Inklingo

How to Say "random" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aleatorio

/ah-leh-ah-toh-ryoh//ale.aˈto.ɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to something happening by chance or without a discernible order, such as in music playback (shuffle) or in statistical sampling.
A collection of colorful balls in various sizes scattered randomly on a plain floor.

Examples

Me gusta escuchar mi música en modo aleatorio.

I like to listen to my music in shuffle mode.

El profesor eligió un estudiante de forma aleatoria.

The teacher chose a student in a random way.

Los resultados del experimento parecen ser aleatorios.

The results of the experiment seem to be random.

Matching the Ending

This word changes its ending based on the thing it describes. Use 'aleatorio' for masculine words (un número aleatorio) and 'aleatoria' for feminine words (una selección aleatoria).

Placement in the Sentence

Like most adjectives in Spanish, it usually comes after the noun you are describing.

Don't use 'random' in formal writing

Mistake: “La elección fue muy random.”

Correction: La elección fue aleatoria. While 'random' is popular slang among young Spanish speakers, 'aleatorio' is the correct term for formal speech or writing.

arbitrario

/ar-bee-TRAH-ryoh//aɾβiˈtɾaɾjo/

adjectiveB2general
Use this word when describing an action, decision, or rule that seems unfair, based on personal whim rather than logic or reason.
A child with eyes closed reaching into a large glass jar filled with different colored balls to pick one at random.

Examples

La decisión del jefe pareció muy arbitraria.

The boss's decision seemed very arbitrary.

No podemos elegir a los ganadores de forma arbitraria.

We cannot choose the winners in a random way.

El abogado denunció la detención arbitraria de su cliente.

The lawyer denounced the arbitrary detention of his client.

Matching the Noun

This word must change its ending to match what you are describing. Use 'arbitrario' for masculine things (el proceso) and 'arbitraria' for feminine things (la regla).

Placement Matters

In Spanish, putting this word after the noun makes it sound more objective and descriptive, which is the standard way to use it.

The 'Referee' Confusion

Mistake: “Thinking it means 'fair' because 'árbitro' means 'referee'.”

Correction: While they share a root, 'arbitrario' actually describes someone acting as their own judge without following rules, so it usually means 'unfair' or 'random'.

Choosing Between Aleatorio and Arbitrario

Learners often confuse 'aleatorio' and 'arbitrario' because both relate to a lack of pattern. Remember that 'aleatorio' usually implies chance or unpredictability in a neutral or technical sense, like a random number. 'Arbitrario' carries a negative connotation, suggesting unfairness or a lack of logical basis for a decision or action.

Related Translations

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