How to Say "composed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “composed” is “compuesto” — use 'compuesto' when 'composed' refers to the parts or elements that make up something, like ingredients or members of a team.
compuesto
kom-PWES-tohkomˈpwesto
Examples
El pastel está compuesto de harina, huevos y azúcar.
The cake is composed of flour, eggs, and sugar.
El equipo está compuesto por tres expertos.
The team is made up of three experts.
En español, 'lavaplatos' es una palabra compuesta.
In Spanish, 'lavaplatos' is a compound word.
Él siempre parece muy compuesto y tranquilo.
He always seems very composed and calm.
Using 'por' with compuesto
When you want to say something is 'made up of' something else, use the word 'por' after 'compuesto'. Example: 'Está compuesto por agua'.
Matching the word to the subject
Because this is an adjective, it must match the gender of what you are describing. Use 'compuesta' for feminine items and 'compuestos' for plurals.
Mistaking 'compuesto de' for 'compuesto por'
Mistake: “El grupo está compuesto de cinco personas.”
Correction: El grupo está compuesto por cinco personas. While 'de' is sometimes used, 'por' is much more natural and common in Spanish.
controlado
kon-troh-LAH-dohkontɾoˈlaðo
Examples
A pesar de las noticias, mantuvo una actitud controlada.
Despite the news, he maintained a composed attitude.
Ella se mantuvo muy controlada durante la discusión y no gritó.
She remained very composed during the discussion and didn't yell.
Es un hombre controlado; nunca muestra sus emociones en público.
He is a restrained man; he never shows his emotions in public.
State vs. Quality (Ser vs. Estar)
Use 'Estar controlado' (e.g., 'Estaba controlado') to talk about a temporary state or reaction (He was calm at that moment). Use 'Ser controlado' (e.g., 'Es controlado') to describe someone's permanent personality trait (He is a restrained person).
repuesto
reh-PWEHS-tohreˈpwesto
Examples
Tras unas vacaciones, se sentía completamente repuesto.
After a vacation, he felt completely composed/restored.
Después de la siesta, me siento muy repuesto.
After the nap, I feel very refreshed/recovered.
Ella ya está totalmente repuesta de su gripe.
She is already totally recovered from her flu.
Se mostró repuesto a pesar de las malas noticias.
He appeared composed despite the bad news.
Gender Agreement
Since this is an adjective, it must change to 'repuesta' if you are talking about a woman and 'repuestos/repuestas' for groups.
With 'Estar'
Always use the verb 'estar' (to be in a state) rather than 'ser' when saying someone is recovered, because health is considered a temporary state.
Confusing with 'recuperar'
Mistake: “Saying 'Soy repuesto' to mean 'I am recovered.'”
Correction: Always say 'Estoy repuesto.' Using 'soy' makes it sound like your permanent identity is 'a spare part.'
templado
tem-PLAH-dohtemˈplaðo
Examples
Su respuesta fue mesurada y templada.
His response was measured and composed.
Mantuvo un ánimo templado a pesar de los problemas.
He kept a calm spirit despite the problems.
Es una persona de carácter templado y justo.
He is a person of moderate and fair character.
Sus palabras templadas evitaron una pelea.
His moderate words prevented a fight.
Metaphorical Temperature
Just like a mild climate, a 'templado' person is someone whose emotions are not too 'hot' (angry) or 'cold' (indifferent).
Composed vs. Made Up Of
Related Translations
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