How to Say "picky" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “picky” is “exigente” — use 'exigente' when someone has high standards and is difficult to satisfy, often implying a demanding nature in general, not just about specific things like food.
exigente
ek-see-HEN-teeksiˈxente
Examples
Mi jefe es muy exigente con la puntualidad.
My boss is very picky about punctuality.
Mi profesor de matemáticas es muy exigente con la tarea.
My math teacher is very demanding with the homework.
Ser un atleta profesional es una carrera muy exigente.
Being a professional athlete is a very demanding career.
No seas tan exigente contigo mismo; lo hiciste bien.
Don't be so tough on yourself; you did well.
One Form for All
This word is 'gender-neutral.' It ends in -e, so it stays exactly the same whether you are describing a man (un hombre exigente) or a woman (una mujer exigente).
Using 'Con'
When you want to say who or what someone is demanding towards, use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Soy exigente con mi perro' (I am demanding with my dog).
The 'O' Trap
Mistake: “El jefe es exigento.”
Correction: El jefe es exigente. Even though 'jefe' is masculine, the adjective 'exigente' never ends in 'o'.
Confusing with 'Demandante'
Mistake: “Es una persona muy demandante.”
Correction: Es una persona muy exigente. While 'demandante' exists, it usually refers to a 'plaintiff' in a lawsuit. Use 'exigente' for personality.
selectivo
seh-lek-TEE-vohselekˈtiβo
Examples
Es muy selectivo con los libros que lee.
He is very picky about the books he reads.
Él es muy selectivo con la comida que elige.
He is very selective with the food he chooses.
A veces tengo una memoria selectiva y olvido lo malo.
Sometimes I have a selective memory and forget the bad things.
La empresa tiene un proceso selectivo muy riguroso.
The company has a very rigorous selection process.
Matching the Gender
This word changes its ending depending on what you are describing. Use 'selectivo' for masculine items and 'selectiva' for feminine items.
Using 'Ser'
Because being selective is usually seen as a personality trait, you should use the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.
Confusing with 'Selection'
Mistake: “Un selectivo de libros.”
Correction: Una selección de libros.
Exigente vs. Selectivo
Related Translations
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