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How to Say "permanent" in Spanish

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permanente

/per-ma-NEN-te//peɾ.maˈnen.te/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'permanente' when referring to a solution, state, or condition that is intended to last for a long time or indefinitely, without a specific endpoint.
A massive, ancient stone lighthouse standing firmly on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, symbolizing permanence and endurance.

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-hoh//ˈfixo/

adjectiveA1general
Choose 'fijo' to describe something stable, secure, and long-term, especially in the context of employment or a position.
A thick wooden post bolted securely to a stone ground, illustrating something being fixed and unmoving.

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'.

perpetua

/per-PEH-twah//peɾˈpetwa/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'perpetua' to describe a state or condition that is unchanging and lasts indefinitely, often used for natural phenomena or abstract concepts.
A golden ring floating in a clear blue sky, forming a perfect circle with no beginning or end.

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'.

Fijo vs. Permanente

Learners often confuse 'fijo' and 'permanente'. Remember that 'permanente' is a general term for lasting a long time, while 'fijo' specifically implies stability and security, most commonly used for jobs.

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