How to Say "progressive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “progressive” is “progresista” — use this for social or political viewpoints that are forward-thinking or liberal.
progresista
pro-gre-SEES-tahpɾoɣɾeˈsista
Examples
Mi tía es muy progresista y siempre apoya las causas sociales.
My aunt is very progressive and always supports social causes.
Mi abuela tiene ideas muy progresistas para su edad.
My grandmother has very progressive ideas for her age.
El partido propuso una reforma progresista del sistema de salud.
The party proposed a progressive reform of the healthcare system.
Es una empresa con una cultura progresista y abierta.
It is a company with a progressive and open culture.
One ending for everyone
Words ending in '-ista' are special because they don't change for men or women. You use 'el progresista' and 'la progresista' or 'un hombre progresista' and 'una mujer progresista'.
Where to put the word
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'progresista' usually comes after the noun it describes, as in 'una idea progresista'.
Use the article to show gender
Since the word 'progresista' doesn't change, we use 'el' for a man and 'la' for a woman to know who we are talking about.
Don't say 'progresisto'
Mistake: “Un hombre progresisto.”
Correction: Un hombre progresista. Remember, the '-a' ending stays the same even if you are talking about a man.
Watch the plural
Mistake: “Los progresistos.”
Correction: Los progresistas. To make it plural, just add 's', don't change the 'a'.
progresista
pro-gre-SEES-tahpɾoɣɾeˈsista
Examples
Los progresistas votaron en contra de la medida.
The progressives voted against the measure.
Mi abuela tiene ideas muy progresistas para su edad.
My grandmother has very progressive ideas for her age.
El partido propuso una reforma progresista del sistema de salud.
The party proposed a progressive reform of the healthcare system.
Es una empresa con una cultura progresista y abierta.
It is a company with a progressive and open culture.
One ending for everyone
Words ending in '-ista' are special because they don't change for men or women. You use 'el progresista' and 'la progresista' or 'un hombre progresista' and 'una mujer progresista'.
Where to put the word
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'progresista' usually comes after the noun it describes, as in 'una idea progresista'.
Use the article to show gender
Since the word 'progresista' doesn't change, we use 'el' for a man and 'la' for a woman to know who we are talking about.
Don't say 'progresisto'
Mistake: “Un hombre progresisto.”
Correction: Un hombre progresista. Remember, the '-a' ending stays the same even if you are talking about a man.
Watch the plural
Mistake: “Los progresistos.”
Correction: Los progresistas. To make it plural, just add 's', don't change the 'a'.
abiertas
ah-byer-tasaˈβjeɾtas
Examples
Sus propuestas económicas son muy abiertas y buscan el beneficio de todos.
His economic proposals are very progressive and seek the benefit of all.
Las nuevas políticas económicas son muy abiertas e inclusivas.
The new economic policies are very progressive and inclusive.
Ellas son personas muy abiertas que siempre escuchan otros puntos de vista.
They are very open-minded people who always listen to other points of view.
Figurative Use
When describing personality traits (like being open-minded), Spanish typically uses 'ser': 'Ellas son abiertas'.
progresivo
pro-gre-SEE-bopɾoɣɾeˈsiβo
Examples
La recuperación económica ha sido un proceso progresivo.
The economic recovery has been a progressive process.
El aprendizaje de un idioma es un proceso progresivo.
Learning a language is a progressive process.
Hubo un aumento progresivo en los precios durante el invierno.
There was a gradual increase in prices during the winter.
La empresa implementó un sistema de trabajo progresivo.
The company implemented a progressive work system.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this word is a description (an adjective), it must match the thing it describes. Use 'progresivo' for masculine things (un cambio) and 'progresiva' for feminine things (una mejora).
Natural Word Order
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the noun it describes, like 'desarrollo progresivo,' rather than before it.
Mixing up 'Progresivo' and 'Progresista'
Mistake: “Using 'progresivo' to describe a person's political views.”
Correction: Use 'progresista' for people or political movements. 'Progresivo' is almost always about the speed or nature of a change, not an ideology.
moderno
moh-DEHR-nohmoˈðeɾ.no
Examples
Este nuevo teléfono tiene un diseño muy moderno.
This new phone has a very modern design.
Esa cafetería es muy moderna; tiene sillas de diseño y luces LED.
That coffee shop is very stylish; it has designer chairs and LED lights.
Mi hermana siempre viste de forma muy moderna.
My sister always dresses in a very fashionable way.
Progresista vs. Progresivo
Related Translations
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