How to Say "persistent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “persistent” is “persistente” — use this word to describe a person who is determined and doesn't give up on their goals or efforts, or something that continues without stopping.
persistente
per-sees-TEN-tehpeɾsisˈtente
Examples
Ella es una estudiante muy persistente con sus metas.
She is a very persistent student with her goals.
Tengo una tos persistente desde hace una semana.
I have had a persistent cough for a week.
A pesar de los fallos, su esfuerzo persistente dio frutos.
Despite the failures, his persistent effort paid off.
One size fits all genders
This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for boys or girls. You can say 'un hombre persistente' and 'una mujer persistente' without changing the ending.
Placement after the noun
In most cases, you should place this word after the thing or person you are describing to sound natural.
The 'A' trap
Mistake: “Ella es muy persistenta.”
Correction: Ella es muy persistente.
constante
kohn-STAHN-tehkonˈstante
Examples
El ruido constante de la calle no me deja dormir.
The constant noise from the street doesn't let me sleep.
Necesitas ser más constante con tus estudios para ver resultados.
You need to be more persistent with your studies to see results.
Su apoyo constante fue esencial durante la crisis.
His steady support was essential during the crisis.
Gender is Easy
Since 'constante' ends in '-e', it doesn't change its ending to match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'el esfuerzo constante' (masculine) and 'la dedicación constante' (feminine).
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: “Using 'constante' when you mean 'constantly' (which is the adverb 'constantemente').”
Correction: Remember, 'constante' describes a noun (a constant effort). If you want to describe how an action is done, use the adverb: 'Trabaja constantemente' (He works constantly).
obstinado
ob-stee-NAH-dohobs.ti.ˈna.ðo
Examples
Mi abuelo es un hombre muy obstinado.
My grandfather is a very stubborn man.
Se mostró obstinado en su decisión de no vender la casa.
He remained stubborn in his decision not to sell the house.
No seas tan obstinado y escucha los consejos de tus amigos.
Don't be so stubborn and listen to your friends' advice.
Word Endings for Gender
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match the person: 'obstinado' for a man and 'obstinada' for a woman.
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' when describing a person's personality trait (who they are). Use 'estar' if they are just acting stubborn in a specific moment.
Thinking it's always negative
Mistake: “Using 'obstinado' only as an insult.”
Correction: In some contexts, especially in literature, it can imply a respectable level of persistence or determination.
Gender mismatch
Mistake: “Ella es muy obstinado.”
Correction: Say 'Ella es muy obstinada' because you are describing a female.
crónica
Examples
Ella padece una enfermedad crónica desde hace años.
She has been suffering from a chronic illness for years.
reiterado
rrey-teh-RAH-dohrei.teˈɾaðo
Examples
Recibió reiterados avisos antes de que le cortaran la luz.
He received repeated warnings before they cut off his electricity.
Sus ausencias reiteradas a clase afectaron sus notas.
Her repeated absences from class affected her grades.
El éxito de la empresa se debe a sus reiterados esfuerzos por innovar.
The company's success is due to its repeated efforts to innovate.
Matching the Noun
Just like 'alto' or 'rojo,' this word must match the gender and number of the thing you are describing. Use 'reiterado' for one masculine item, 'reiterada' for one feminine item, and add an 's' for plurals.
Placement for Emphasis
While it usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'esfuerzos reiterados'), putting it before the noun (e.g., 'reiterados esfuerzos') makes it sound more formal and emphasizes the quantity of the repetition.
Using it in Casual Chat
Mistake: “Using 'reiterado' when grabbing coffee with a friend.”
Correction: Use 'repetido' or 'muchas veces' in casual talk. 'Reiterado' is best for emails, reports, or serious news.
necio
NEH-syohˈnesjo
Examples
Mi hijo se puso necio y no quiso comer sus verduras.
My son got stubborn and didn't want to eat his vegetables.
No te pongas necia, acepta que cometiste un error.
Don't get stubborn, admit that you made a mistake.
Es tan necio que prefiere perder el trabajo antes que pedir disculpas.
He is so stubborn that he prefers to lose his job rather than apologize.
Using 'Ponerse'
When someone starts acting stubborn, we usually use the verb 'ponerse' (to become/to get). For example: 'Se puso necio' means 'He got stubborn'.
Stubborn vs. Determined
Mistake: “Using 'necio' as a compliment for someone who works hard.”
Correction: Use 'perseverante' or 'determinado' for positive persistence. 'Necio' almost always implies the person is being annoying or wrong.
Choosing between 'persistente' and 'constante'
Related Translations
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