positivo
/poh-see-TEE-voh/
positive
Positivo (positive) used when someone has a good attitude.
positivo(adjective)
positive
?having a good attitude
,good
?beneficial or helpful
optimistic
?hopeful about the future
,constructive
?helpful or building
📝 In Action
Ella siempre tiene una actitud positiva ante los problemas.
A1She always has a positive attitude toward problems.
La reunión tuvo un efecto muy positivo en el equipo.
A2The meeting had a very positive effect on the team.
Necesitamos un cambio positivo en nuestra estrategia de ventas.
B1We need a positive change in our sales strategy.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender and Number
Since 'positivo' is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'positivo' for masculine singular nouns and 'positiva' for feminine singular nouns. For plural, use 'positivos' or 'positivas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: "Decimos 'una decisión positivo'."
Correction: Say 'una decisión positiva' because 'decisión' is feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Optimism
You can use the phrase 'ser positivo' to encourage someone to look on the bright side: '¡Sé positivo!' (Be positive!).
Positivo (definite) meaning something is certain or clearly stated.
positivo(adjective)
definite
?certain or clearly stated
,affirmative
?confirming a statement
certain
?undoubted
,factual
?based on facts
📝 In Action
Necesito una respuesta positiva antes de firmar el contrato.
B2I need a definite answer before signing the contract.
La ley positiva es aquella que está escrita y establecida.
C1Positive law is that which is written and established.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This meaning is often found in academic texts, legal documents, or highly technical discussions, emphasizing that something is verifiable or officially settled.
Positivo (positive result), referring to a medical test confirming presence.
positivo(noun)
positive result
?medical test, confirming presence
,positive (slide/film)
?photography
plus sign
?mathematics (el positivo)
📝 In Action
Lamentablemente, mi prueba de COVID dio positivo.
B1Unfortunately, my COVID test came back positive.
Necesitas conectar el cable rojo al positivo de la batería.
B2You need to connect the red cable to the battery's positive terminal.
El técnico confirmó que había dos positivos en el laboratorio.
B1The technician confirmed there were two positive cases in the lab.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Dar'
When talking about a test result, Spanish often uses the verb 'dar' (to give) instead of 'ser' (to be) or 'venir' (to come back). Example: 'La prueba dio positivo' (The test gave a positive result).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When 'positivo' is used as a noun, it almost always refers to a medical confirmation (a positive case) or an electrical/photographic polarity.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: positivo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'positivo' as a noun (a thing or result) instead of an adjective (a description)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'positivo' different from 'optimista'?
While both relate to good feelings, 'optimista' specifically means hopeful about the future. 'Positivo' is broader; it can mean optimistic, but it also means good, beneficial, or confirmed as true (like a test result). You can have a 'resultado positivo' (good result) without being 'optimista' (hopeful).