How to Say "deterrent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “deterrent” is “ejemplar” — use 'ejemplar' when referring to a punishment or action that serves as an example to warn others against committing similar offenses..
ejemplar
/eh-hem-PLAR//exemˈplaɾ/
Examples
El castigo del ladrón sirvió como un ejemplo para disuadir a otros.
The thief's punishment served as a deterrent to others.
Juan es un estudiante ejemplar y siempre ayuda a los demás.
Juan is a model student and always helps others.
Su conducta durante la crisis fue ejemplar.
Her behavior during the crisis was exemplary.
El juez le dio un castigo ejemplar para que nadie repitiera el crimen.
The judge gave him a deterrent punishment so that no one would repeat the crime.
One Form for All
This word stays the same whether you are describing a man or a woman. You say 'un hombre ejemplar' and 'una mujer ejemplar.'
Describing After the Noun
Like most adjectives that describe a quality in Spanish, this word usually goes after the person or thing you are talking about.
The 'a' Mistake
Mistake: “una mujer ejemplara”
Correction: una mujer ejemplar. Words ending in -ar don't change to -a for feminine descriptions.
preventivo
/pre-ben-TEE-bo//pɾeβenˈtiβo/
Examples
Las nuevas medidas de seguridad son un disuasorio efectivo contra el crimen.
The new security measures are an effective deterrent against crime.
El mantenimiento preventivo del coche es fundamental.
Preventive maintenance of the car is essential.
Tomamos medidas preventivas para no enfermarnos.
We took precautionary measures so we wouldn't get sick.
El juez ordenó el arresto preventivo del sospechoso.
The judge ordered the precautionary arrest of the suspect.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'preventivo' for masculine items and 'preventiva' for feminine ones. For more than one, use 'preventivos' or 'preventivas'.
Where to put it
In Spanish, 'preventivo' usually comes after the thing it describes, like in 'chequeo preventivo' (preventive checkup).
Confusing with the verb
Mistake: “Using 'preventivo' as a verb like 'Yo preventivo el fuego'.”
Correction: Use the verb 'prevenir' for actions. Say 'Yo prevengo el fuego'.
Ejemplar vs. Preventivo
Related Translations
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