natural
/nah-too-RAHL/
natural
The word 'natural' describes things related to nature or the environment, like this dewy leaf.
natural(adjective)
natural
?related to nature or the environment
unprocessed
?food or materials
,physical
?laws or phenomena
📝 In Action
El parque es famoso por sus paisajes naturales.
A1The park is famous for its natural landscapes.
Prefiero comer fruta natural en vez de dulces.
A2I prefer to eat natural fruit instead of sweets.
La caída de una manzana es un fenómeno natural.
B1The falling of an apple is a natural phenomenon.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
'Natural' usually goes after the noun it describes, emphasizing a quality, like 'agua natural' (natural water).
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural vs. Normal
Use 'natural' when referring to the environment or the core characteristics of something, and 'normal' when referring to typical behavior or routine.
When something is 'natural', it is expected or usual, like following a well-trodden path.
📝 In Action
Es natural que el bebé llore cuando tiene hambre.
B1It is natural for the baby to cry when he is hungry.
Ella sintió un miedo natural antes de subir al escenario.
B1She felt a natural fear before going on stage.
Con el tiempo, la solución se hizo natural.
B2In time, the solution became obvious.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Expressions
When used impersonally (like 'Es natural que...'), Spanish often requires the special verb form (subjunctive) in the second part of the sentence, such as 'Es natural que llore' (that he cry).
'Natural' can mean genuine or sincere, often shown through simple, heartfelt actions.
📝 In Action
Admiro su forma de actuar tan natural y sin poses.
B2I admire her very natural and unpretentious way of acting.
Su talento es tan natural que parece que no necesita practicar.
C1His talent is so effortless that it seems he doesn't need to practice.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Personality
When describing a person's behavior, 'natural' is a high compliment, meaning they are comfortable and true to themselves.
As a noun, 'natural' refers to a person native to a specific place.
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo es natural de un pequeño pueblo costero.
C1My grandfather is a native of a small coastal town.
Los naturales de la isla recibieron a los visitantes con una danza tradicional.
C2The natives (or local inhabitants) of the island greeted the visitors with a traditional dance.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Use
When used as a noun, 'natural' means 'person from that place.' Remember to use the appropriate article: 'el natural' (male native) or 'la natural' (female native).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
In conversations, you are more likely to hear 'Soy de [place]' or 'Soy nativo/a de [place]' rather than 'Soy natural de [place]'. Use the latter in formal documents or historical texts.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: natural
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'natural' to mean 'obvious' or 'expected'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'natural' change form for feminine nouns?
No. Because 'natural' ends in a consonant ('l'), it stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine. You say 'el recurso natural' and 'la luz natural'.
Can 'natural' be used to mean 'of course'?
Not 'natural' itself. The related word 'naturalmente' is the adverbial form and means 'naturally' or, yes, 'of course' (e.g., 'Naturalmente que puedo ayudarte').