suelto

SWELL-toh/'swelto/

“suelto” means “loose” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

loose🔊A2Adjective

not tied or fastened

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loose change🔊B1Adjective

coins or small bills

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fluent🔊B2Adjective

speech or writing style

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loose, untied

Also: free, single

AdjectivemA2

A length of thick, brown rope lying on a wooden surface. The rope is completely untied and straight, showing its loose, unfastened state.

📝 In Action

El perro estaba suelto en el parque.

The dog was loose in the park.

Llevaba el pelo suelto, sin coleta.

She wore her hair loose, without a ponytail.

Dejé los papeles sueltos sobre la mesa.

I left the loose papers on the table.

Word Connections

Synonyms

libre (free)
desatado (untied)

Antonyms

atado (tied)
preso (imprisoned)

Common Collocations

animal suelto – loose animal
hojas sueltas – loose pages

loose change, cash

Also: small bills

AdjectivemB1

Mexico

A small pile of various gold and silver coins scattered casually on a flat surface, representing loose change.

📝 In Action

¿Tienes algo de dinero suelto para el autobús?

Do you have any loose change for the bus?

Solo aceptan billetes y moneda suelta.

They only accept bills and loose coins (change).

Necesito cambio; no tengo suelto.

I need change; I don't have cash/loose money.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cambio (change (money))
efectivo (cash)

Common Collocations

moneda suelta – loose coin
dinero suelto – loose money/change

fluent, natural

Also: easygoing, relaxed

AdjectivemB2

A cartoon illustration of a person speaking effortlessly. Smooth, continuous blue wavy lines flow easily out of the speaker's mouth, indicating smooth, fluent speech.

📝 In Action

Tiene una manera de hablar muy suelta y confiada.

He has a very fluent and confident way of speaking.

Su estilo de baile es muy suelto y elegante.

Her dancing style is very natural and elegant.

Escribió el ensayo con una pluma suelta.

He wrote the essay with an easy/fluent hand.

Word Connections

Synonyms

fluido (fluid)
desenvuelto (uninhibited)

Antonyms

tenso (tense)
rígido (rigid)

Common Collocations

lenguaje suelto – fluent language
gestos sueltos – relaxed gestures

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "suelto" in Spanish:

cash→easygoing→fluent→free→loose→loose change→natural→relaxed→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: suelto

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'suelto' is used in the phrase: 'No tengo suelto para pagar el taxi.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

soltar(to release, to let go) — Verb

suelta(release, letting go (noun form)) — Noun

soltura(fluency, ease) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

vuelto envuelto

📚 Etymology▼

'Suelto' is the irregular past participle of the verb 'soltar' (to let loose or release). It comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *soltare*, which meant 'to loosen' or 'to free.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: soltoItalian: sciolto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'suelto' a verb or an adjective?

'Suelto' is primarily used as an adjective meaning 'loose' or 'free.' However, it is derived directly from the verb 'soltar' (to release) as its past participle.

How do I know whether to use 'suelto' or 'cambio' for money?

Use 'suelto' when referring to the small coins or cash you are carrying. Use 'el cambio' when referring to the money given back to you after making a purchase.