Inklingo

How to Say "decisive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

clave

KLAH-veh/ˈklaβe/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'clave' when 'decisive' means essential or key to determining an outcome, often used for abstract concepts or important factors.
A single, large, shiny golden key placed prominently in the center, symbolizing its essential nature.

Examples

La honestidad es un valor clave en nuestra familia.

Honesty is a key value in our family.

Identificamos los puntos claves de la negociación.

We identified the crucial points of the negotiation.

The Invariable Adjective

When 'clave' is used as an adjective (meaning key/crucial), it does not change its form to match the gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes. It always stays 'clave'.

crucial

/kroo-syahl//kɾuˈθjal/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'crucial' when 'decisive' refers to a moment or event that is extremely important and marks a turning point.
A single puzzle piece that perfectly fits into the center of a nearly finished puzzle.

Examples

Este es un momento crucial para nuestra familia.

This is a crucial moment for our family.

Tu ayuda fue crucial para terminar el proyecto.

Your help was crucial for finishing the project.

Tomaron una decisión crucial que cambió todo.

They made a crucial decision that changed everything.

One Form for All

This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun. You don't need to change the ending to 'a'!

Making it plural

Mistake: “dos momentos crucial”

Correction: dos momentos cruciales. Words ending in 'l' need 'es' to become plural.

resuelto

/reh-SWELL-toh//reˈswelto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'resuelto' when 'decisive' describes a person's character, meaning they are determined and make decisions quickly and confidently.
A determined young person standing confidently at the top of a steep, small hill, having just reached the peak, showing resolve.

Examples

Su actitud resuelta impresionó a todos en la reunión.

His determined attitude impressed everyone at the meeting.

Necesitas ser más resuelta si quieres ser líder del equipo.

You need to be more resolute if you want to be the team leader.

Describing Character

When 'resuelto' describes a permanent personality trait (determined, decisive), you often use the verb 'ser' (to be): 'Ella es resuelta'.

Confusing Importance with Personality

Learners often confuse 'clave' and 'crucial' with 'resuelto'. Remember that 'clave' and 'crucial' describe situations or factors of great importance, while 'resuelto' describes a person's decisive personality or way of acting.

Related Translations

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