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How to Say "radical" in Spanish

English → Spanish

radical

rah-dee-KAHLraðiˈkal

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to a change that is complete, fundamental, or far-reaching, often implying a significant departure from the norm.
A vibrant landscape split down the middle: one side is a dry, gray desert and the other side is a lush, green rainforest.

Examples

Necesitamos un cambio radical en nuestra estrategia.

We need a radical change in our strategy.

Fue una decisión radical, pero necesaria.

It was a drastic decision, but a necessary one.

En matemáticas, el signo de la raíz se llama radical.

In mathematics, the root sign is called a radical.

Para conjugar el verbo, primero identifica el radical.

To conjugate the verb, first identify the root.

One Size Fits All

This word doesn't change based on gender. You can use it with both 'masculine' and 'feminine' things without changing the ending: 'un cambio radical' or 'una idea radical'.

The 'Root' of the Matter

In language learning, the 'radical' is the part of the word that stays the same while the endings change.

Avoid 'Radicala'

Mistake: “una decisión radicala”

Correction: una decisión radical

drástico

adjectiveB1general
Choose this when emphasizing the severity or extreme nature of a change or action, suggesting it's harsh or drastic.

Examples

Necesitamos un cambio drástico en nuestra rutina.

We need a drastic change in our routine.

revolucionario

ray-boh-loo-syoh-NAH-ryohreβoluθjoˈnaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use this for something that is entirely new, innovative, and introduces a major shift or breakthrough, often in technology or ideas.
A colorful illustration of a vibrant green plant sprouting through a gray, cracked pavement, symbolizing total change.

Examples

Este nuevo motor tiene un diseño revolucionario.

This new engine has a groundbreaking design.

Internet fue un invento revolucionario para la comunicación.

The internet was a revolutionary invention for communication.

Ella propuso unas ideas revolucionarias para mejorar la empresa.

She proposed some radical ideas to improve the company.

Gender and Number Agreement

This word changes its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'revolucionario' for masculine singular items, 'revolucionaria' for feminine singular, and add an 's' for plurals.

Word Order

Like most Spanish adjectives that give a specific quality, this word usually follows the noun it describes, as in 'un método revolucionario'.

Ending for Plural Feminine

Mistake: “Las ideas revolucionarios.”

Correction: Las ideas revolucionarias. (Remember to match both the feminine 'a' and the plural 's'!)

radical

nounC1technical
This is the specific term used in mathematics for the root symbol (√) or in chemistry for a group of atoms.

Examples

En matemáticas, el signo de la raíz se llama radical.

In mathematics, the root sign is called a radical.

Radical vs. Drástico

Learners often confuse 'radical' and 'drástico' when talking about changes. 'Radical' implies a fundamental, deep change, while 'drástico' emphasizes the severity or extreme nature of the measure taken.

Related Translations

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