Inklingo

How to Say "drastic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

drástico

adjectiveB1general
Use 'drástico' when referring to changes that are extreme, severe, or very significant in impact.

Examples

Necesitamos un cambio drástico en nuestra rutina.

We need a drastic change in our routine.

radical

rah-dee-KAHLraðiˈkal

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'radical' when emphasizing a fundamental or thorough change that goes to the root of a problem or situation.
A vibrant landscape split down the middle: one side is a dry, gray desert and the other side is a lush, green rainforest.

Examples

Necesitamos un cambio radical en nuestra estrategia.

We need a radical change in our strategy.

Fue una decisión radical, pero necesaria.

It was a drastic decision, but a necessary one.

One Size Fits All

This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use it with both 'masculine' and 'feminine' things without changing the ending: 'un cambio radical' or 'una idea radical'.

Avoid 'Radicala'

Mistake: “una decisión radicala”

Correction: una decisión radical

dramático

adjectiveB1general
Use 'dramático' when describing a situation or change that is sudden, striking, and often exaggerated, sometimes with an emotional component.

Examples

No seas tan dramático, solo es un pequeño corte.

Don't be so dramatic, it's just a small cut.

violento

bee-oh-LEHN-tohbjoˈlento

adjectiveB1general
Employ 'violento' specifically when the drastic nature of something refers to intense force or sudden, aggressive action, often related to physical phenomena.
A storybook illustration of a person's face showing extreme distress or intense emotion, surrounded by swirling red and orange colors.

Examples

Tuvimos que parar el coche por el viento violento.

We had to stop the car because of the fierce/intense wind.

Sufrió un dolor de cabeza violento después del accidente.

He suffered a severe headache after the accident.

La reacción del mercado fue violenta tras el anuncio.

The market's reaction was drastic/intense after the announcement.

Describing Force

When used for things like weather or physical sensations, 'violento' means 'very strong' or 'extreme,' emphasizing the power or suddenness of the event.

Drástico vs. Radical

Learners often confuse 'drástico' and 'radical' because both refer to significant changes. Remember that 'drástico' implies severity or extremity, while 'radical' suggests a change that is fundamental or goes to the root of the issue.

Related Translations

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