Inklingo

How to Say "satisfactory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

satisfactorio

/sah-tees-fahk-toh-ryoh//satisˈfaktowjo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'satisfactorio' when something meets expectations or requirements, often implying a positive or good outcome.
A smiling teacher placing a bright gold star sticker on a student's paper with a large green checkmark.

Examples

El resultado del examen fue satisfactorio.

The exam result was satisfactory.

Llegamos a un acuerdo satisfactorio para ambas partes.

We reached an agreement that was satisfactory for both parties.

Su progreso en el trabajo es plenamente satisfactorio.

His progress at work is fully satisfactory.

Matching the Noun

This word must match the gender of the thing you are describing. Use 'satisfactorio' for masculine things (like 'un resultado') and 'satisfactoria' for feminine things (like 'una respuesta').

Word Order

In most cases, this word comes after the thing it describes, like 'un final satisfactorio' (a satisfactory ending).

Confusing with 'Satisfying'

Mistake:Using 'satisfaciente' to mean satisfying.

Correction: Use 'satisfactorio' (for things that meet standards) or 'gratificante' (for things that feel emotionally rewarding).

Using it for People

Mistake:Saying 'Estoy satisfactorio' to mean 'I am satisfied'.

Correction: Say 'Estoy satisfecho'. Use 'satisfactorio' to describe results or situations, not your personal feelings.

aceptable

/ah-sep-TAH-bleh//a.sepˈta.βle/

adjectiveA2
Use 'aceptable' when something merely meets a minimum required standard, without necessarily being good or impressive.
A bowl of ripe, red apples with one small, slight blemish, sitting on a clean wooden table.

Examples

El servicio en el restaurante fue aceptable.

The service at the restaurant was acceptable.

Buscamos una solución aceptable para todos.

We are looking for a solution that is acceptable for everyone.

Sus notas en la escuela son aceptables.

His grades at school are satisfactory.

One word for both genders

This word doesn't change based on gender. You use 'aceptable' for both 'el' (masculine) and 'la' (feminine) things.

Making it plural

To talk about more than one thing, simply add an '-s' to make it 'aceptables'.

Don't change the ending to 'a'

Mistake:La respuesta es aceptabla.

Correction: La respuesta es aceptable. Words ending in -e in Spanish usually stay the same whether you are describing a boy thing or a girl thing.

Satisfactorio vs. Aceptable

Learners often confuse 'satisfactorio' and 'aceptable' by using 'aceptable' when they mean something was more than just okay. Remember, 'satisfactorio' implies meeting expectations, while 'aceptable' suggests meeting only the minimum standard.

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