Inklingo

How to Say "curt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

seco

SEH-kohˈse.ko

adjectiveB1general
Use 'seco' when the curtness is characterized by a lack of warmth, friendliness, or enthusiasm, often in a way that feels dismissive or cold.
One figure sharply turns their back on a second person who looks surprised and slightly sad, illustrating an abrupt and curt dismissal.

Examples

Su respuesta fue muy seca, casi ni me miró.

His response was very curt; he barely even looked at me.

Es una persona muy seca; nunca sonríe.

She is a very cold person; she never smiles.

Describing Personality

When describing someone's general personality as cold or reserved, you typically use 'ser': 'Ella es seca'. If you are describing a momentary action, like a reply, use 'fue': 'Su respuesta fue seca'.

brusco

BROOS-kohˈbrusko

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'brusco' when the curtness is more about being rough, harsh, or sudden in speech or manner, implying a lack of politeness or consideration.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person turning their back and walking away from a friendly character trying to talk.

Examples

Perdona si fui un poco brusco por teléfono.

Sorry if I was a bit curt/rude on the phone.

Él tiene un carácter brusco, pero es un buen hombre.

He has a gruff personality, but he is a good man.

Recibió una respuesta brusca y se sintió mal.

She received a blunt reply and felt bad.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser brusco' to describe someone's permanent personality. Use 'estar brusco' if someone is just acting rude or short in a specific moment.

Brusco vs. Grosero

Mistake: “Saying 'brusco' when someone is being intentionally offensive.”

Correction: 'Brusco' implies being short or blunt, often because of stress or personality. 'Grosero' is the word for someone being intentionally offensive or using bad language.

Seco vs. Brusco: Coldness vs. Harshness

Learners often confuse 'seco' and 'brusco' because both imply a lack of politeness. Remember that 'seco' emphasizes coldness and unfriendliness, while 'brusco' highlights harshness and abruptness.

Related Translations

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