ideal
“ideal” means “ideal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ideal, perfect
Also: best, dream
📝 In Action
Esta casa tiene la ubicación ideal para mí.
A2This house has the ideal location for me.
Ella encontró el trabajo ideal después de graduarse.
B1She found the perfect job after graduating.
Para un picnic, un día soleado es ideal.
A2For a picnic, a sunny day is ideal.
ideal, principle
Also: aspiration
📝 In Action
Luchar por un ideal de justicia social es importante.
B2Fighting for an ideal of social justice is important.
Su ideal de vida era simple: paz y tranquilidad.
C1His life's ideal was simple: peace and quiet.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ideal
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'ideal' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin *idealis*, meaning 'pertaining to an idea,' which itself comes from the Greek *idea* (form, pattern). It entered Spanish referring to something existing only in thought, but quickly evolved to mean 'perfect' in the real world.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'ideal' change its ending for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, 'ideal' is one of the few adjectives that is 'invariable' for gender, meaning it works for both masculine and feminine nouns without changing its ending (e.g., 'el regalo ideal' and 'la vida ideal').
When do I use 'el ideal' (noun) versus 'ideal' (adjective)?
Use 'ideal' as an adjective when describing a thing (e.g., 'the ideal temperature'). Use 'el ideal' as a noun when talking about a high standard, a goal, or a perfect concept (e.g., 'He lives according to his ideals').