refinado
“refinado” means “refined” in Spanish (sophisticated or processed).
refined
Also: sophisticated, processed
📝 In Action
Él tiene un gusto muy refinado para la música clásica.
B1He has very refined taste for classical music.
Es mejor no comer demasiado azúcar refinado.
A2It is better not to eat too much refined sugar.
Sus modales son refinados y elegantes.
B2Their manners are refined and elegant.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: refinado
Question 1 of 3
Which of these would you most likely describe as 'refinado'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'refinar', which comes from the prefix 're-' (meaning 'again' or emphasizing an action) and the word 'fino' (fine). It describes the process of making something 'finer' or more pure.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'refinado' always a positive word?
Not always. While it usually means elegant or high-quality, in the context of health and food, 'refinado' (like white flour) is often seen as less healthy than 'integral' (whole grain).
Can I use 'refinado' for a person's behavior?
Yes! If someone has very polite, sophisticated, or 'fancy' manners, you can describe their behavior as 'refinado'.
What is the difference between 'fino' and 'refinado'?
'Fino' usually means thin or physically high-quality (like fine silk), while 'refinado' usually implies a process of making something better or a higher level of social sophistication.