ordinario
“ordinario” means “ordinary” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ordinary, regular
Also: common
📝 In Action
Hoy fue un día ordinario en la oficina.
A2Today was an ordinary day at the office.
Prefiero el correo ordinario para enviar cartas personales.
B1I prefer regular mail for sending personal letters.
El juez convocó a una sesión ordinaria.
B2The judge called for a regular session.
vulgar, rude
Also: tacky
📝 In Action
No seas ordinario, no hables con la boca llena.
B1Don't be rude, don't talk with your mouth full.
Ese chiste fue un poco ordinario para esta cena.
B2That joke was a bit vulgar for this dinner.
Se comportó de una manera muy ordinaria.
C1He behaved in a very boorish/vulgar way.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ordinario
Question 1 of 3
How would you tell a friend 'Don't be rude' using this word?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'ordinarius,' which described something that was in its proper 'order' or followed a regular arrangement.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ordinario' always an insult?
No. When referring to processes, schedules, or objects (like mail), it just means 'standard' or 'regular'. It only becomes an insult when used to describe a person's manners or class.
Can I use 'ordinario' to mean 'boring'?
Not exactly. While an 'ordinary' day might be boring, the word itself doesn't mean 'boring'. Use 'aburrido' for that. 'Ordinario' focuses on the fact that nothing unusual happened.
What's the difference between 'común' and 'ordinario'?
'Común' usually means 'frequent' or 'shared by many'. 'Ordinario' often carries a more formal tone (like 'regular procedure') or a negative tone (like 'vulgar').