How to Say "permanent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “permanent” is “permanente” — use this for a general sense of something lasting a long time or forever, without a specific implication of finality or stability.
permanente
per-ma-NEN-tepeɾ.maˈnen.te
Examples
Necesitamos una solución permanente a este problema.
We need a permanent solution to this problem.
El daño al edificio no es permanente, se puede reparar.
The damage to the building is not permanent; it can be repaired.
Ella tiene un puesto permanente en la universidad.
She has a permanent position at the university.
Always the Same
As an adjective, 'permanente' always keeps the same ending ('-e'), whether it describes a masculine or feminine person or thing (e.g., 'el cambio permanente' and 'la solución permanente').
fijo
fee-hohˈfixo
Examples
Necesito un trabajo fijo con beneficios.
I need a permanent job with benefits.
El sillón está fijo a la pared y no se puede mover.
The armchair is fixed to the wall and cannot be moved.
Tenemos una tarifa fija por la electricidad cada mes.
We have a fixed rate for electricity every month.
Agreement Rule
As an adjective, 'fijo' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: 'fijo' (m. singular), 'fija' (f. singular), 'fijos' (m. plural), 'fijas' (f. plural).
Confusing 'fijo' and 'estable'
Mistake: “Using 'estable' when referring to a job contract ('trabajo estable').”
Correction: While 'estable' is understandable, the most natural way to say 'permanent job' in Spanish is 'trabajo fijo' or 'empleo fijo'.
definitivo
deh-fee-nee-TEE-bohdefiniˈtiβo
Examples
La decisión del juez es definitiva.
The judge's decision is final.
Buscamos una solución definitiva a este problema.
We are looking for a permanent solution to this problem.
El resultado definitivo se publicará mañana.
The final result will be published tomorrow.
Matching the word it describes
This word must change its ending to match the gender and number of the person or thing it describes. Use 'definitivo' for masculine, 'definitiva' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.
Placement with Nouns
Usually, you place this word after the noun it describes (e.g., 'la respuesta definitiva') to emphasize that the finality is a distinguishing characteristic.
Using 'final' vs 'definitivo'
Mistake: “Using 'final' to mean a permanent solution.”
Correction: Use 'definitivo' when you mean something is settled for good. 'Final' often just refers to the last item in a sequence.
duradero
doo-rah-DEH-rohduɾaˈðeɾo
Examples
Queremos construir una paz duradera en la región.
We want to build a lasting peace in the region.
Este cuero es muy duradero y resistente.
This leather is very durable and tough.
Su amistad ha sido duradera a pesar de la distancia.
Their friendship has been long-lasting despite the distance.
Matching the Ending
This word changes its ending to match what you are describing. Use 'duradero' for masculine words (el amor) and 'duradera' for feminine words (la paz).
Word Order
In Spanish, you usually place this word after the noun it describes, such as 'un resultado duradero' (a lasting result).
Confusing 'duro' with 'duradero'
Mistake: “Esa mesa es muy duradera.”
Correction: Use 'duro' for physical hardness (it's hard to the touch) and 'duradero' for things that survive a long time. While a table can be 'duradera' if it lasts years, if you mean it feels hard, use 'dura'.
irreversible
ee-rreh-behr-SEE-blehireβeɾˈsiβle
Examples
El daño al medio ambiente es irreversible si no actuamos ahora.
The damage to the environment is irreversible if we don't act now.
Tomaron una decisión irreversible de cerrar la fábrica.
They made an irreversible decision to close the factory.
Los médicos dicen que el estado del paciente es irreversible.
The doctors say the patient's condition is irreversible.
One Form for All
This word is the same for both masculine and feminine things. You can say 'un proceso irreversible' or 'una decisión irreversible' without changing the ending.
The 'Not' Prefix
The 'i-' at the start is a shortened form of 'in-'. It acts just like 'un-' in English, turning 'reversible' into its opposite.
Don't use 'unreversible'
Mistake: “Esto es unreversible.”
Correction: Esto es irreversible. Even though English uses 'un-', Spanish always uses 'i-' or 'in-' for this word.
perpetua
per-PEH-twahpeɾˈpetwa
Examples
Las cumbres de los Alpes tienen nieve perpetua.
The peaks of the Alps have perpetual snow.
Buscaba una solución perpetua para el problema.
He was looking for a permanent solution to the problem.
Matching Gender
'Perpetua' is the feminine form. Use it only when describing feminine things, like 'la nieve' or 'la paz'.
Permanent vs. Final
Related Translations
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