típico

/TEE-pee-ko/

typical

A single, perfectly shaped, bright red apple centered on a plain background, representing a standard example of its kind.

When something is típico, it is characteristic or standard for its kind, like this typical apple.

típico(Adjective)

mA2

typical

characteristic of a group or kind

characteristic

defining feature

Also:

standard

common or usual

classic

representing the best example of something

📝 In Action

La siesta es una costumbre típica de España.

The nap (siesta) is a typical custom of Spain.

Ese error es típico entre los principiantes de español.

That mistake is typical among Spanish beginners.

Compramos un recuerdo típico de la región.

We bought a characteristic souvenir of the region.

Word Connections

Synonyms

característico (characteristic)
usual (usual)
normal ( normal)

Antonyms

inusual (unusual)
raro (strange)

Common Collocations

comida típica – typical food
caso típico – typical case

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

'Típico' is an adjective, so it must change its ending to match the thing it describes in gender (típico/típica) and number (típicos/típicas).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Gender

Mistake: "La fiesta es típico."

Correction: La fiesta es típica. (Since 'fiesta' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Describing Origin

Use 'típico de' (typical of) to link the characteristic thing to its origin or source, like 'típico de México' or 'típico de mi jefe'.

A cartoon character looking annoyed, standing directly under a small, isolated rain cloud that is pouring water only onto them, while the sun shines everywhere else.

"So típico!" This phrase expresses annoyance or predictability when an expected (often inconvenient) event occurs again.

típico(Adjective)

mB1

so typical

expressing predictability or annoyance

just like

describing a predictable behavior

Also:

cliché

something expected

📝 In Action

¡Típico! Llegó tarde otra vez.

Typical! He arrived late again. (Implies annoyance)

Es típico de él prometer mucho y hacer poco.

It's just like him to promise a lot and deliver little.

Word Connections

Synonyms

predecible (predictable)
habitual (habitual)

Common Collocations

Es típico de... – It's typical of...

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrase

When used to describe a person's predictable behavior, the phrase 'Es típico de [person]' is common and usually remains masculine singular ('típico') even if the person is female.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Overusing the Feminine Form

Mistake: "Es típica de María llegar tarde."

Correction: Es típico de María llegar tarde. (When talking about a general characteristic/action, the masculine singular form is often preferred, even for a female subject.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

In this informal sense, 'típico' is often used as a standalone exclamation (¡Típico!) to express mild frustration or recognition of a recurring pattern.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: típico

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'típico' to express annoyance or predictable behavior?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

típicamente(typically, characteristically) - adverb

tipicidad(typicality, characteristic nature) - noun

tipo(type, kind) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'típico' mean the same thing as 'normal'?

They are similar, but 'típico' means something is a perfect example or representation of a group (like a 'typical' Spanish dish), while 'normal' just means something is common or ordinary.

How do I change 'típico' for plural things?

Just add an -s: 'típicos' for masculine plural things (like 'errores típicos') and 'típicas' for feminine plural things (like 'costumbres típicas').