How to Say "relevant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “relevant” is “relevante” — use 'relevante' when something is directly connected to the topic or matter at hand, highlighting its importance or significance..
relevante
/reh-leh-BAHN-teh//releˈβante/
Examples
Tu opinión es muy relevante para este proyecto.
Your opinion is very relevant to this project.
No encontré ninguna información relevante en el informe.
I didn't find any relevant information in the report.
Es un cambio pequeño, pero relevante.
It's a small but significant change.
One ending for all
This word is the same whether you are talking about a man, a woman, a masculine object, or a feminine object. It always ends in -e.
Mistaking with 'Importante'
Mistake: “Using 'importante' when you specifically mean 'connected to the topic.'”
Correction: While 'importante' works for general importance, use 'relevante' to show that something specifically applies to the current situation or discussion.
aplicable
/ah-plee-KAH-blay//a.pliˈka.βle/
Examples
Este descuento no es aplicable a productos ya rebajados.
This discount is not applicable to items already on sale.
Las leyes locales son aplicables a todos los residentes.
Local laws are applicable to all residents.
Debemos determinar si esta teoría es aplicable a nuestro experimento.
We must determine if this theory is applicable to our experiment.
Gender Equality
This word ends in -e, which means it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine thing. For example: 'un código aplicable' and 'una regla aplicable'.
The 'a' Connection
When you want to say who or what something applies to, always use the word 'a' (to) after 'aplicable'. Think of it as 'applicable TO'.
Confusing with 'aplacable'
Mistake: “Usar 'aplacable' para leyes.”
Correction: Use 'aplicable'. 'Aplacable' means someone who can be calmed down (from 'aplacar').
Gender Agreement
Mistake: “una ley aplicabla”
Correction: una ley aplicable (the ending doesn't change to 'a' for feminine words).
pertinente
per-tee-NEN-teh/peɾtiˈnente/
Examples
Esa es una pregunta muy pertinente para el tema de hoy.
That is a very relevant question for today's topic.
El abogado presentó las pruebas pertinentes al caso.
The lawyer presented the evidence relevant to the case.
Antes de viajar, debes conseguir la documentación pertinente.
Before traveling, you must get the appropriate documentation.
Gender Neutrality
This word ends in 'e,' which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el documento pertinente) or a feminine noun (la información pertinente).
Plural Form
To make it plural, simply add an 's' at the end: 'los documentos pertinentes' or 'las preguntas pertinentes'.
Confusing with 'Impertinente'
Mistake: “Using 'impertinente' to mean only 'not relevant'.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'impertinente' often means 'rude' or 'annoying' when applied to a person, while 'pertinente' always relates to being 'appropriate' or 'on-topic'.
correspondiente
/koh-rehs-pohn-DYEN-teh//koresponˈdjente/
Examples
El director tomará las medidas correspondientes para solucionar el problema.
The director will take the appropriate measures to solve the problem.
Recibió el premio correspondiente a su gran esfuerzo.
He received the prize due for his great effort.
Para viajar con mascotas, necesitas los permisos correspondientes.
To travel with pets, you need the relevant permits.
Placement is key
This word almost always comes after the noun it is describing, which is standard for Spanish adjectives.
Overusing 'apropiado'
Mistake: “Using 'apropiado' for everything.”
Correction: In professional settings, 'correspondiente' often sounds more natural and native than 'apropiado' when talking about steps, measures, or documents.
Relevante vs. Pertinente
Related Translations
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