How to Say "constant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “constant” is “constante” — use 'constante' for something that is always present, happening, or occurring without interruption or change.
constante
kohn-STAHN-tehkonˈstante
Examples
El sonido constante de las olas es relajante.
The constant sound of the waves is relaxing.
El ruido constante de la calle no me deja dormir.
The constant noise from the street doesn't let me sleep.
Necesitas ser más constante con tus estudios para ver resultados.
You need to be more persistent with your studies to see results.
Su apoyo constante fue esencial durante la crisis.
His steady support was essential during the crisis.
Gender is Easy
Since 'constante' ends in '-e', it doesn't change its ending to match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'el esfuerzo constante' (masculine) and 'la dedicación constante' (feminine).
Always Feminine
When used as a noun meaning a fixed value in math or science, 'constante' is always feminine: 'la constante'.
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: “Using 'constante' when you mean 'constantly' (which is the adverb 'constantemente').”
Correction: Remember, 'constante' describes a noun (a constant effort). If you want to describe how an action is done, use the adverb: 'Trabaja constantemente' (He works constantly).
permanente
per-ma-NEN-tepeɾ.maˈnen.te
Examples
Necesitamos una solución permanente para el problema del tráfico.
We need a permanent solution to the traffic problem.
Necesitamos una solución permanente a este problema.
We need a permanent solution to this problem.
El daño al edificio no es permanente, se puede reparar.
The damage to the building is not permanent; it can be repaired.
Ella tiene un puesto permanente en la universidad.
She has a permanent position at the university.
Always the Same
As an adjective, 'permanente' always keeps the same ending ('-e'), whether it describes a masculine or feminine person or thing (e.g., 'el cambio permanente' and 'la solución permanente').
continuo
con-TEE-nwokonˈtinwo
Examples
El tráfico era continuo durante toda la mañana.
The traffic was continuous all morning.
Había un ruido continuo en la calle que no me dejaba dormir.
There was a continuous noise in the street that wouldn't let me sleep.
Estamos en un proceso de cambio continuo.
We are in a process of constant change.
Dibuja una línea continua en el papel.
Draw a solid (uninterrupted) line on the paper.
Matching with the Noun
Since this is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'continuo' for masculine things (el ruido) and 'continua' for feminine things (la línea).
Placement after the word
In most cases, you place 'continuo' after the thing you are describing to sound natural.
Confusing with the Verb
Mistake: “La lluvia continuó por horas.”
Correction: Use 'continuó' (with an accent) for the past tense 'it continued' and 'continua' (no accent) to describe 'continuous rain'.
sostenido
sos-te-NEE-dohsos.teˈni.ðo
Examples
La compañía mostró un crecimiento sostenido en sus beneficios.
The company showed sustained growth in its profits.
La empresa ha tenido un crecimiento sostenido este año.
The company has had sustained growth this year.
Escuchamos un pitido sostenido que venía de la cocina.
We heard a steady beep coming from the kitchen.
Mantén un esfuerzo sostenido para terminar la carrera.
Keep up a steady effort to finish the race.
Matching the Noun
Since this acts as a description word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'sostenido' for masculine things (un grito sostenido) and 'sostenida' for feminine things (una nota sostenida).
Action vs. Description
This word often comes from the verb 'sostener' (to hold). When used as a description, it tells us that the state of 'being held' is continuing over time.
Confusing 'Sostenido' and 'Sostenible'
Mistake: “El desarrollo es sostenido.”
Correction: El desarrollo es sostenible.
constante
kohn-STAHN-tehkonˈstante
Examples
La gravedad de la Tierra es una constante.
The gravity of Earth is a constant.
El ruido constante de la calle no me deja dormir.
The constant noise from the street doesn't let me sleep.
Necesitas ser más constante con tus estudios para ver resultados.
You need to be more persistent with your studies to see results.
Su apoyo constante fue esencial durante la crisis.
His steady support was essential during the crisis.
Gender is Easy
Since 'constante' ends in '-e', it doesn't change its ending to match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'el esfuerzo constante' (masculine) and 'la dedicación constante' (feminine).
Always Feminine
When used as a noun meaning a fixed value in math or science, 'constante' is always feminine: 'la constante'.
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: “Using 'constante' when you mean 'constantly' (which is the adverb 'constantemente').”
Correction: Remember, 'constante' describes a noun (a constant effort). If you want to describe how an action is done, use the adverb: 'Trabaja constantemente' (He works constantly).
eterno
eh-TEHR-noheˈteɾno
Examples
La espera se hizo eterna.
The wait felt eternal.
La reunión se hizo eterna, duró casi tres horas.
The meeting became endless; it lasted almost three hours.
Ese eterno problema de tráfico nunca se soluciona.
That constant traffic problem is never solved.
Mi hermana es la eterna optimista, siempre ve el lado bueno.
My sister is the eternal optimist; she always sees the bright side.
Emphasis Placement
When 'eterno' is used figuratively (meaning 'constant' or 'always present'), it often goes before the noun, like in 'el eterno dilema' (the constant dilemma).
Confusing 'Constant' and 'Forever'
Mistake: “Using 'eterno' when you just mean 'frequent' or 'long'.”
Correction: Use 'largo' (long) or 'frecuente' (frequent) unless you want the strong exaggeration 'eterno'.
Constante vs. Continuo
Related Translations
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