How to Say "gradual" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “gradual” is “lenta” — use 'lenta' when referring to something that happens over a long period of time, often implying a lack of speed or progress in a general sense..
lenta
LEN-tah/ˈlenta/
Examples
Esta computadora es muy lenta, necesito una nueva.
This computer is very slow, I need a new one.
La tortuga es un animal de marcha lenta.
The turtle is an animal with a slow pace.
La recuperación después de la cirugía fue lenta.
The recovery after the surgery was slow.
Adjective Agreement
'Lenta' is the feminine form. You must use it when describing a feminine noun (like 'la comida' or 'la máquina'). If the thing you describe is masculine, use 'lento'.
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: “Habló lenta para que yo entendiera.”
Correction: Habló lentamente para que yo entendiera. (Use the -mente adverb form when describing how an action is done.)
progresivo
/pro-gre-SEE-bo//pɾoɣɾeˈsiβo/
Examples
El aprendizaje de un idioma es un proceso progresivo.
Learning a language is a progressive process.
Hubo un aumento progresivo en los precios durante el invierno.
There was a gradual increase in prices during the winter.
La empresa implementó un sistema de trabajo progresivo.
The company implemented a progressive work system.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this word is a description (an adjective), it must match the thing it describes. Use 'progresivo' for masculine things (un cambio) and 'progresiva' for feminine things (una mejora).
Natural Word Order
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the noun it describes, like 'desarrollo progresivo,' rather than before it.
Mixing up 'Progresivo' and 'Progresista'
Mistake: “Using 'progresivo' to describe a person's political views.”
Correction: Use 'progresista' for people or political movements. 'Progresivo' is almost always about the speed or nature of a change, not an ideology.
evolutivo
eh-boh-loo-TEE-boh/eβoluˈtiβo/
Examples
El proceso evolutivo del ser humano ha tomado millones de años.
The human evolutionary process has taken millions of years.
La psicología evolutiva estudia cómo cambiamos desde que nacemos hasta que morimos.
Developmental psychology studies how we change from the time we are born until we die.
Este nuevo modelo es un paso evolutivo, no un cambio radical.
This new model is an evolutionary step, not a radical change.
Matching Gender and Number
This word must change to 'evolutiva' when describing feminine things like 'la etapa' (the stage) or 'la psicología' (psychology).
Adjective Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish, it usually comes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'cambio evolutivo').
Avoiding the 'False Friend'
Mistake: “Using 'evolucionario' instead of 'evolutivo'.”
Correction: Say 'proceso evolutivo'. While 'evolucionario' is sometimes used, 'evolutivo' is the standard, natural way to say 'evolutionary' in Spanish.
insensible
/een-sen-SEE-bleh//in.senˈsi.βle/
Examples
Hubo un cambio insensible en la temperatura del agua.
There was an imperceptible change in the water temperature.
La mejoría del paciente fue lenta e insensible al principio.
The patient's improvement was slow and imperceptible at first.
Placement Matters
In this formal sense, 'insensible' almost always comes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'cambio insensible').
Lenta vs. Progresivo
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.