pleno
/PLEH-noh/
full
A glass that is 'pleno' or completely full.
📝 In Action
Tengo plena confianza en tu capacidad.
B1I have full confidence in your ability.
Fue un éxito pleno para todo el equipo.
B1It was a total success for the whole team.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
Since this describes a noun, it must change its ending to match. Use 'pleno' for masculine words and 'plena' for feminine words.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use it
Use this word instead of 'lleno' (full) when you are talking about abstract things like confidence, power, or success rather than a physical container.
A flower in 'pleno' centro, or right in the middle of the field.
pleno(adjective)
in the middle of
?being right in the center of an event or time
at the height of
?peak time
📝 In Action
El coche se rompió en pleno centro de la ciudad.
B2The car broke down right in the middle of the city center.
Estábamos durmiendo en pleno día.
B2We were sleeping in broad daylight.
Sucedió en pleno invierno.
B2It happened in the middle of winter.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'En Pleno' Pattern
When you see 'en' followed by 'pleno' and a noun, it almost always means 'right in the middle of' or 'at the peak of'.
A 'pleno' where all members of a group are present for a meeting.
📝 In Action
El pleno del ayuntamiento se reunirá mañana.
B2The full city council meeting will take place tomorrow.
Achieving a 'pleno' by knocking down all the pins in bowling.
📝 In Action
Hizo un pleno en los bolos.
C1He got a strike in bowling.
¡Pleno! Acerté todas las preguntas del examen.
C1Perfect! I got every question on the exam right.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pleno
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase would you use to say it's the middle of the day?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'lleno' and 'pleno'?
'Lleno' is usually physical (a full glass of water), while 'pleno' is usually abstract or emphatic (full confidence, in the middle of the street).
Does 'pleno' always go before the noun?
Not always, but in the phrase 'en pleno [noun]' (meaning 'in the middle of'), it always comes before the noun.