seco
/SEH-koh/
dry
Seco, meaning dry, as in lacking water or moisture.
📝 In Action
Necesito colgar la ropa para que se seque. Está toda mojada.
A1I need to hang the clothes so they dry. They are all wet.
El desierto de Atacama es el lugar más seco del mundo.
A2The Atacama Desert is the driest place in the world.
La toalla está seca, puedes usarla.
A1The towel is dry, you can use it.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Remember 'seco' must match the thing it describes. Use 'seca' for feminine singular (la toalla seca), 'secos' for masculine plural (los zapatos secos), and 'secas' for feminine plural (las hojas secas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'
Mistake: "El clima es seco. (Using 'es' for a temporary state)"
Correction: El clima está seco. (If referring to current conditions; use 'es' if referring to the permanent nature of the climate, e.g., 'El desierto es seco').
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Land
When talking about land or climate, 'seco' is often used to mean 'arid' or 'drought-stricken,' especially in phrases like 'tierra seca'.
Seco can describe a curt, abrupt, or rude manner.
seco(Adjective)
curt
?rude, abrupt, or brief manner
,cold
?reserved or unfriendly personality
blunt
?direct and unfeeling
📝 In Action
Su respuesta fue muy seca, casi ni me miró.
B1His response was very curt; he barely even looked at me.
Es una persona muy seca; nunca sonríe.
B2She is a very cold person; she never smiles.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Personality
When describing someone's general personality as cold or reserved, you typically use 'ser': 'Ella es seca'. If you are describing a momentary action, like a reply, use 'fue': 'Su respuesta fue seca'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone and Manner
This meaning is often used with words like 'tono' (tone), 'trato' (treatment), or 'manera' (manner) to describe a lack of warmth or emotion.
This glass of red wine is seco, meaning it is not sweet.
📝 In Action
Quiero una copa de cava, pero tiene que ser brut seco.
B2I want a glass of sparkling wine, but it must be brut dry.
El pastel estaba demasiado seco, le faltaba crema.
B1The cake was too dry; it lacked cream.
💡 Grammar Points
Taste vs. Texture
When describing wine, 'seco' means it lacks sugar (taste). When describing baked goods (like bread or cake), it means it lacks moisture (texture).
⭐ Usage Tips
Ordering Drinks
If you are ordering wine, specifying 'seco' ensures you get a beverage that is not sweet. If you want something extremely dry, you can use 'extra seco'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: seco
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'seco' to describe a personality trait?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'to dry' using the root of 'seco'?
The corresponding verb is 'secar' (to dry). You would use it like: 'Voy a secar los platos' (I am going to dry the dishes).
Is 'seco' always used with 'estar' or 'ser'?
'Seco' is an adjective, so it is used with both. Use 'ser' for permanent characteristics (El clima de mi ciudad es seco) and 'estar' for temporary states (Mi garganta está seca).