How to Say "additional" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “additional” is “adicional” — use 'adicional' when referring to something extra or more of something that is already present, like an extra item or person..
adicional
/ah-dee-syoh-NAHL//aðiθjoˈnal/
Examples
Necesito una silla adicional para el invitado.
I need an additional chair for the guest.
¿Hay algún cargo adicional por el envío?
Is there any additional charge for shipping?
Si tienes preguntas adicionales, puedes escribirme.
If you have further questions, you can write to me.
One size fits all
This word doesn't change for gender. Whether you are talking about a boy (masculine) or a girl (feminine), or a car (masculine) or a table (feminine), the word is always 'adicional'.
Word Order
In Spanish, 'adicional' almost always comes after the thing you are describing, unlike in English where we say 'additional information'.
The 'Adicionala' Error
Mistake: “una página adicionala”
Correction: una página adicional. Words ending in -al in Spanish don't change to -a for feminine things.
extra
ESS-trah/ˈeks.tɾa/
Examples
Necesitamos comprar comida extra para la fiesta.
We need to buy extra food for the party.
Trabajé dos horas extra hoy.
I worked two extra hours today.
Tengo una batería extra en mi mochila.
I have a spare battery in my backpack.
Adjective Placement
Unlike many adjectives, 'extra' almost always goes after the noun it describes: 'tiempo extra' (extra time), not 'extra tiempo'.
Changing the Form
Mistake: “Compramos comidas extras.”
Correction: Compramos comida extra. 'Extra' usually stays the same regardless of whether the noun is singular or plural, masculine or feminine.
complementario
/kom-ple-men-ta-ryo//komplemenˈtaɾjo/
Examples
El curso incluye material complementario para estudiar en casa.
The course includes supplementary material for studying at home.
El azul y el naranja son colores complementarios.
Blue and orange are complementary colors.
Sus habilidades son complementarias y hacen un gran equipo.
Their skills are complementary and they make a great team.
Matching the Word Ending
Since this word is an adjective, you must change the ending to match what you are describing: 'complementario' for masculine singular, 'complementaria' for feminine singular, 'complementarios' for masculine plural, and 'complementarias' for feminine plural.
Where to Put It
In Spanish, you usually place this word after the person or thing you are describing. For example: 'un seguro complementario' (a supplementary insurance).
The 'Free' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'complementario' to mean a free gift or service.”
Correction: In English, 'complimentary' can mean 'free.' In Spanish, 'complementario' ONLY means 'completing' or 'extra.' For a free item, use 'gratis' or 'de cortesía'.
Adicional vs. Extra
Related Translations
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