Inklingo

How to Say "grounded" in Spanish

English → Spanish

basado

bah-SAH-dohbaˈsaðo

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'basado' when 'grounded' means having a solid foundation in reality or facts, often used with theories or ideas.
A tiny, simple red house sitting securely on a massive, solid grey stone block foundation.

Examples

Esta teoría está basada en estudios científicos recientes.

This theory is based on recent scientific studies.

La película está basada en una historia real, no es ficción.

The movie is based on a real story; it's not fiction.

Mi plan de negocios está basado en la demanda del mercado.

My business plan is grounded in market demand.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'basado' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): basado, basada, basados, basadas.

The 'On' Preposition

When saying something is 'based on' something else, always use the preposition en (on/in), never sobre.

Using the Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “El informe está basado sobre datos.”

Correction: El informe está basado en datos. (Always use *en* after *basado* to introduce the source.)

castigado

kas-ti-GÁ-dokastiˈɣaðo

AdjectiveA2Informal
Use 'castigado' when 'grounded' refers to a child or teenager being confined to home as a form of punishment.
A young child sitting alone on the floor next to a closed window, looking sad and dejected, symbolizing being grounded.

Examples

Mi hijo está castigado porque no hizo su tarea.

My son is grounded because he didn't do his homework.

La profesora dejó a los estudiantes castigados después de clase.

The teacher kept the students in detention after class.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'castigado' must match the gender and number of the person being described: 'castigada' (f. singular), 'castigados' (m. plural), 'castigadas' (f. plural).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “El niño es castigado.”

Correction: El niño está castigado. (Use 'estar' because this describes a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic.)

centrado

sen-TRA-dosenˈtɾaðo

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'centrado' when 'grounded' describes a person who is stable, mature, and realistic, not easily swayed.
A calm person sitting peacefully on a park bench while others rush by in a blur.

Examples

Juan es un chico muy centrado para su edad.

Juan is a very level-headed boy for his age.

Necesito estar centrado para terminar este proyecto hoy.

I need to be focused to finish this project today.

Ella siempre ha sido la más centrada de la familia.

She has always been the most grounded one in the family.

Using 'Estar' for focus

Use the verb 'estar' when you want to say someone is temporarily focused on a task. Use 'ser' if you are describing their permanent personality.

Matching Gender and Number

This word is an adjective, so it changes to 'centrada' for a female, 'centrados' for a group of men, and 'centradas' for a group of women.

Focus vs. Sensible

Mistake: “Using 'enfocado' to mean someone is a mature person.”

Correction: Use 'centrado' for personality maturity. 'Enfocado' is mostly for looking at a specific goal.

Punishment vs. Stability

The most common mistake is confusing 'castigado' (punished, confined) with 'centrado' (stable, realistic). Remember that 'castigado' specifically refers to a child being punished by staying home, while 'centrado' describes a person's steady personality.

Related Translations

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