Inklingo

How to Say "determined" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “determined” is “decidido” — use 'decidido' to describe someone who has made up their mind and is resolute, often as a general character trait.

decidido🔊B1

Use 'decidido' to describe someone who has made up their mind and is resolute, often as a general character trait.

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determinado🔊B2

Use 'determinado' when emphasizing a strong, often passionate, desire or will to achieve something specific.

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empeñadoB1

Use 'empeñado' when someone is stubbornly resolved to do something and won't change their mind, often implying persistence.

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resuelto🔊B1

Use 'resuelto' to describe a person's character, highlighting their decisiveness and readiness to act.

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firme🔊B1

Use 'firme' when 'determined' implies a strong conviction or an unwavering stance, especially in opinions or negotiations.

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luchador🔊B1

Use 'luchador' to describe someone with a fighting spirit who refuses to give up, often in the face of adversity or hard work.

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English → Spanish

decidido

deh-see-DEE-dohde.θiˈði.ðo

adjectiveB1
Use 'decidido' to describe someone who has made up their mind and is resolute, often as a general character trait.
A focused child firmly plants a small red flag on the top of a grassy mound, symbolizing determination and resolve.

Examples

Llegó al examen con una actitud muy decidida.

She arrived at the exam with a very determined attitude.

El presidente se mostró decidido a implementar los cambios.

The president showed himself to be resolute in implementing the changes.

Eres muy decidido, siempre sabes lo que quieres.

You are very determined; you always know what you want.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'decidido' must match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number: 'Ella es decidida' (She is determined) vs. 'Ellos son decididos' (They are determined).

determinado

deh-tehr-mee-NAH-dohdeteɾmiˈnaðo

adjectiveB2
Use 'determinado' when emphasizing a strong, often passionate, desire or will to achieve something specific.
A small determined hiker climbing a steep mountain peak.

Examples

Ella es una mujer muy determinada y valiente.

She is a very determined and brave woman.

Dio un paso determinado hacia la puerta.

He took a resolute step toward the door.

Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Use 'ser' if you are describing a person's character (they are a determined person). Use 'estar' if they have made up their mind about a specific goal right now.

empeñado

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'empeñado' when someone is stubbornly resolved to do something and won't change their mind, often implying persistence.

Examples

Juan está empeñado en aprender japonés este año.

Juan is determined to learn Japanese this year.

resuelto

reh-SWELL-tohreˈswelto

adjectiveB1
Use 'resuelto' to describe a person's character, highlighting their decisiveness and readiness to act.
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'.

firme

FEER-mehˈfiɾme

adjectiveB1
Use 'firme' when 'determined' implies a strong conviction or an unwavering stance, especially in opinions or negotiations.
A young child stands tall with their hands on their hips, looking straight ahead with a focused and determined expression.

Examples

El director mantuvo una postura firme durante la negociación.

The director maintained a firm stance during the negotiation.

Necesitas ser firme con los niños para que te respeten.

You need to be firm with the children so they respect you.

luchador

loo-chah-DORlutʃaˈðoɾ

adjectiveB1
Use 'luchador' to describe someone with a fighting spirit who refuses to give up, often in the face of adversity or hard work.
A person determinedly climbing a steep hill while carrying a heavy basket of harvest.

Examples

Juan es un hombre muy luchador; tiene tres trabajos.

Juan is a very hard-working man; he has three jobs.

Es un pueblo luchador que siempre sale adelante.

It is a determined community that always moves forward.

Para tener éxito en los negocios, hay que ser luchador.

To be successful in business, you have to be persistent.

Describing people

When using 'luchador' as an adjective, it always follows the person you are describing. For example: 'un hombre luchador'.

Don't confuse with 'fighting'

Mistake: “Saying 'él es luchador' to mean he is currently fighting someone.”

Correction: Use 'luchador' to describe a personality trait. If he is physically fighting right now, use the verb 'luchando'.

Decidido vs. Determinado

Learners often confuse 'decidido' and 'determinado'. 'Decidido' is more about having made a decision and being resolute, while 'determinado' emphasizes a stronger, more active will or desire to achieve something.

Related Translations

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