How to Say "positive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “positive” is “positivo” — use 'positivo' when describing a good attitude, outlook, or a generally good or beneficial quality.
positivo
poh-see-TEE-vohposiˈtiβo
Examples
Ella siempre tiene una actitud positiva ante los problemas.
She always has a positive attitude toward problems.
La reunión tuvo un efecto muy positivo en el equipo.
The meeting had a very positive effect on the team.
Necesitamos un cambio positivo en nuestra estrategia de ventas.
We need a positive change in our sales strategy.
Matching Gender and Number
Since 'positivo' is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'positivo' for masculine singular nouns and 'positiva' for feminine singular nouns. For plural, use 'positivos' or 'positivas'.
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: “Decimos 'una decisión positivo'.”
Correction: Say 'una decisión positiva' because 'decisión' is feminine.
afirmativo
ah-feer-mah-TEE-bohafiɾmaˈtiβo
Examples
Recibimos una respuesta afirmativa del director.
We received an affirmative response from the director.
El resultado de la votación fue afirmativo.
The result of the vote was positive.
Hacer oraciones afirmativas es el primer paso para aprender español.
Making affirmative sentences is the first step in learning Spanish.
Matching the word it describes
This word changes to 'afirmativa' if you are talking about something feminine, like 'la respuesta'.
Where to put it
In Spanish, describing words like this usually come after the person or thing they are describing (e.g., 'voto afirmativo').
Using it for 'good vibes'
Mistake: “Soy una persona muy afirmativa.”
Correction: Soy una persona muy positiva.
favorable
fa-bo-RA-blefaβoˈɾaβle
Examples
El tiempo es favorable para ir a la playa.
The weather is favorable for going to the beach.
Recibimos una respuesta favorable de la universidad.
We received a positive response from the university.
Las condiciones del mercado son favorables para comprar una casa.
The market conditions are advantageous for buying a house.
One ending for everyone
In Spanish, words ending in '-e' like 'favorable' don't change for masculine or feminine nouns. You can use it for both 'un resultado' (boy word) and 'una respuesta' (girl word) without changing the ending.
Making it plural
To talk about more than one thing, simply add an '-s' to the end: 'resultados favorables'.
The 'A' ending mistake
Mistake: “La situación es favorabla.”
Correction: La situación es favorable. Remember, just because 'situación' is feminine doesn't mean you change the 'e' at the end of the adjective.
Confusing 'Positivo' with 'Afirmativo'
Related Translations
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