Inklingo

How to Say "everyday" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diario

dee-AH-reeodiˈa.rjo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'diario' when referring to something that happens or is done each day, emphasizing the daily frequency or recurrence.
A stylized scene showing a bright yellow sun rising over a small green hill, symbolizing the beginning of the daily cycle.

Examples

Necesito establecer una rutina diaria para estudiar mejor.

I need to establish a daily routine to study better.

Esa tienda abre los siete días de la semana, su servicio es diario.

That store opens seven days a week, its service is daily.

Este es un problema diario para los habitantes de la ciudad.

This is an everyday problem for the inhabitants of the city.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'diario' must agree with the word it describes. Use 'diario' (masculine singular), 'diaria' (feminine singular), 'diarios' (masculine plural), or 'diarias' (feminine plural).

Using the Noun as Adverb

Mistake: “Hago ejercicio diario. (I exercise daily.)”

Correction: Hago ejercicio diariamente. OR Hago ejercicio todos los días. While the adjective form is often used, the true adverb is 'diariamente'.

cotidiano

ko-tee-dee-ah-nokotiˈðjano

adjectiveA2general
Use 'cotidiano' to describe something that is ordinary, commonplace, or part of a regular, unexceptional routine.
A bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice on a wooden table, illuminated by morning sunlight.

Examples

Me gusta mi rutina cotidiana.

I like my everyday routine.

La vida cotidiana en esta ciudad es muy tranquila.

Everyday life in this city is very quiet.

Debemos resolver los problemas cotidianos con paciencia.

We must solve everyday problems with patience.

Matching the Gender

This word must match the noun it describes. Use 'cotidiano' for masculine words (el ritmo cotidiano) and 'cotidiana' for feminine words (la vida cotidiana).

Word Order

In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the thing you are describing. Say 'problemas cotidianos' rather than 'cotidiano problemas'.

Confusing 'diario' and 'cotidiano'

Mistake: “El periódico cotidiano.”

Correction: El periódico diario.

Daily vs. Ordinary

Learners often confuse 'diario' and 'cotidiano' because both relate to routine. Remember that 'diario' specifically means 'daily' (happening every day), while 'cotidiano' means 'ordinary' or 'commonplace' in the context of routine.

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