Inklingo

How to Say "social" in Spanish

English → Spanish

social

soh-see-AHL/soˈsjal/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'social' when referring to a singular noun that is related to society or community. This applies to masculine or feminine singular nouns.
Three colorful, stylized figures (people) standing in a circle and holding hands, illustrating community and social connection.

Examples

El impacto social de la nueva ley es significativo.

The social impact of the new law is significant.

Los problemas sociales requieren soluciones comunitarias.

Social problems require community solutions.

Ella es una persona muy social y tiene muchos amigos.

She is a very social person and has many friends.

Usamos las redes sociales para comunicarnos.

We use social networks to communicate.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective ending in -l, 'social' does not change form for masculine or feminine nouns (e.g., 'problema social' and 'red social'). It only changes for plural: 'sociales'.

Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives, 'social' usually comes after the noun it describes (e.g., 'el impacto social').

Using the wrong plural form

Mistake:Decir 'problemas social'

Correction: Say 'problemas sociales'. Adjectives ending in a consonant form the plural by adding -es.

sociales

soh-syah-less/soˈθjales/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'sociales' when referring to plural nouns (masculine or feminine) that are related to society or community, or when referring to feminine singular nouns in specific contexts like 'red social' (social network).
A simple illustration depicting a group of four diverse people standing together, smiling and engaged in friendly conversation, representing social interaction.

Examples

Los eventos sociales del fin de semana fueron muy divertidos.

The social events of the weekend were very fun.

Las redes sociales han cambiado la forma en que nos comunicamos.

Social networks have changed the way we communicate.

Hay muchos problemas sociales que debemos resolver.

There are many social problems that we must solve.

Los eventos sociales de la empresa son muy divertidos.

The company's social events are very fun.

Adjective Agreement

'Sociales' is the plural form of 'social'. It must match the noun it describes in number (plural) and can be used with both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'problemas sociales' or 'redes sociales').

Using the Singular with Plural Nouns

Mistake:Tengo problemas social.

Correction: Tengo problemas sociales. (The adjective must be plural to match the plural noun 'problemas'.)

Singular vs. Plural Agreement

The most common mistake is forgetting to make the adjective 'social' agree in number with the noun it modifies. Remember that if the noun is plural, the adjective must also be plural ('sociales').

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