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How to Say "efficient" in Spanish

English → Spanish

eficiente

eh-fee-SYEHN-tehefiˈsjente

adjectiveB1general
Use 'eficiente' when describing someone or something that works well, achieving maximum productivity with minimal waste of time, energy, or resources.
A friendly robot arm perfectly placing cherries on a long row of identical cupcakes on a clean counter.

Examples

Ella es una secretaria muy eficiente.

She is a very efficient secretary.

Necesitamos un motor más eficiente para ahorrar gasolina.

We need a more efficient engine to save gas.

El uso eficiente del tiempo es clave en este trabajo.

The efficient use of time is key in this job.

One ending for everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. You can say 'un hombre eficiente' or 'una mujer eficiente' without changing the ending.

Eficiente vs. Eficaz

Mistake: “Using 'eficiente' when you just mean 'it works'.”

Correction: Use 'eficaz' if something achieves a result, but use 'eficiente' if it achieves that result without wasting time, money, or energy.

eficaz

eh-fee-KAHSSefiˈkaθ

adjectiveB1general
Use 'eficaz' when focusing on the effectiveness of something in producing a desired or intended result, especially when solving a problem.
A single drop of water falling into a small potted plant, causing it to bloom with a bright red flower.

Examples

Este jarabe es muy eficaz para la tos.

This syrup is very effective for the cough.

Buscamos una manera más eficaz de trabajar.

We are looking for a more effective way of working.

La policía tomó medidas eficaces para controlar la situación.

The police took effective measures to control the situation.

Gender Neutrality

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. You can say 'un hombre eficaz' or 'una mujer eficaz' without changing the word.

Plural Form

To make it plural, you add '-es' and change the 'z' to a 'c', making it 'eficaces'.

The 'a' Trap

Mistake: “una solución eficaza”

Correction: una solución eficaz (because the word ends in 'z', it stays the same for both masculine and feminine things).

Efficient vs. Effective

The most common mistake is using 'eficiente' when you mean 'eficaz'. Remember, 'eficiente' is about the *process* (doing things well), while 'eficaz' is about the *outcome* (getting the job done successfully).

Related Translations

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