experto
/ess-PAIR-toh/
expert
When used as an adjective, 'experto' means highly skilled, like this master craftsman.
experto(Adjective)
expert
?highly skilled
,skilled
?proficient
knowledgeable
?having deep understanding
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es muy experto en jardinería.
B1My brother is very skilled in gardening.
Necesitamos un equipo de técnicos expertos para esta reparación.
B2We need a team of expert technicians for this repair.
Ella es experta en la cocina italiana.
B1She is expert (or skilled) in Italian cuisine.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'experto' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'experto' (masculine singular), 'experta' (feminine singular), 'expertos' (masculine plural), and 'expertas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender
Mistake: "La doctora es experto."
Correction: La doctora es experta. (Remember to use the -a ending when describing a female person.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The preposition 'en'
When saying what someone is skilled at, always follow 'experto' with the preposition 'en' (in): 'experto en matemáticas' (expert in mathematics).
As a noun, 'experto' refers to a specialist, such as a botanist who is an expert in plants.
📝 In Action
Consultamos a un experto en derecho internacional.
B2We consulted an expert in international law.
Los expertos dicen que el mercado se recuperará pronto.
B1The experts say the market will recover soon.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Agreement
When used as a noun, 'experto' refers to a male specialist. If the expert is female, you must use 'la experta'. The plural form is 'los expertos' (for mixed or male groups) or 'las expertas' (for female groups).
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Article
As a noun, 'experto' usually requires an article (like 'el', 'un', 'los') before it: 'El experto llegó tarde.' (The expert arrived late.)
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: experto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'experto' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'experto' and 'experiencia'?
'Experto' is the person (noun) or the description (adjective) of someone who knows a lot. 'Experiencia' is the noun for the knowledge or skill gained over time (experience). You gain 'experiencia' to become 'experto'.
Can I use 'experto' to describe a machine or a tool?
Yes, but it's less common. It usually describes people. However, you can say 'un sistema experto' (an expert system) in technical contexts to mean a highly advanced or specialized machine.