How to Say "forward-thinking" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “forward-thinking” is “avanzada” — use 'avanzada' when referring to forward-thinking in terms of technology, innovation, or progress in a specific field.
avanzada
ah-bahn-SAH-dahaβanˈsaða

Examples
Su empresa es conocida por su tecnología avanzada.
Its company is known for its advanced technology.
Esta computadora tiene una tecnología muy avanzada.
This computer has very advanced technology.
Es una mujer de edad avanzada.
She is a woman of advanced age.
Sus ideas son demasiado avanzadas para su época.
Her ideas are too advanced for her time.
Matching with Feminine Nouns
Use 'avanzada' only when describing words that are feminine, like 'la tecnología' or 'la idea'. If you are describing a masculine word, you must use 'avanzado'.
Using 'vieja' vs 'avanzada'
Mistake: “Using 'vieja' to describe an elderly person.”
Correction: Use 'de edad avanzada' to be much more polite and respectful when talking about someone's age.
progresista
pro-gre-SEES-tahpɾoɣɾeˈsista

Examples
Ella tiene ideas políticas muy progresistas.
She has very progressive political ideas.
Mi abuela tiene ideas muy progresistas para su edad.
My grandmother has very progressive ideas for her age.
El partido propuso una reforma progresista del sistema de salud.
The party proposed a progressive reform of the healthcare system.
Es una empresa con una cultura progresista y abierta.
It is a company with a progressive and open culture.
One ending for everyone
Words ending in '-ista' are special because they don't change for men or women. You use 'el progresista' and 'la progresista' or 'un hombre progresista' and 'una mujer progresista'.
Where to put the word
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'progresista' usually comes after the noun it describes, as in 'una idea progresista'.
Don't say 'progresisto'
Mistake: “Un hombre progresisto.”
Correction: Un hombre progresista. Remember, the '-a' ending stays the same even if you are talking about a man.
Confusing 'avanzada' and 'progresista'
Related Translations
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