firme
/FEER-meh/
firm
When something is solid and stable, it is firme (firm).
firme(Adjective)
firm
?solid, stable
,steady
?not shaking
solid
?physically strong
,stable
?not likely to fall
📝 In Action
Asegúrate de que la mesa esté firme antes de poner el jarrón.
A2Make sure the table is firm before you put the vase on it.
Caminamos por tierra firme después de salir del barco.
B1We walked on firm ground after getting off the boat.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'firme' changes its ending to match the thing it describes. However, 'firme' is one of those adjectives that works for both masculine and feminine things (el piso firme, la base firme).
⭐ Usage Tips
Feeling Firm
You can use 'sentirse firme' (to feel firm) to describe how something feels when you touch it, or how you feel physically (steady and strong).
A person who is determined is firme (resolute).
firme(Adjective)
resolute
?determined
,determined
?having strong conviction
unwavering
?not changing
📝 In Action
El director mantuvo una postura firme durante la negociación.
B1The director maintained a firm stance during the negotiation.
Necesitas ser firme con los niños para que te respeten.
B2You need to be firm with the children so they respect you.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Ser'
When talking about someone's personality or how they usually act (their character), use 'ser' (to be) with firme: 'Él es firme' (He is resolute).
The foundational layer of a road, the roadbed, is also referred to as firme.
📝 In Action
Las obras de reparación del firme de la autopista durarán dos semanas.
B2The repair works on the highway pavement will last two weeks.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note
As a noun meaning 'road surface', 'firme' is always masculine: 'el firme'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: firme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'firme' to describe a physical, stable quality?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'firme' related to the verb 'firmar' (to sign)?
They are related! 'Firmar' (to sign) means to make something 'firme' or legally solid. The word 'firme' itself is the adjective meaning solid or steady. However, be careful: 'firme' can also be a special verb form (subjunctive or command) of 'firmar' when you are talking to 'usted' (the formal 'you'): 'Firme aquí' means 'Sign here.'
How do I know if 'firme' is a noun or an adjective?
As an adjective, 'firme' describes a noun (e.g., 'una base firme'). As a noun ('el firme'), it is usually preceded by 'el' and almost always refers to the road surface or pavement, which is a technical use.