How to Say "compact" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “compact” is “compacto” — use 'compacto' when describing something that is small and takes up very little space, like a device or a piece of furniture.
compacto
kom-PAHK-tohkomˈpakto
Examples
Este nuevo teléfono tiene un diseño muy compacto.
This new phone has a very compact design.
La nieve estaba tan compacta que podíamos caminar sobre ella.
The snow was so dense that we could walk on it.
Necesitamos un resumen más compacto de los hechos.
We need a more concise (compact) summary of the facts.
Prefiero conducir un compacto porque es más fácil de aparcar.
I prefer driving a compact car because it is easier to park.
Matching with Nouns
This word changes its ending to match the gender of the thing you are describing. Use 'compacto' for masculine items (un libro) and 'compacta' for feminine items (una cámara).
Placement after the Noun
In most cases, you should place 'compacto' after the noun you are describing, such as 'un coche compacto' rather than 'un compacto coche'.
Gender as a Noun
When referring to a car, this word is always masculine ('el compacto'), because the word for car in Spanish ('el coche' or 'el carro') is masculine.
State vs. Action
Mistake: “Using 'compacto' when you mean something was forced into a shape.”
Correction: Use 'compacto' to describe how something is, but use 'compactado' if you want to say something was 'compacted' or 'compressed' by a machine or force.
Compact vs. Sedan
Mistake: “Calling any small car a 'compacto'.”
Correction: In Spanish-speaking car markets, 'compacto' specifically refers to a size class between a subcompact and a mid-size car.
compacto
kom-PAHK-tohkomˈpakto
Examples
Prefiero conducir un compacto porque es más fácil de aparcar.
I prefer driving a compact car because it is easier to park.
Este nuevo teléfono tiene un diseño muy compacto.
This new phone has a very compact design.
La nieve estaba tan compacta que podíamos caminar sobre ella.
The snow was so dense that we could walk on it.
Necesitamos un resumen más compacto de los hechos.
We need a more concise (compact) summary of the facts.
Matching with Nouns
This word changes its ending to match the gender of the thing you are describing. Use 'compacto' for masculine items (un libro) and 'compacta' for feminine items (una cámara).
Placement after the Noun
In most cases, you should place 'compacto' after the noun you are describing, such as 'un coche compacto' rather than 'un compacto coche'.
Gender as a Noun
When referring to a car, this word is always masculine ('el compacto'), because the word for car in Spanish ('el coche' or 'el carro') is masculine.
State vs. Action
Mistake: “Using 'compacto' when you mean something was forced into a shape.”
Correction: Use 'compacto' to describe how something is, but use 'compactado' if you want to say something was 'compacted' or 'compressed' by a machine or force.
Compact vs. Sedan
Mistake: “Calling any small car a 'compacto'.”
Correction: In Spanish-speaking car markets, 'compacto' specifically refers to a size class between a subcompact and a mid-size car.
denso
DEHN-sohˈdenso
Examples
El aceite es más denso que el agua.
Oil is thicker than water.
Hay una niebla muy densa en la carretera.
There is a very thick fog on the road.
Caminamos por un bosque denso y oscuro.
We walked through a dense and dark forest.
Changing for Gender
Like most adjectives ending in 'o', you must change it to 'densa' if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'la niebla' (the fog).
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' for permanent qualities (The forest is dense) and 'estar' for temporary states (The smoke is dense right now).
Thick hair vs. Thick soup
Mistake: “Mi sopa está densa.”
Correction: Mi sopa está espesa. Use 'espeso' for the consistency of food or liquids you eat, and 'denso' for more scientific or atmospheric contexts.
pacto
PAK-tohˈpakto
Examples
Los dos países firmaron un pacto de no agresión.
The two countries signed a non-aggression pact (agreement).
Llegamos a un pacto para compartir los gastos de la casa.
We reached an agreement to share the household expenses.
Romper el pacto electoral tendrá consecuencias políticas graves.
Breaking the electoral agreement will have serious political consequences.
Gender Check
Remember that 'pacto' is a masculine noun, so it always uses the masculine article: 'el pacto' or 'un pacto'.
Pacto vs. Impacto
Mistake: “Using 'impacto' when you mean 'pacto'.”
Correction: They sound similar, but 'impacto' means 'impact' or 'shock,' while 'pacto' is a formal 'agreement' or 'deal'.
Compacto vs. Denso
Related Translations
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