Inklingo

How to Say "recurrent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recurrente

/rreh-koo-rrehn-teh//rekuˈrente/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'recurrente' when referring to something that happens again and again, often in a cyclical or habitual way, like a recurring dream or a recurrent problem.
A row of identical small blue waves repeating across a calm sea.

Examples

Tengo un sueño recurrente en el que puedo volar.

I have a recurring dream where I can fly.

La falta de personal es un problema recurrente en esta oficina.

The lack of staff is a recurring problem in this office.

Es un tema recurrente en las películas de este director.

It is a recurring theme in this director's movies.

One Form for All

This word ends in 'e', which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el problema) or a feminine noun (la idea).

Recurring vs. Recursive

Mistake: “Using 'recursivo' to mean a repeating event.”

Correction: Use 'recurrente'. In Spanish, 'recursivo' is mostly used for mathematics or computer programming.

reiterado

/rrey-teh-RAH-doh//rei.teˈɾaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'reiterado' when something has been repeated over time, often implying a series of actions or events, such as repeated warnings or repeated requests.
A row of several identical red apples lined up on a wooden table.

Examples

Recibió reiterados avisos antes de que le cortaran la luz.

He received repeated warnings before they cut off his electricity.

Sus ausencias reiteradas a clase afectaron sus notas.

Her repeated absences from class affected her grades.

El éxito de la empresa se debe a sus reiterados esfuerzos por innovar.

The company's success is due to its repeated efforts to innovate.

Matching the Noun

Just like 'alto' or 'rojo,' this word must match the gender and number of the thing you are describing. Use 'reiterado' for one masculine item, 'reiterada' for one feminine item, and add an 's' for plurals.

Placement for Emphasis

While it usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'esfuerzos reiterados'), putting it before the noun (e.g., 'reiterados esfuerzos') makes it sound more formal and emphasizes the quantity of the repetition.

Using it in Casual Chat

Mistake: “Using 'reiterado' when grabbing coffee with a friend.”

Correction: Use 'repetido' or 'muchas veces' in casual talk. 'Reiterado' is best for emails, reports, or serious news.

Recurrente vs. Reiterado

Learners often confuse 'recurrente' and 'reiterado'. Remember that 'recurrente' describes something that *keeps happening*, like a recurring thought, while 'reiterado' emphasizes that the *action of repeating* has occurred multiple times, like repeated notifications.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.