indicado
/een-dee-KAH-doh/
suitable
The golden key is indicado (suitable) for this lock, fitting perfectly.
indicado(Adjective)
suitable
?fitting or appropriate
,appropriate
?correct for the situation
recommended
?suggested as the best option
,right
?correct choice
📝 In Action
Este tipo de calzado es el más indicado para caminar en la montaña.
B1This type of footwear is the most suitable for walking in the mountains.
¿Cuál es el tratamiento indicado para esta enfermedad?
A2What is the appropriate treatment for this illness?
Llegaste en el momento indicado.
A2You arrived at the right time.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Forms
Like many Spanish words that describe things (adjectives), 'indicado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'el libro indicado' (masculine singular), 'la hora indicada' (feminine singular), 'los pasos indicados' (masculine plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser and Estar
When used to mean 'suitable' or 'correct,' it almost always pairs with 'ser' (to be) because it describes a permanent quality or designation: 'El método es indicado.'
The red apple has been indicado (indicated) and specified by the pointing finger.
indicado(Adjective)
indicated
?pointed out or specified
,shown
?displayed or made visible
specified
?clearly stated
📝 In Action
Siga las instrucciones indicadas en la pantalla.
B1Follow the instructions indicated on the screen.
Los documentos indicados por el abogado ya están listos.
B2The documents specified by the lawyer are already ready.
💡 Grammar Points
The Past Participle
'Indicado' is the 'past action' form of the verb 'indicar' (to indicate). It ends in -ado because 'indicar' is an -ar verb. It's used to describe something that has already been pointed out.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Action
Mistake: "Using 'indicado' when you mean 'indicating' (present action)."
Correction: Use 'indicando' (the -ing form) for ongoing action: 'La flecha está indicando el norte.' ('The arrow is indicating north.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Passive Voice Structure
This meaning is often part of a passive voice structure, usually paired with 'ser' to show that something received the action: 'La ruta fue indicada por el guía' (The route was indicated by the guide).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: indicado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'indicado' to mean 'suitable' or 'appropriate'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'indicado' always refer to something official or formal?
Not always. While it is used in formal contexts (like medicine or instructions), it is also used in everyday speech to mean 'the best choice' or 'the right time.' For example, 'Es el momento indicado' (It's the perfect time).
What is the difference between 'indicado' and 'recomendado'?
They are very similar, often interchangeable. 'Recomendado' specifically means 'recommended by someone,' while 'indicado' often means 'correct' or 'optimal' based on criteria, whether or not someone explicitly recommended it.