How to Say "acute" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “acute” is “agudo” — use 'agudo' for sharp angles in geometry or for a sharp, sudden pain or medical condition.
agudo
ah-GOO-dohaˈɣuðo
Examples
Ten cuidado con el extremo agudo de la valla.
Be careful with the sharp end of the fence.
En la clase de geometría, dibujamos un ángulo agudo.
In geometry class, we drew an acute angle.
La punta del lápiz está muy aguda.
The tip of the pencil is very sharp.
Sintió un dolor agudo en la espalda.
He felt a sharp pain in his back.
Matching the word to the noun
Remember that this word must change its ending to 'aguda' if you are describing something feminine, like 'una punta' (a point).
Where to put the word
In Spanish, you usually place 'agudo' after the thing you are describing, such as 'un objeto agudo'.
Medical Logic
In medicine, 'agudo' describes something that starts suddenly and is intense, the opposite of 'crónico' (long-term).
Agudo vs. Afilado
Mistake: “Using 'agudo' to talk about a knife's cutting edge.”
Correction: Use 'afilado' for a blade's edge and 'agudo' for a needle's point or a sharp corner.
fina
fee-nahˈfina
Examples
Tienes una puntería muy fina con el arco.
You have a very sharp aim with the bow.
Su audición es tan fina que oye hasta el más mínimo ruido.
Her hearing is so keen that she hears even the smallest noise.
severo
seh-BEH-rohseˈbeɾo
Examples
La región sufrió una sequía severa durante tres años.
The region suffered a severe drought for three years.
El paciente presenta un cuadro severo de neumonía.
The patient shows a severe case of pneumonia.
Hubo daños severos en la estructura del edificio.
There was severe damage to the building's structure.
Intensity Descriptor
In this context, the word functions to show the high degree of something negative (like a drought or a sickness).
Overusing it for health
Mistake: “Saying 'tengo un dolor severo'.”
Correction: Say 'tengo un dolor muy fuerte'. In medical Spanish, 'severo' is often used by doctors, while everyday people use 'fuerte' or 'grave'.
Agudo vs. Severo for Pain
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