intensivo
“intensivo” means “intensive” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
intensive
Also: crash (course)
📝 In Action
He reservado un curso intensivo de español para este verano.
A2I have booked an intensive Spanish course for this summer.
La empresa está realizando un entrenamiento intensivo de tres días.
B1The company is holding a three-day intensive training.
Esta industria requiere un uso intensivo de mano de obra.
C1This industry requires a labor-intensive approach (literally: intensive use of hand-work).
intensive
Also: high-care
📝 In Action
El paciente está en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.
B1The patient is in the intensive care unit.
La agricultura intensiva permite producir más en menos espacio.
B2Intensive farming allows for producing more in less space.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intensivo
Question 1 of 3
If you want to say you are taking a 'crash course' in Spanish, what is the best phrase?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'intensivus,' which comes from 'intensus' (meaning stretched or tightly drawn). It shares roots with the word 'tension.'
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'intenso' and 'intensivo'?
Think of 'intenso' as the VOLUME or STRENGTH (hot sun, loud noise, deep love). Think of 'intensivo' as the EFFORT or SCHEDULE (a 40-hour-per-week study program or specialized hospital care).
Does 'intensivo' always go after the noun?
Yes, in 99% of cases. Saying 'un intensivo curso' sounds very unnatural. Keep it after: 'un curso intensivo'.
Is 'UCI' a common word?
Yes! It stands for 'Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos' (Intensive Care Unit). You will hear people say 'Está en la UCI' in every Spanish-speaking country.