suelto
/SWELL-toh/
loose
Loose (not tied or fastened).
suelto(adjective)
loose
?not tied or fastened
,untied
?not bound
free
?released from captivity
,single
?individual items, not in a set
📝 In Action
El perro estaba suelto en el parque.
A2The dog was loose in the park.
Llevaba el pelo suelto, sin coleta.
B1She wore her hair loose, without a ponytail.
Dejé los papeles sueltos sobre la mesa.
B1I left the loose papers on the table.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'suelto' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): suelto, suelta, sueltos, sueltas.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'soltar'
Mistake: "Using 'soltar' (the verb) when you need 'suelto' (the description)."
Correction: Remember, 'suelto' describes the state of being released, while 'soltar' is the action of releasing.
⭐ Usage Tips
State of Being
This meaning often pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe a temporary state: 'La cuerda está suelta' (The rope is loose).
Loose change (coins or small bills).
suelto(adjective)
loose change
?coins or small bills
,cash
?ready money
small bills
?low denomination currency
📝 In Action
¿Tienes algo de dinero suelto para el autobús?
B1Do you have any loose change for the bus?
Solo aceptan billetes y moneda suelta.
B2They only accept bills and loose coins (change).
Necesito cambio; no tengo suelto.
B2I need change; I don't have cash/loose money.
💡 Grammar Points
Used as a Noun
In many contexts, 'el suelto' is used by itself as a masculine noun meaning 'loose change' or 'cash,' especially in Latin America.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'cambio' incorrectly
Mistake: "Using 'suelto' when you mean the change you receive back from a purchase."
Correction: For the change you get back, use 'el cambio'. Use 'suelto' for the small coins/cash you carry.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Change
A common way to ask if someone has change is: '¿Tienes suelto?'
Fluent (speech or writing style).
suelto(adjective)
fluent
?speech or writing style
,natural
?movement or style
easygoing
?personality
,relaxed
?manner
📝 In Action
Tiene una manera de hablar muy suelta y confiada.
B2He has a very fluent and confident way of speaking.
Su estilo de baile es muy suelto y elegante.
C1Her dancing style is very natural and elegant.
Escribió el ensayo con una pluma suelta.
C1He wrote the essay with an easy/fluent hand.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning uses the idea of 'not being tied up or restricted' to describe a lack of stiffness or inhibition in speech or movement.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing 'fluido'
Mistake: "Only using 'fluido' for speech fluency."
Correction: 'Suelto' often sounds more natural and native than 'fluido' when describing a relaxed, easy manner of speaking or writing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Talent
Use 'suelto' to praise someone who performs a task (like dancing or public speaking) with noticeable ease.
✏️ 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
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.