Inklingo
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rutina

/roo-TEE-nah/

routine

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.

As a noun, rutina refers to a predictable daily schedule or habit, like the sequence of morning activities shown here.

rutina(noun)

fA1

routine

?

daily schedule or habit

,

schedule

?

fixed sequence

Also:

practice

?

a set exercise

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

Even though 'rutina' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun and must always be used with feminine articles and adjectives (la rutina, una rutina diaria).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: "Hacer mi rutina (To do my routine)"

Correction: Seguir mi rutina (To follow/keep my routine) or Tener una rutina (To have a routine). While 'hacer' is sometimes used, 'seguir' or 'tener' sound more natural for describing your daily schedule.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'de' for context

To specify what kind of routine it is, use 'de': rutina de trabajo (work routine), rutina de belleza (beauty routine), rutina de sueño (sleep routine).

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.

When a rutina becomes too monotonous, it can translate to 'rut' in English, meaning a state of boredom or feeling stuck.

rutina(noun)

fB1

rut

?

state of monotony or boredom

,

grind

?

tiring, repetitive work

Also:

monotony

?

lack of variety

📝 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

  • monotonía (monotony)
  • aburrimiento (boredom)

Antonyms

  • emoción (excitement)

Common Collocations

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

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing the feeling

When using 'rutina' to mean monotony, pair it with verbs like 'estar cansado de' (to be tired of) or 'escapar de' (to escape from).

✏️ 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

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'.