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How to Say "contemporary" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “contemporary” is “contemporáneo” — use this word when referring to things or people that existed or happened during the same historical period as something or someone else.

English → Spanish

contemporáneo

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to things or people that existed or happened during the same historical period as something or someone else.

Examples

Me gusta mucho el arte contemporáneo.

I like contemporary art a lot.

moderno

moh-DEHR-nohmoˈðeɾ.no

adjectiveA1general
Use this word to describe something that is new, recent, or up-to-date, rather than old-fashioned.
A sleek, minimalist white house with large glass windows and a flat roof, representing modern architecture.

Examples

Mi abuelo compró un teléfono muy moderno.

My grandfather bought a very modern phone.

La arquitectura de este edificio es muy moderna.

The architecture of this building is very modern.

No me gustan las ideas tan modernas sobre la educación.

I don't like such modern ideas about education.

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, 'moderno' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. For a feminine noun, use 'moderna' (una casa moderna). For plural nouns, add '-s' (los coches modernos).

Confusing Moderno and Nuevo

Mistake: “Using 'nuevo' when you mean 'moderno'.”

Correction: 'Nuevo' means 'brand new' or 'unseen before'. 'Moderno' means 'up-to-date' or 'contemporary.' A vintage car can be new to you (nuevo), but it is not modern (moderno).

contemporáneo

nounC1literary
Use this noun to refer to a person who lived at the same time as another specific person.

Examples

Cervantes y Shakespeare fueron contemporáneos.

Cervantes and Shakespeare were contemporaries.

Contemporáneo vs. Moderno

The most common mistake is using 'contemporáneo' when you simply mean 'modern' or 'new'. Remember, 'contemporáneo' specifically refers to existing or happening at the same time, while 'moderno' means up-to-date or current.

Related Translations

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