How to Say "marked" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “marked” is “marcado” — use 'marcado' when referring to something that has been physically indicated, noted, or selected, like points on a map or a dialed number that doesn't exist.
marcado
mar-KAH-dohmaɾˈkaðo
Examples
Hemos marcado los puntos clave en el mapa.
We have marked the key points on the map.
El número marcado no existe.
The number dialed does not exist.
Ese fue el único gol marcado en el partido.
That was the only goal scored in the match.
La ruta marcada en el mapa es la más rápida.
The route marked on the map is the fastest.
Acting as a Description
Here, 'marcado' acts like an adjective describing the noun (the number, the goal) after it has received the action of 'marking' or 'dialing'.
The Perfect Helper
The past participle 'marcado' is used with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create perfect tenses (like 'I have marked').
It Never Changes
When used with 'haber', the past participle always stays in the masculine singular form ('marcado') regardless of who is doing the action or what is being marked.
Incorrect Agreement with 'Haber'
Mistake: “Hemos marcada la ruta.”
Correction: Hemos marcado la ruta. (The participle doesn't agree with the direct object when used with 'haber'.)
caracterizado
ka-rak-te-ree-SAH-dohkaɾakteɾiˈsaðo
Examples
Su estilo de pintura está caracterizado por el uso de colores vibrantes.
His painting style is characterized by the use of vibrant colors.
Su estilo está caracterizado por el uso de colores brillantes.
Her style is characterized by the use of bright colors.
Este es un clima caracterizado por lluvias frecuentes.
This is a climate marked by frequent rains.
Es un jurista muy caracterizado en su país.
He is a very distinguished jurist in his country.
Matching Endings
Since this acts as a description word, you must change the ending to match what you are describing: use 'caracterizada' for feminine things and 'caracterizados/as' for plurals.
Using with 'Por'
In most cases, this word is followed by 'por' (by) to explain what the specific feature is.
Wrong Preposition
Mistake: “Está caracterizado con mucha lluvia.”
Correction: Está caracterizado por mucha lluvia. (Use 'por' to indicate the defining feature).
notado
noh-TAH-dohnoˈtaðo
Examples
El error en el informe fue notado inmediatamente por el jefe.
The error in the report was immediately noticed by the boss.
El error fue notado por el profesor.
The error was noticed by the professor.
Su esfuerzo no pasó desapercibido, fue muy notado.
His effort did not go unnoticed, it was very much noticed (or apparent).
Matching the Noun
When used as an adjective, 'notado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes in gender and number: 'el cambio notado' (masc. sing.), 'la diferencia notada' (fem. sing.), 'los errores notados' (masc. plural).
Confusing Roles
Mistake: “Using 'notado' as an adjective without matching the noun (e.g., 'la regla notado').”
Correction: Remember to match the ending to the noun: since 'regla' is feminine, you must say 'la regla notada.'
acusado
ah-koo-SAH-dohakuˈsaðo
Examples
Presentaba un dolor muy acusado en el costado derecho.
He presented with very pronounced pain in his right side.
Tenía un acento muy acusado, típico de su región.
He had a very pronounced accent, typical of his region.
La paciente presentaba un dolor acusado en el pecho.
The patient presented a marked pain in the chest.
La persona acusada fue liberada por falta de pruebas.
The accused person was released due to lack of evidence.
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'acusado' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes: 'rasgos acusados' (masculine plural features), 'diferencia acusada' (feminine singular difference).
sellado
seh-yah-dohseˈʝaðo
Examples
Por favor, asegúrate de que el sobre esté bien sellado.
Please make sure the envelope is well sealed.
El sobre está sellado.
The envelope is sealed.
Necesitas el pasaporte sellado para entrar.
You need the stamped passport to enter.
Compré jamón sellado al vacío.
I bought vacuum-sealed ham.
The 'O' or 'A' Rule
Since this word is describing something, you must change the ending to match. Use 'sellado' for masculine items (el sobre) and 'sellada' for feminine items (la caja).
Using with 'Estar'
We usually use this word with 'estar' because being sealed is often a state or condition that can change (the box is currently sealed).
Seal vs. Sealed
Mistake: “Puse un sellado en la carta.”
Correction: Puse un sello en la carta. 'Sello' is the physical stamp; 'sellado' is the description of the letter after you stamp it.
Distinguishing 'Marcado' from 'Caracterizado'
Related Translations
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