'estable' change for masculine and feminine nouns?
No. Because 'estable' ends in the vowel -e, it is the same for both genders. You use 'estable' for masculine nouns (el trabajo estable) and feminine nouns (la situación estable). You only change it for plurals (estables).
Is 'estable' used for people?
Yes, but usually in a psychological or medical sense. For example, 'El paciente está estable' (The patient is stable/out of immediate danger), or 'Ella tiene un carácter muy estable' (She has a very steady character).