How to Say "content" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “content” is “contenido” — use this for the subject matter or information found in books, websites, videos, or any form of media.
contenido
kon-teh-NEE-dohkon.teˈni.ðo
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-tohkonˈtento
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-chohsa.tisˈfe.t͡ʃo
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.)
complacido
kom-pla-SEE-dohkomplaˈθiðo
Examples
Estoy muy complacido con el progreso de los estudiantes.
I am very pleased with the students' progress.
El director se mostró complacido por los resultados trimestrales.
The director seemed satisfied with the quarterly results.
Ella no parecía del todo complacida con la explicación que le dieron.
She didn't seem entirely content with the explanation they gave her.
Matching People and Gender
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match who you are talking about. Use 'complacido' for a man, 'complacida' for a woman, 'complacidos' for a group of men (or mixed), and 'complacidas' for a group of women.
Which 'To Be' to use?
Always use 'estar' (the temporary form of 'to be') when saying you are pleased. This is because being pleased is a feeling or a state of mind, not a permanent character trait.
Don't use 'ser'
Mistake: “Soy complacido con mi regalo.”
Correction: Estoy complacido con mi regalo. (Use 'estar' for feelings/emotions).
sustancia
soos-TAHN-syahsusˈtansja
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.
tenor
te-NORteˈnoɾ
Examples
A tenor de lo dispuesto en el contrato, no podemos cancelar el servicio.
In accordance with what is stated in the contract, we cannot cancel the service.
El tenor literal de sus palabras fue muy sorprendente.
The literal wording of his words was very surprising.
Siguieron las instrucciones a tenor de la nueva normativa.
They followed the instructions according to the new regulations.
The phrase 'A tenor de'
Think of this as a fancy way to say 'based on' or 'according to.' It is always followed by a noun or a phrase starting with 'lo que'.
Adding an extra 'L'
Mistake: “Saying 'al tenor de'.”
Correction: The correct phrase is just 'a tenor de'. You don't need to combine 'a' and 'el' here unless 'tenor' is a separate object.
Content vs. Satisfaction
Related Translations
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