Inklingo

How to Say "solid" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “solid” is “sólido” — use 'sólido' when referring to the physical state of matter (not liquid or gas) or when describing something as strong, reliable, or well-founded.

sólidoA2 / B1

Use 'sólido' when referring to the physical state of matter (not liquid or gas) or when describing something as strong, reliable, or well-founded.

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compacto🔊A2

Use 'compacto' to describe something that is tightly packed, without gaps, often referring to a design or physical arrangement.

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firme🔊A2

Use 'firme' when something is physically strong, stable, and unlikely to move or collapse.

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consistente🔊B1

Use 'consistente' when referring to the thickness or texture of liquids, sauces, or even abstract concepts like arguments.

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robusto🔊B1

Use 'robusto' to describe something, like a structure or a person, that is strong, sturdy, and built to last.

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masiva🔊C1

Use 'masiva' to describe something that is very large, heavy, and solid, emphasizing its substantial mass and lack of hollowness.

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English → Spanish

sólido

adjectiveA2 / B1general
Use 'sólido' when referring to the physical state of matter (not liquid or gas) or when describing something as strong, reliable, or well-founded.

Examples

El hielo es agua en estado sólido.

Ice is water in a solid state.

sólido

nounB1general
Use 'sólido' as a noun to refer to any solid substance or object that maintains a constant volume.

Examples

Los sólidos mantienen su volumen constante.

Solids maintain a constant volume.

compacto

kom-PAHK-tohkomˈpakto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'compacto' to describe something that is tightly packed, without gaps, often referring to a design or physical arrangement.
A small, neatly folded pile of colorful clothes sitting alone on a plain surface.

Examples

Este nuevo teléfono tiene un diseño muy compacto.

This new phone has a very compact design.

La nieve estaba tan compacta que podíamos caminar sobre ella.

The snow was so dense that we could walk on it.

Necesitamos un resumen más compacto de los hechos.

We need a more concise (compact) summary of the facts.

Matching with Nouns

This word changes its ending to match the gender of the thing you are describing. Use 'compacto' for masculine items (un libro) and 'compacta' for feminine items (una cámara).

Placement after the Noun

In most cases, you should place 'compacto' after the noun you are describing, such as 'un coche compacto' rather than 'un compacto coche'.

State vs. Action

Mistake: “Using 'compacto' when you mean something was forced into a shape.”

Correction: Use 'compacto' to describe how something is, but use 'compactado' if you want to say something was 'compacted' or 'compressed' by a machine or force.

firme

FEER-mehˈfiɾme

adjectiveA2general
Use 'firme' when something is physically strong, stable, and unlikely to move or collapse.
A massive, stable gray boulder resting immovably on a patch of green grass, illustrating stability.

Examples

Asegúrate de que la mesa esté firme antes de poner el jarrón.

Make sure the table is firm before you put the vase on it.

Caminamos por tierra firme después de salir del barco.

We walked on firm ground after getting off the boat.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'firme' changes its ending to match the thing it describes. However, 'firme' is one of those adjectives that works for both masculine and feminine things (el piso firme, la base firme).

consistente

kon-sees-TEN-tehkonsisˈtente

adjectiveB1general
Use 'consistente' when referring to the thickness or texture of liquids, sauces, or even abstract concepts like arguments.
A wooden block sitting on a table, showing its solid and firm texture.

Examples

La salsa necesita estar más consistente antes de servirla.

The sauce needs to be thicker/firmer before serving it.

El abogado presentó un argumento muy consistente ante el juez.

The lawyer presented a very solid argument to the judge.

Para construir esta mesa, necesitamos una madera más consistente.

To build this table, we need a more solid/sturdy wood.

One Form for All

This word is 'gender-neutral,' meaning it stays 'consistente' whether you are describing a masculine noun (el argumento) or a feminine noun (la masa).

Describing Logic

When used with abstract things like ideas or theories, it means they 'hold water' or are well-structured.

The 'Steady' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'consistente' to mean a person is 'consistent' in their habits.”

Correction: While 'consistente' can work for steady results, use 'constante' if you want to say someone is disciplined or persistent.

robusto

ro-BOOS-tohroˈβusto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'robusto' to describe something, like a structure or a person, that is strong, sturdy, and built to last.
A thick, healthy oak tree with a wide trunk and lush green leaves standing firmly in a field.

Examples

El abuelo todavía es un hombre muy robusto.

Grandfather is still a very sturdy man.

Necesitamos una mesa robusta para el taller.

We need a sturdy table for the workshop.

A pesar de los problemas, la empresa mantiene un crecimiento robusto.

Despite the problems, the company maintains robust growth.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to match what you are describing. Use 'robusto' for masculine items, 'robusta' for feminine, and add an 's' for plural (robustos/robustas).

Positioning with the Verb 'Ser'

Since being 'robusto' is usually considered a lasting characteristic of a person or object, we almost always use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

Don't confuse with 'fat'

Mistake: “Using 'robusto' to mean someone is overweight in a negative way.”

Correction: 'Robusto' implies health and strength. If you want to say someone is just 'heavy,' use 'gordo' or 'con sobrepeso.' 'Robusto' is more like 'well-built'.

masiva

mah-SEE-vahmaˈsiβa

adjectiveC1general
Use 'masiva' to describe something that is very large, heavy, and solid, emphasizing its substantial mass and lack of hollowness.
A heavy, solid block of grey stone sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

La escultura fue tallada en una pieza masiva de mármol.

The sculpture was carved from a solid piece of marble.

Solid vs. Firm vs. Consistent

A common mistake is using 'sólido' when you mean 'firm' or 'consistent'. Remember, 'sólido' primarily refers to the state of matter or reliability. Use 'firme' for physical stability and 'consistente' for thickness or texture, especially of liquids.

Related Translations

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