indirecto
“indirecto” means “indirect” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
indirect
Also: roundabout, circuitous
📝 In Action
Fuimos por un camino indirecto para ver las montañas.
A2We went by an indirect route to see the mountains.
Me dio una respuesta indirecta y no entendí bien.
B1He gave me a roundabout answer and I didn't quite understand.
El humo del tabaco tiene un efecto indirecto en los demás.
B2Tobacco smoke has an indirect effect on others.
indirect
Also: reported
📝 In Action
En el estilo indirecto, contamos lo que otra persona dijo.
B1In indirect speech, we tell what another person said.
El pronombre 'le' se usa para el objeto indirecto.
B1The pronoun 'le' is used for the indirect object.
Ella prefiere el trato indirecto a través de correos.
B2She prefers indirect contact through emails.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: indirecto
Question 1 of 3
If you take a flight with three stops, what kind of flight is it?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'indirectus', formed by adding the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') to 'directus' (meaning 'straight' or 'direct').
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'indirecto' and 'indirecta'?
'Indirecto' is the masculine adjective (used for masculine nouns like 'camino'). 'Indirecta' is the feminine version, but it can also be a noun meaning 'a hint' or 'a sarcastic remark'.
Does 'indirecto' always mean 'roundabout'?
Not always. It can also mean that something happens as a side effect (a consequence) or it can refer to specific grammar rules like reported speech.
When should I use 'objeto indirecto'?
You use it to talk about the person who receives the action. For example, in 'I buy a flower for her', 'her' is the person receiving the action.