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How to Say "mature" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mature” is “maduro” — use 'maduro' to describe a person, especially a child or young person, who shows adult-like qualities in their behavior, judgment, or personality.

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maduro

mah-DOO-rohmaˈðuɾo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'maduro' to describe a person, especially a child or young person, who shows adult-like qualities in their behavior, judgment, or personality.
An older elephant calmly leading a younger elephant through tall grass.

Examples

Juan es un chico muy maduro para su edad.

Juan is a very mature boy for his age.

Tomaron una decisión madura y responsable.

They made a mature and responsible decision.

Es un hombre maduro de unos cincuenta años.

He is a middle-aged man of about fifty years.

Using 'Ser' for Personality

When 'maduro' describes someone's character or personality, use the verb 'ser' (to be) because it's considered a defining trait.

Ser vs. Estar with people

Mistake: “Él está maduro.”

Correction: Él es maduro. (Using 'está' might sound like you are calling him a ripe fruit!)

adulto

ah-DOOL-tohaˈðul.to

adjectiveA2general
Use 'adulto' primarily to indicate content or themes intended for adults, or to refer to something being in its final, adult stage of development.
A massive, fully grown oak tree with a wide canopy and deep roots, symbolizing maturity and full development.

Examples

Este programa tiene contenido adulto, no es para niños.

This program has adult content; it is not for children.

Ella tomó una decisión muy adulta sobre su futuro.

She made a very mature decision about her future.

Necesitamos tener una conversación adulta sobre este problema.

We need to have a grown-up conversation about this problem.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'adulto' must change its ending to match the thing it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'temas adultos' (adult topics, plural masculine) or 'actitud adulta' (adult attitude, singular feminine).

desarrollado

deh-sah-rro-yah-dohdesaroˈʝado

adjectiveB2general
Use 'desarrollado' when referring to physical development, like muscles, or the state of being fully formed or advanced in a process.
A strong person with visible arm muscles lifting a heavy weight.

Examples

El atleta tiene los músculos de la espalda muy desarrollados.

The athlete has very well-developed back muscles.

Es una idea poco desarrollada todavía.

It is still a poorly developed idea.

vencer

ven-SERbenˈθeɾ

verbB1financial/legal
Use 'vencer' specifically in a financial or legal context to mean that a deadline, contract, or loan is due or expires.
A sad, anthropomorphic carton of milk resting on a counter, indicating that the product has expired.

Examples

La fecha límite para entregar el informe vence mañana.

The deadline for submitting the report expires tomorrow (is due tomorrow).

Mi pasaporte venció el mes pasado, necesito renovarlo.

My passport expired last month; I need to renew it.

El contrato vence en diciembre.

The contract runs out in December.

Using 'Vencer' for Dates

In this sense, 'vencer' is often used impersonally, meaning the date or document itself is the subject doing the expiring: 'El plazo vence' (The deadline expires).

Confusing 'Vencer' and 'Terminar'

Mistake: “Using 'terminar' for an expiration date, like 'El pasaporte terminó'.”

Correction: 'Terminar' means something simply finished. 'Vencer' specifically means a validity period or deadline has run out due to a predetermined date: 'El pasaporte venció'.

Maduro vs. Adulto

Learners often confuse 'maduro' and 'adulto' when describing people. Remember that 'maduro' refers to maturity in character or behavior (like being responsible), while 'adulto' usually refers to age or content intended for adults.

Related Translations

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