How to Say "painstaking" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “painstaking” is “minucioso” — use 'minucioso' when describing a task that requires extreme attention to detail, precision, and thoroughness, often implying it is difficult or time-consuming.
minucioso
mee-noo-SYOH-sohminuˈθjoso
Examples
Realizó una revisión minuciosa de todos los documentos antes de la reunión.
He carried out a painstaking review of all the documents before the meeting.
El detective hizo un examen minucioso de la escena.
The detective did a thorough examination of the scene.
Ella es muy minuciosa con la limpieza de su casa.
She is very meticulous with the cleaning of her house.
Publicaron un informe minucioso sobre el cambio climático.
They published a detailed report on climate change.
Matching the Word Ending
This word must change to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'minucioso' for masculine items, 'minuciosa' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.
Word Order
In most cases, place 'minucioso' after the noun it describes (e.g., 'un plan minucioso') to sound most natural.
Confusing with 'Minute'
Mistake: “Using 'minucioso' to mean 'a small amount of time'.”
Correction: Use 'minuto' for time. 'Minucioso' is about the quality of being detailed, not the duration of 60 seconds.
trabajado
trah-bah-HAH-dohtɾaβaˈxaðo
Examples
El artesano dedicó meses a la creación de su intrincado y trabajado diseño.
The artisan dedicated months to the creation of his intricate and painstaking design.
El diseño de la joya era muy trabajado y complejo.
The design of the jewelry was very elaborate and complex.
Presentaron un informe muy trabajado sobre la economía.
They presented a very detailed report on the economy.
La trama de la novela está muy trabajada.
The plot of the novel is very well-crafted (or detailed).
Adjective Agreement
When used as an adjective, 'trabajado' must match the noun it describes. Use 'trabajada' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'una estrategia trabajada').
Meaning with 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
It usually pairs with 'ser' (to be permanent) to describe the inherent quality of being elaborate or complex: 'La escultura es trabajada.' (The sculpture is elaborate).
Minucioso vs. Trabajado
Related Translations
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