Inklingo

How to Say "content" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contenido

kon-teh-NEE-doh/kon.teˈni.ðo/

nounA2general
Use 'contenido' when referring to the substance, material, or information found in books, websites, videos, or messages.
An open, colorful storybook lying flat. The pages are filled with small, distinct, simple illustrations of a sun, a boat, and a smiling face, representing content.

Examples

El contenido de esta página web es excelente.

The content of this website is excellent.

Antes de viajar, revisa el contenido de tu maleta.

Before traveling, check the contents of your suitcase.

Hay que crear más contenido original para el canal.

We need to create more original content for the channel.

Singular vs. Plural

In Spanish, 'contenido' (content/contents) is usually singular, even when referring to many items (e.g., the contents of a box). English often uses the plural 'contents.'

Using 'Contenidos' for Media

Mistake:Los contenidos digitales son importantes.

Correction: El contenido digital es importante. (While 'contenidos' is sometimes used, 'contenido' singular is much more common for general media/information.)

contento

kohn-TEHN-toh/konˈtento/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'contento' to describe someone who is feeling happy or pleased with their current situation, similar to 'happy'.
A young child with rosy cheeks smiling widely while holding a bright red balloon.

Examples

El niño está contento con su nuevo juguete.

The boy is happy with his new toy.

Me siento contento de haberte ayudado.

I feel pleased/happy to have helped you.

No necesito mucho, estoy contento con lo que tengo.

I don't need much, I am content with what I have.

Gender Agreement Rule

Since 'contento' is an adjective, it must match the person it describes: use 'contento' (masculine singular), 'contenta' (feminine singular), 'contentos' (masculine plural), and 'contentas' (feminine plural).

Using ESTAR

Always use the verb 'estar' (like 'Yo estoy contento') because happiness is usually described as a feeling or a changeable state, not a permanent characteristic.

Mixing up Gender

Mistake:La niña está contento.

Correction: La niña está contenta. (The adjective must end in -a for a feminine noun like 'niña').

satisfecho

sah-tees-FEH-choh/sa.tisˈfe.t͡ʃo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'satisfecho' when someone is pleased with a specific outcome or has their needs met, translating to 'satisfied'.
A simplified character sitting comfortably on a soft chair, smiling peacefully with their eyes closed, indicating deep contentment and satisfaction.

Examples

Estoy muy satisfecho con el resultado de mi examen.

I am very satisfied with the result of my exam.

Después de la cena, el niño se sintió completamente satisfecho.

After dinner, the boy felt completely full (and satisfied).

Si estás satisfecho con el servicio, puedes dejar una propina.

If you are pleased with the service, you can leave a tip.

State of Being (Estar)

Use 'satisfecho' almost always with the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary state or feeling, not a permanent characteristic.

The Irregular Root

This word is the past participle of the verb 'satisfacer' (to satisfy). Although it looks like it ends in -echo, it follows the pattern of 'hacer' (hecho) because 'satisfacer' is related to 'hacer'.

Using Ser Instead of Estar

Mistake:Soy satisfecho.

Correction: Estoy satisfecho. (You must use 'estar' because satisfaction is a current, changeable feeling, not a fundamental part of who you are.)

sustancia

/soos-TAHN-syah//susˈtansja/

nounB2general
Use 'sustancia' to refer to the depth, meaning, or importance of something, often when discussing ideas or arguments.
A bright glowing core inside a simple wooden treasure chest.

Examples

Su discurso fue largo pero no tenía mucha sustancia.

His speech was long but didn't have much substance.

Queremos llegar a la sustancia del problema.

We want to get to the core of the problem.

Using 'Sustancia' Figuratively

When you say a conversation 'has substance,' you mean it is serious and meaningful, not superficial.

Content vs. Happy

The most frequent error learners make is confusing 'contenido' (content/substance) with 'contento' (happy). Remember that 'contenido' is a noun referring to what something contains, while 'contento' is an adjective describing a feeling of happiness.

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