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rutina

roo-TEE-nahruˈtina

“rutina” means “routine” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

routine, schedule

Also: practice
NounfA1
A storybook illustration showing a simplified character performing three distinct, ordered daily tasks in three separate panels: brushing teeth, eating breakfast at a table, and reading a book on a couch, symbolizing a structured routine.

📝 In Action

Mi rutina de la mañana empieza a las 7:00 am.

A1

My morning routine starts at 7:00 am.

El doctor me recomendó una rutina de ejercicios ligera.

A2

The doctor recommended a light exercise routine for me.

Es importante establecer una rutina de estudio para el examen.

B1

It is important to establish a study schedule for the exam.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • improvisación (improvisation)

Common Collocations

  • romper la rutina – to break the routine
  • seguir la rutina – to follow the routine

rut, grind

Also: monotony
NounfB1
A sad, gray-colored character standing dejectedly inside a deep, circular rut carved into the dirt ground, illustrating a feeling of being stuck in a monotonous loop.

📝 In Action

Estoy cansado de la rutina de la oficina; necesito un cambio.

B1

I'm tired of the office grind; I need a change.

Su vida se ha convertido en una rutina sin sorpresas.

B2

His life has turned into a rut without surprises.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • emoción (excitement)

Common Collocations

  • caer en la rutina – to fall into a rut
  • escapar de la rutina – to escape the routine/grind

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "rutina" in Spanish:

grind→monotony→practice→routine→rut→schedule→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rutina

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'rutina' to express a negative feeling, like boredom?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rutinario(routine / habitual) — Adjective
rutinariamente(routinely) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Borrowed directly from the French word 'routine', which itself comes from 'route' (meaning path or way). It entered Spanish usage to describe a fixed path or sequence of actions.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: routineEnglish: routine

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'rutina' and 'hábito'?

'Rutina' refers to a fixed, scheduled sequence of actions, often over a specific period (like a morning routine). 'Hábito' refers to a single, repeated behavior or custom that you do regularly, often without thinking (like biting your nails or drinking water).

How do I say 'daily routine' in Spanish?

You would say 'la rutina diaria'. Remember that 'rutina' is feminine, so the adjective 'diario' must change to 'diaria'.