Inklingo

How to Say "seasoned" in Spanish

English → Spanish

experimentado

ex-peh-ree-men-TAH-dohekspeɾimenˈtaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use this word for a person who has gained extensive knowledge and skill through practice in a particular job or activity.
An elderly gardener with weathered hands skillfully pruning a blooming rose bush with precise tools.

Examples

Necesitamos un chef experimentado para dirigir la cocina.

We need a seasoned chef to run the kitchen.

Necesitamos un guía experimentado para subir la montaña.

We need an experienced guide to climb the mountain.

Es un actor muy experimentado en el teatro.

He is a very seasoned actor in the theater.

Matching the word to the person

Since this is an adjective, remember to change the ending to 'experimentada' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.

Using 'con experiencia' vs 'experimentado'

Mistake: “Using 'un hombre con experimentado'.”

Correction: Say 'un hombre experimentado' or 'un hombre con experiencia'. You don't need 'con' (with) before 'experimentado' because it already describes the person.

veterano

be-te-rah-nohbeteˈɾano

adjectiveB1general
This word is best for someone who has been involved in a specific activity or profession for a very long time, often implying a long and distinguished career.
An experienced chef with a tall white hat confidently cooking in a busy kitchen.

Examples

Juan es un periodista veterano que conoce bien la ciudad.

Juan is a seasoned journalist who knows the city well.

El equipo necesita un jugador veterano para guiar a los jóvenes.

The team needs an experienced player to lead the young ones.

Su estilo veterano se nota en la calidad de sus pinturas.

His experienced style is visible in the quality of his paintings.

Where to put the word

As an adjective describing a person, 'veterano' usually comes after the person you are describing (e.g., 'el médico veterano').

Experience vs. Age

In Spanish, describing someone as 'veterano' is a compliment to their skills and time spent in a career, not a comment on their biological age.

Using it for objects

Mistake: “Saying 'mi coche veterano' for an old car.”

Correction: Use 'antiguo' or 'viejo' for objects. 'Veterano' is almost always reserved for people or animals (like a police dog).

curado

koo-RAH-dohkuˈɾaðo

adjectiveB1food, materials
Use this word when referring to food (like cheese or ham) that has been aged or preserved to develop flavor, or materials like wood or leather that have been treated.
A large leg of ham hanging by a rope against a rustic wooden wall.

Examples

Prefiero el queso curado porque tiene más sabor.

I prefer aged cheese because it has more flavor.

El jamón curado es una especialidad de España.

Cured ham is a specialty of Spain.

Experience vs. Age/Treatment

Learners often confuse 'experimentado' and 'veterano' with 'curado'. Remember that 'experimentado' and 'veterano' apply to people's experience, while 'curado' refers to food or materials that have undergone a process of aging or preservation.

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