Inklingo

How to Say "casual" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “casual” is “informal” — use this when referring to clothing, style, or a relaxed atmosphere that is not strict or formal.

English → Spanish

informal

een-for-MAHLinfoɾˈmal

adjectiveA1general
Use this when referring to clothing, style, or a relaxed atmosphere that is not strict or formal.
A person wearing a comfortable t-shirt and jeans standing in a relaxed pose.

Examples

Hoy puedo ir al trabajo con ropa informal.

Today I can go to work in casual clothes.

Tuvimos una cena informal con los vecinos.

We had an informal dinner with the neighbors.

Me gusta el ambiente informal de esta cafetería.

I like the relaxed atmosphere of this coffee shop.

One Form for All

This word stays the same regardless of whether the person or thing you are describing is masculine or feminine. You don't need to change the ending to 'a'.

Word Order

In Spanish, you usually place this word after the thing it describes, like 'ropa informal' (clothes casual) instead of 'informal clothes'.

Adding an 'a'

Mistake: “La cena es informala.”

Correction: La cena es informal. This word always ends in 'l', no matter the gender of the noun.

casual

ka-SWALkaˈswal

adjectiveA2general
This is often used for clothing or an atmosphere that is relaxed and not planned, similar to 'informal' but sometimes with a slightly more relaxed connotation.
A pair of comfortable blue jeans and a simple white t-shirt folded neatly.

Examples

Me gusta vestir ropa casual los fines de semana.

I like to wear casual clothes on the weekends.

Es una fiesta casual, no necesitas corbata.

It's a casual party; you don't need a tie.

El restaurante tiene un ambiente muy casual.

The restaurant has a very casual atmosphere.

Describing style

When talking about clothes, 'casual' and 'informal' are often used as the same thing in Spanish.

Don't overthink it

Mistake: “Thinking 'casual' in Spanish only means 'accidental'.”

Correction: While 'casual' used to mainly mean 'by chance', modern Spanish uses it exactly like English for clothing and vibes.

ocasional

oh-kah-syoh-NAHLokasjoˈnal

adjectiveA2general
Choose this when something happens infrequently, is not regular, or is done on a part-time basis.
A single yellow umbrella standing out in a light rain shower with a few scattered clouds.

Examples

Tengo un trabajo ocasional los fines de semana.

I have an occasional job on weekends.

Es un corredor ocasional; no entrena todos los días.

He is a casual runner; he doesn't train every day.

El pronóstico anuncia lluvias ocasionales para esta tarde.

The forecast announces occasional rains for this afternoon.

One Shape for Both Genders

In Spanish, many adjectives change their ending based on gender, but 'ocasional' is easy—it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine word.

Where to Put the Word

You will usually see this word placed after the person or thing it is describing, like 'un encuentro ocasional' (an occasional meeting).

The 'O' vs 'A' Trap

Mistake: “una visita ocasionala”

Correction: una visita ocasional. Even though 'visita' is feminine, the word 'ocasional' does not change its ending to 'a'.

eventual

eh-ben-too-ahlebenˈtual

adjectiveB1formal
Use this to describe something that is not permanent, is temporary, or happens as a possibility in the future, often in a work or legal context.
A worker wearing a bright orange vest and a hard hat, holding a clipboard and standing in front of a half-finished wooden structure.

Examples

Ella tiene un contrato eventual en la oficina.

She has a temporary contract at the office.

Solo hacemos visitas eventuales a ese pueblo.

We only make occasional visits to that town.

Es un trabajador eventual, no tiene un puesto fijo.

He is a temporary worker; he doesn't have a permanent position.

A 'False Friend' Alert

In English, 'eventual' means 'final' (like the eventual winner). In Spanish, it means 'temporary' or 'occasional.' To say 'final' in Spanish, use 'final' or 'definitivo' instead.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. You only change it to 'eventuales' if you are talking about more than one thing.

Using it for 'Finally'

Mistake: “El resultado eventual fue un empate.”

Correction: El resultado final fue un empate. (Use 'final' when you mean the end result).

familiares

fah-mee-lee-AH-rehsfa.miˈlja.ɾes

adjectiveB1general
This translates to 'familiar' and is used when something is known or recognized, not 'casual' in the sense of clothing or atmosphere.
A storybook illustration of a well-loved, worn teddy bear sitting on a wooden shelf next to a stack of comfortable blankets, symbolizing something known and familiar.

Examples

Esos nombres no me son familiares.

Those names aren't familiar to me.

Las caras familiares en la reunión me dieron tranquilidad.

The familiar faces at the meeting gave me peace of mind.

Adoptamos unos modales más familiares en la cena.

We adopted more casual manners at dinner.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'familiares' is plural, it must always describe a plural noun. If the noun is feminine (like 'caras'), the form is still 'familiares' because the base word 'familiar' is one of those adjectives that doesn't change based on gender.

Placement Error

Mistake: “Unos familiares problemas.”

Correction: Unos problemas familiares. When referring to 'family-related' issues, the adjective usually follows the noun.

Casual Clothing vs. Occasional Work

Learners often confuse 'informal' or 'casual' for clothing with 'ocasional' or 'eventual' for work. Remember, 'informal' and 'casual' describe relaxed styles or atmospheres, while 'ocasional' and 'eventual' refer to jobs or situations that are not permanent or regular.

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