How to Say "rough" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “rough” is “aproximado” — use this when 'rough' means an estimate, calculation, or approximation that is not exact.
aproximado
ah-prohk-see-MAH-doha.pɾok.siˈma.ðo
Examples
El costo aproximado del viaje es de quinientos euros.
The approximate cost of the trip is five hundred euros.
¿Podrías darme un número aproximado de asistentes?
Could you give me an approximate number of attendees?
Los científicos llegaron a un resultado aproximado tras la primera prueba.
The scientists reached a rough result after the first test.
Matching the Noun
This word must match the person or thing it describes. If you are talking about something feminine like 'una cifra' (a figure), use 'aproximada'. If it's plural like 'los datos' (the data), use 'aproximados'.
Sentence Position
In Spanish, 'aproximado' usually comes after the noun it describes, unlike in English where 'approximate' comes before.
Confusing with 'Approximately'
Mistake: “La fiesta es aproximado a las ocho.”
Correction: La fiesta es aproximadamente a las ocho (or 'a eso de las ocho'). Use 'aproximadamente' for 'approximately' to describe when or how something happens.
áspero
Examples
La lija es muy áspera para este mueble.
The sandpaper is too rough for this piece of furniture.
agitado
ah-hee-TAH-dohaxiˈtaðo
Examples
El mar estaba muy agitado y no pudimos salir a navegar.
The sea was very rough and we couldn't go sailing.
He tenido un día muy agitado en la oficina.
I've had a very busy day at the office.
El mar está agitado y no es seguro nadar.
The sea is rough and it's not safe to swim.
Llevan un estilo de vida muy agitado.
They lead a very hectic lifestyle.
Matching Endings
Remember to change the ending to 'agitada' if you are describing something feminine, like 'una semana' (a week) or 'la respiración' (breathing).
Using 'Estar'
When talking about the sea or a person's current state, use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary condition.
Confusing Busy with Excited
Mistake: “Estoy agitado por la fiesta.”
Correction: Estoy emocionado por la fiesta. 'Agitado' usually means restless or too busy, while 'emocionado' means happy/excited.
bruto
broo-tohˈbɾuto
Examples
No seas tan bruto, vas a romper el juguete.
Don't be so rough, you're going to break the toy.
¡Qué bruto soy! Olvidé las llaves adentro.
How stupid of me! I left the keys inside.
Changing for Gender
Remember to change the ending to 'bruta' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.
Bruto vs. Grosero
Mistake: “Using 'bruto' to mean 'rude' in a polite sense.”
Correction: Use 'bruto' for someone who is rough or clumsy; use 'grosero' if they are being mean or impolite with words.
rudo
ROO-dohˈru.ðo
Examples
Su lenguaje era muy rudo y ofendió a varios invitados.
His language was very crude and offended several guests.
La tela de la chaqueta se siente ruda y pica.
The jacket fabric feels rough and itchy.
El trato que recibió fue rudo e injusto.
The treatment he received was harsh and unfair.
Agreement
Since 'rudo' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'ruda' (feminine singular), 'rudos' (masculine plural), 'rudas' (feminine plural).
Rudo vs. Grosero
Mistake: “Using 'rudo' when you strictly mean 'impolite' or 'disrespectful' in a social setting.”
Correction: While 'rudo' works, 'grosero' is often the better choice for describing someone who is simply rude or ill-mannered in a social context. 'Rudo' often implies a lack of refinement or physical roughness.
bravo
BRAH-vohˈbɾaβo
Examples
Tuvimos que cruzar el río bravo, lleno de rocas y mucha corriente.
We had to cross the wild river, full of rocks and a strong current.
Cuidado con ese perro, es muy bravo y muerde.
Be careful with that dog, it is very fierce/aggressive and bites.
Describing Nature
When describing natural elements like oceans or rivers, 'bravo' emphasizes danger, roughness, or untamed power.
grosero
groh-SEH-rohɡɾoˈse.ɾo
Examples
El pintor usó un pincel de cerdas muy groseras.
The painter used a brush with very coarse bristles.
Necesitamos sal grosera para sazonar la carne.
We need coarse salt to season the meat.
Physical Description
In this sense, 'grosero' describes the physical quality or texture of an object, like sand, fabric, or salt.
bronca
BRON-kahˈbɾoŋka
Examples
Hablaba con una voz bronca y profunda.
He spoke with a harsh and deep voice.
La superficie era bronca al tacto.
The surface was rough to the touch.
Escuché una risa bronca al final del pasillo.
I heard a coarse laugh at the end of the hallway.
Adjective Agreement
Since this is the feminine form of 'bronco,' it must match the word it describes (like 'la voz').
Confusing with the Noun
Mistake: “Tengo una voz de bronca.”
Correction: Tengo una voz bronca. (Don't use 'de' here; 'bronca' is the adjective describing the voice).
Rough Textures vs. Rough Behavior
Related Translations
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