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How to Say "loose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

flojo

FLO-hoˈflox o

adjectiveA2general
Use 'flojo' when something is not tight, not firmly attached, or is slack, like a loose screw or a loose tooth.
A screw that is halfway out of a wooden board.

Examples

Este tornillo está flojo, necesito un destornillador.

This screw is loose; I need a screwdriver.

Me gusta usar pantalones flojos cuando estoy en casa.

I like wearing baggy pants when I'm at home.

La cuerda está muy floja; tienes que tensarla.

The rope is very slack; you have to tighten it.

Describing State

When talking about objects being loose (like a screw or a rope), we almost always use the verb 'estar' because it describes a current state or condition.

Flojo vs. Suelto

Mistake: “Mi perro está flojo en el jardín.”

Correction: Use 'suelto' for 'loose' as in 'free/untied'. Use 'flojo' for things that are slack or not tight enough.

suelto

SWELL-toh'swelto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'suelto' to describe something that is not tied, fastened, or contained, such as a loose dog, loose change, or loose hair.
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

AHN-choˈantʃo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ancho' specifically for clothing that is wide or baggy, implying a loose fit.
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.

amplio

am-plyohˈampljo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'amplio' to describe clothing that is spacious, roomy, or has a loose cut, often for comfort.
A person wearing an oversized, baggy sweater that hangs loosely off their shoulders.

Examples

Me gusta llevar ropa amplia cuando hace calor.

I like to wear loose clothes when it's hot.

Estos pantalones me quedan muy amplios.

These pants fit me very loosely.

Prefiero una camisa más amplia para estar cómodo.

I prefer a looser shirt to be comfortable.

Describing Fit

When you say something fits you 'amplio', it means there is extra space between the fabric and your body.

Loose vs. Unfastened

Mistake: “Mi zapato está amplio.”

Correction: Mi zapato está suelto.

Clothing vs. Not Fixed

Learners often confuse 'flojo' and 'suelto' with clothing terms like 'ancho' and 'amplio'. Remember: 'flojo' and 'suelto' describe things that are not tight or fastened, while 'ancho' and 'amplio' specifically refer to the fit of clothes.

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