How to Say "foreseen" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “foreseen” is “previsto” — use 'previsto' when something was anticipated or planned for, often implying a comparison to what actually happened, like an unexpected event or outcome..
previsto
preh-VEES-toh/preˈβisto/
Examples
La tormenta fue más fuerte de lo previsto.
The storm was stronger than expected (than foreseen).
Todos los cambios previstos se implementarán en enero.
All the planned changes will be implemented in January.
La medida prevista causó controversia en el parlamento.
The anticipated measure caused controversy in parliament.
Habíamos previsto el problema, pero no pudimos evitarlo.
We had foreseen the problem, but we couldn't avoid it.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'previsto' must change its ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: la fecha prevista, los riesgos previstos.
Irregularity of 'Prever'
'Previsto' is the irregular past participle of the verb 'prever' (to foresee). This verb follows the pattern of 'ver' (to see), whose participle is 'visto'.
Forming Perfect Tenses
When used with 'haber' (e.g., he, has, ha), the participle form 'previsto' never changes its ending, regardless of the gender or number of the thing being discussed.
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: “*La reunión fue previsto.*”
Correction: Since 'reunión' is feminine, you must say: *La reunión fue prevista.* (The meeting was foreseen.)
Trying to Make it Regular
Mistake: “Using the nonexistent form *preído* instead of *previsto*.”
Correction: Always remember the V: *previsto*. It’s a very common irregularity!
esperado
es-peh-RAH-doh/es.peˈɾa.ðo/
Examples
El resultado del examen fue el esperado.
The result of the exam was the expected one.
La reacción de la audiencia fue la esperada, aplaudieron de pie.
The audience's reaction was the anticipated one; they gave a standing ovation.
Llegamos a la hora esperada, justo a tiempo para cenar.
We arrived at the expected time, just in time for dinner.
Adjective Agreement
'Esperado' is a description word and must change its ending to match the noun it describes. For a feminine noun, use 'esperada' (la carta esperada). For plural nouns, add 's' (los regalos esperados).
Forgetting the Ending Change
Mistake: “La respuesta esperado (masculine ending with a feminine noun).”
Correction: La respuesta esperada. Always make sure the ending matches the gender and number of the noun.
previsto
preh-VEES-toh/preˈβisto/
Examples
Habíamos previsto el problema, pero no pudimos evitarlo.
We had foreseen the problem, but we couldn't avoid it.
La tormenta fue más fuerte de lo previsto.
The storm was stronger than expected (than foreseen).
Todos los cambios previstos se implementarán en enero.
All the planned changes will be implemented in January.
La medida prevista causó controversia en el parlamento.
The anticipated measure caused controversy in parliament.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'previsto' must change its ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: la fecha prevista, los riesgos previstos.
Irregularity of 'Prever'
'Previsto' is the irregular past participle of the verb 'prever' (to foresee). This verb follows the pattern of 'ver' (to see), whose participle is 'visto'.
Forming Perfect Tenses
When used with 'haber' (e.g., he, has, ha), the participle form 'previsto' never changes its ending, regardless of the gender or number of the thing being discussed.
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: “*La reunión fue previsto.*”
Correction: Since 'reunión' is feminine, you must say: *La reunión fue prevista.* (The meeting was foreseen.)
Trying to Make it Regular
Mistake: “Using the nonexistent form *preído* instead of *previsto*.”
Correction: Always remember the V: *previsto*. It’s a very common irregularity!
Esperado vs. Previsto
Related Translations
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