Inklingo

How to Say "loose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ancho

/AHN-cho//ˈantʃo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ancho' when describing clothing that is baggy, wide, or not form-fitting.
A small child wearing an oversized, baggy sweater that is much too large for them.

Examples

Me gusta llevar pantalones anchos en verano.

I like wearing loose pants in the summer.

suelto

SWELL-toh/'swelto/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'suelto' when referring to something that is not tied, fastened, or contained; it implies freedom or being untethered.
A length of thick, brown rope lying on a wooden surface. The rope is completely untied and straight, showing its loose, unfastened state.

Examples

El perro estaba suelto en el parque.

The dog was loose in the park.

Llevaba el pelo suelto, sin coleta.

She wore her hair loose, without a ponytail.

Dejé los papeles sueltos sobre la mesa.

I left the loose papers on the table.

Agreement is Key

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'suelto' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): suelto, suelta, sueltos, sueltas.

Confusing with 'soltar'

Mistake: “Using 'soltar' (the verb) when you need 'suelto' (the description).”

Correction: Remember, 'suelto' describes the state of being released, while 'soltar' is the action of releasing.

Ancho vs. Suelto

The most common mistake is using 'ancho' for things that are untied. Remember, 'ancho' specifically refers to the fit of clothing (wide or baggy), while 'suelto' means untied, free, or not fastened.

Related Translations

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