Inklingo

How to Say "critical" in Spanish

English → Spanish

crítico

AdjectiveB1General
Use this word when referring to analysis, judgment, or a situation that is extremely important or decisive.

Examples

Tu opinión es crítica para el éxito del proyecto.

Your opinion is critical to the project's success.

grave

GRAH-vehˈɡɾa.βe

adjectiveB1General
Use this word to describe a health condition or situation that is serious and potentially dangerous.
A storybook illustration showing a doctor with a deeply serious and concerned expression on their face, representing a grave situation.

Examples

El accidente fue grave, pero afortunadamente nadie resultó herido.

The accident was serious, but fortunately no one was injured.

Su estado de salud es grave, necesita un médico inmediatamente.

His health condition is serious; he needs a doctor immediately.

Cometer un error tan grave en el informe afectará tu ascenso.

Making such a serious mistake in the report will affect your promotion.

El presidente dio un discurso con tono grave sobre la crisis económica.

The president gave a speech in a solemn tone about the economic crisis.

Always Use the Same Form

The form 'grave' is used for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el error grave,' 'la lesión grave'). Only the plural changes: 'graves.'

Don't Confuse with 'Heavy'

Mistake:Using 'grave' to mean physically heavy (like a heavy box).

Correction: Use 'pesado/a' for physical weight. 'Grave' implies emotional weight or severity.

comprometido

/kom-proh-meh-TEE-doh//kom.pro.meˈti.ðo/

AdjectiveC1Formal/Medical
Use this word specifically for a health or financial situation that is precarious or in a state of danger.
A tiny silhouetted figure carefully walking across a very thin rope suspended high over a deep, dark canyon, illustrating a critical or precarious situation.

Examples

El estado financiero de la empresa está muy comprometido.

The company's financial situation is very critical.

El paciente se encuentra en un estado muy comprometido.

The patient is in a very critical/serious condition.

La decisión del gobierno puso al país en una posición comprometida.

The government's decision put the country in a delicate/risky position.

Critical Health vs. Important Situation

Learners often confuse 'crítico' and 'grave' when referring to health. While both can mean serious, 'grave' is more common for a doctor describing a patient's condition. 'Crítico' can also mean 'crucial' or 'important' in non-health contexts.

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