sucia
/SOO-see-ah/
dirty
Sucia can describe something that is physically dirty or unclean, like these muddy hands.
sucia(Adjective)
dirty
?physically unclean
,soiled
?covered in dirt or grime
filthy
?extremely dirty
📝 In Action
Mi falda nueva está sucia después de caminar por el parque.
A1My new skirt is dirty after walking through the park.
¡Qué sucia está la ventana! Necesitamos limpiarla hoy.
A2How dirty the window is! We need to clean it today.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'sucia' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'sucia' only when talking about a singular feminine thing (like 'la mesa' or 'la ropa').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "La camisa es sucio."
Correction: La camisa es sucia. (The feminine noun 'camisa' requires the feminine form 'sucia'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Estar'
When describing a temporary state (something that can be cleaned), always use the verb 'estar': 'La pared está sucia' (The wall is dirty).
When used to describe actions or intentions, sucia means dishonest, unfair, or corrupt.
sucia(Adjective)
dishonest
?unfair or corrupt
,foul
?vulgar or improper
sleazy
?morally questionable
📝 In Action
Ella ganó la elección con una campaña sucia, llena de mentiras.
B1She won the election with a dirty campaign, full of lies.
No me gusta su mente sucia; siempre hace chistes inapropiados.
B2I don't like her dirty mind; she always makes inappropriate jokes.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'sucia' refers to moral corruption or vulgarity, it often describes abstract feminine nouns like 'guerra' (war), 'campaña' (campaign), or 'mente' (mind).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'una sucia' about a person, the context determines if they mean physically messy or morally questionable. It often implies a negative judgment.
As a noun, sucia can refer to a woman who is habitually messy or unhygienic.
📝 In Action
No dejes los platos ahí, ¡eres una sucia!
B2Don't leave the dishes there, you're a slob!
Llamaron a la niña 'la sucia' porque siempre jugaba en el barro.
C1They called the girl 'the dirty one' because she always played in the mud.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective as Noun
Many Spanish adjectives can become nouns by placing an article (like 'la' or 'una') in front of them. Here, 'la sucia' means 'the dirty one' (referring to a person or thing).
⭐ Usage Tips
Watch the Tone
Using 'sucia' as a noun is usually critical or playful, depending on context. Be careful using it with strangers, as it can be taken as an insult.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sucia
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'sucia' to describe a physical state?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sucia' and 'sucio'?
'Sucia' is the feminine version, used for feminine nouns (like 'la camisa sucia'). 'Sucio' is the masculine version, used for masculine nouns (like 'el plato sucio'). They mean the same thing: dirty.
Can 'sucia' ever mean something positive?
No, 'sucia' always carries a negative connotation, whether it refers to physical cleanliness (dirty, needing a wash) or moral standing (dishonest, vulgar).