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How to Say "definite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

concreto

kon-KREH-tohkoŋˈkɾeto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'concreto' when you need something that is specific, clear, and not vague, often referring to a requirement or a detail.
A single red apple sitting in the middle of a group of green apples.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta concreta para mañana.

I need a concrete/definite answer by tomorrow.

No tenemos planes concretos para las vacaciones todavía.

We don't have definite plans for the holidays yet.

En este caso concreto, las reglas son diferentes.

In this particular case, the rules are different.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of what it describes. Use 'concreto' for masculine things (un plan concreto) and 'concreta' for feminine things (una idea concreta).

Placement Matters

Usually, you place 'concreto' after the noun you are describing to sound natural in Spanish.

Using it for building material in Spain

Mistake: “Using 'concreto' for cement in Madrid.”

Correction: While understood, people in Spain almost always say 'hormigón' for the building material. 'Concreto' is mostly for 'specific' there.

definido

deh-fee-NEE-dohdefiˈniðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'definido' when something is clearly stated, decided upon, or fixed, implying a lack of ambiguity or change.
A sharp, clear silhouette of a mountain against a bright blue sky.

Examples

El plan para las vacaciones ya está definido.

The plan for the vacation is already defined/definite.

Tiene unos rasgos físicos muy definidos.

He has very distinct physical features.

Buscamos a alguien con un perfil profesional bien definido.

We are looking for someone with a well-defined professional profile.

'El' es un artículo definido.

'El' is a definite article.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'definido' for masculine things and 'definida' for feminine things.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar' when you want to say something has finally been decided (a state). Use 'ser' when describing an inherent quality of something that is always clear.

Grammar Terminology

In Spanish class, 'definido' almost always refers to the words 'el, la, los, las' (the), which point to a specific object.

Definido vs. Definitivo

Mistake: “El resultado es definido.”

Correction: El resultado es definitivo. (Use 'definitivo' for final/conclusive results, and 'definido' for things that are clear or explained.)

ciertos

syéhr-tohsˈsjeɾ.tos

adjectiveB2general
Use 'ciertos' when referring to facts or information that are true, proven, or established.
A powerful, golden sun shown clearly and brightly rising above a smooth, dark blue horizon.

Examples

Los datos que presentó eran ciertos.

The data he presented were true/definite.

Si los rumores son ciertos, tendremos vacaciones extra.

If the rumors are true, we will have extra vacation.

Position Matters (II)

When 'ciertos' comes AFTER the masculine plural noun (e.g., 'hechos ciertos'), it means 'true' or 'definite'. This use is less common than the 'some' meaning.

positivo

poh-see-TEE-vohposiˈtiβo

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'positivo' when you are seeking a clear, affirmative, and unambiguous response, especially in formal contexts like agreements or decisions.
A thick, bold green checkmark placed squarely inside a target circle, symbolizing certainty and definiteness.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta positiva antes de firmar el contrato.

I need a positive/definite answer before signing the contract.

La ley positiva es aquella que está escrita y establecida.

Positive law is that which is written and established.

definido

deh-fee-NEE-dohdefiˈniðo

adjectiveA1grammar
Use 'definido' in grammar to refer to articles like 'the' which specify a particular noun.
A sharp, clear silhouette of a mountain against a bright blue sky.

Examples

'El' es un artículo definido.

'El' is a definite article.

El plan para las vacaciones ya está definido.

The plan for the vacation is already defined.

Tiene unos rasgos físicos muy definidos.

He has very distinct physical features.

Buscamos a alguien con un perfil profesional bien definido.

We are looking for someone with a well-defined professional profile.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'definido' for masculine things and 'definida' for feminine things.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar' when you want to say something has finally been decided (a state). Use 'ser' when describing an inherent quality of something that is always clear.

Grammar Terminology

In Spanish class, 'definido' almost always refers to the words 'el, la, los, las' (the), which point to a specific object.

Definido vs. Definitivo

Mistake: “El resultado es definido.”

Correction: El resultado es definitivo. (Use 'definitivo' for final/conclusive results, and 'definido' for things that are clear or explained.)

Concreteness vs. Certainty

Learners often confuse 'concreto' and 'cierto/positivo'. Remember that 'concreto' emphasizes specificity and lack of vagueness, like a 'specific' answer. 'Cierto' and 'positivo' lean more towards 'true' or 'affirmative' in the sense of certainty or being clearly stated, not just specific.

Related Translations

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