negativo

/neh-gah-TEE-voh/

negative

A simple, rounded cartoon figure standing, using both hands to emphatically push a small, colorful cube away, illustrating refusal or opposition.

Negativo when used to express denial, refusal, or opposition.

negativo(adjective)

m/fA2

negative

expressing denial, refusal, or opposition

unfavorable

describing a bad outcome or situation

Also:

pessimistic

describing a person's attitude

bad

general description of quality

📝 In Action

Su actitud es muy negativa cuando hablamos de trabajo.

His attitude is very negative when we talk about work.

La respuesta a mi solicitud fue negativa.

The answer to my application was negative (a rejection).

El impacto ambiental del proyecto es negativo.

The environmental impact of the project is unfavorable.

Word Connections

Synonyms

pesimista (pessimistic)
desfavorable (unfavorable)

Antonyms

positivo (positive)
favorable (favorable)

Common Collocations

tener una influencia negativa – to have a negative influence
ser negativo para la salud – to be bad for your health

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'negativo' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'negativa' for feminine things (like 'respuesta') and 'negativos' or 'negativas' for plural things.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: "La situación es negativo."

Correction: La situación es negativa. (Since 'situación' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Being Less Direct

Instead of saying 'no,' you can use 'negativa' as a noun to sound more formal when talking about a refusal: 'Recibimos una negativa' (We received a refusal/no).

A dark blue, perfectly round sphere floating in space, emitting small, simple white electrical arcs that curve inward, symbolizing a negative electrical charge.

Negativo referring to a negative electrical charge.

negativo(adjective)

m/fB1

negative

less than zero or a type of electrical charge

Also:

minus

used when stating a number (e.g., negative four)

📝 In Action

Necesitas sumar un número negativo para obtener ese resultado.

You need to add a negative number to get that result.

La prueba de COVID dio negativa.

The COVID test came back negative.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

temperatura negativa – negative temperature (below zero)
carga negativa – negative charge

⭐ Usage Tips

Medical Context

When talking about test results, remember the adjective must match the word for 'test' (e.g., 'la prueba' is feminine, so it's 'negativa').

A single strip of traditional photographic film showing a picture of a tree and a sky where the colors are completely inverted (a photographic negative).

Negativo referring to a photographic film image.

negativo(noun)

mB2

negative

photographic film image

📝 In Action

El fotógrafo guardó todos los negativos en una caja.

The photographer stored all the negatives in a box.

Este negativo está dañado, no podremos imprimir la foto.

This negative is damaged; we won't be able to print the photo.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

escanear un negativo – to scan a negative

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Note

Even though this noun is related to the feminine word 'fotografía,' the word 'negativo' (the film) is always masculine.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: negativo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'negativa' correctly?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

negar(to deny) - verb

negación(denial) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether to use 'negativo' or 'negativa'?

'Negativo' is an adjective, so it must change its ending to match the gender of the person or thing it describes. If the thing is masculine (like 'el resultado'), use 'negativo'. If it is feminine (like 'la actitud'), use 'negativa'.

Can I use 'negativo' to mean 'bad' or 'harmful'?

Yes, absolutely! It is very common to use it in this sense, especially when discussing effects or consequences. For example, 'un efecto negativo' (a harmful effect).