Inklingo

moderno

/moh-DEHR-noh/

modern

A sleek, minimalist white house with large glass windows and a flat roof, representing modern architecture.

This sleek, new architecture represents the meaning 'modern' (moderno).

moderno(Adjective)

mA1

modern

?

relating to the present or recent times

,

contemporary

?

belonging to the same period

Also:

new

?

often used synonymously with 'new' or 'up-to-date'

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo compró un teléfono muy moderno.

A1

My grandfather bought a very modern phone.

La arquitectura de este edificio es muy moderna.

A2

The architecture of this building is very modern.

No me gustan las ideas tan modernas sobre la educación.

B1

I don't like such modern ideas about education.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • antiguo (old/ancient)
  • viejo (old)

Common Collocations

  • vida modernamodern life
  • tecnología modernamodern technology

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, 'moderno' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. For a feminine noun, use 'moderna' (una casa moderna). For plural nouns, add '-s' (los coches modernos).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Moderno and Nuevo

Mistake: "Using 'nuevo' when you mean 'moderno'."

Correction: 'Nuevo' means 'brand new' or 'unseen before'. 'Moderno' means 'up-to-date' or 'contemporary.' A vintage car can be new to you (nuevo), but it is not modern (moderno).

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement Tip

'Moderno' usually goes after the noun (el arte moderno). Placing it before the noun (la moderna ciudad) often gives it a slightly more literary or emphasized tone.

A person wearing a fashionable, brightly colored outfit featuring geometric shapes and clean lines, standing confidently.

A stylish outfit illustrates the meaning 'fashionable' (moderno).

moderno(Adjective)

mB1

fashionable

?

stylish or current in appearance

,

hip

?

slang for very trendy

Also:

progressive

?

having advanced ideas

📝 In Action

Esa cafetería es muy moderna; tiene sillas de diseño y luces LED.

B1

That coffee shop is very stylish; it has designer chairs and LED lights.

Mi hermana siempre viste de forma muy moderna.

A2

My sister always dresses in a very fashionable way.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • elegante (elegant)
  • de moda (in fashion/trendy)

Antonyms

  • pasado de moda (out of style)

Common Collocations

  • diseño modernomodern design

⭐ Usage Tips

Referring to People

When used to describe a person's style or attitude, 'moderno' often implies they are very current, progressive, or even a bit avant-garde.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: moderno

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the adjective 'moderno'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

moderna(modern (feminine form)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'moderno' different from 'nuevo'?

'Moderno' describes something that belongs to the current era or style (like a modern design). 'Nuevo' describes something that is brand new, either recently acquired or never used before. A 100-year-old antique can be 'nuevo' (new to you), but it is never 'moderno'.