Inklingo

How to Say "rusty" in Spanish

The Spanish word forrustyis oxidadoA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
adjectiveA2
covered in rust
A close-up of an old, reddish-brown weathered iron gate with visible rust flakes.

Examples

El clavo está muy oxidado.

The nail is very rusty.

No uses ese martillo oxidado, se puede romper.

Don't use that rusty hammer; it might break.

El viejo puente de hierro parece oxidado y peligroso.

The old iron bridge looks rusty and dangerous.

Matching the word to the object

This word must change to match what you are talking about. Use 'oxidado' for masculine items (el clavo) and 'oxidada' for feminine items (la llave).

Using 'Estar' for states

Since rust is usually a condition that happened over time, we almost always use the verb 'estar' (to be) rather than 'ser'.

Using 'Ser' for rust

Mistake:El metal es oxidado.

Correction: El metal está oxidado. Use 'estar' because you are describing the current state of the metal, not its permanent identity.

Other Meanings ofoxidado

oxidadocan also mean:

  • out of practice(B1, informal)

See all meanings in the full dictionary entry →

Related Translations

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