Inklingo

How to Say "specific" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “specific” is “específico” — use this when you mean precise, exact, or clearly defined, often implying a need for detail.

específicoA2

Use this when you mean precise, exact, or clearly defined, often implying a need for detail.

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concreto🔊A2

Choose this when referring to something tangible, real, or particular, as opposed to abstract or general.

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determinado🔊B1

Use this when referring to a particular, though perhaps unnamed, thing or time that has been decided or set.

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particular🔊A2

Employ this when highlighting a single, individual instance or reason, often to distinguish it from others.

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especiales🔊A1

Use this when 'specific' means 'special' or 'particular' in the sense of being unique or required for a certain purpose.

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puntual🔊B2

Opt for this when referring to a problem or situation that is isolated, limited to a single point in time or scope.

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English → Spanish

específico

adjectiveA2general
Use this when you mean precise, exact, or clearly defined, often implying a need for detail.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta específica antes de mañana.

I need a specific answer before tomorrow.

concreto

kon-KREH-tohkoŋˈkɾeto

adjectiveA2
Choose this when referring to something tangible, real, or particular, as opposed to abstract or general.
A single red apple sitting in the middle of a group of green apples.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta concreta para mañana.

I need a specific answer by tomorrow.

No tenemos planes concretos para las vacaciones todavía.

We don't have definite plans for the holidays yet.

En este caso concreto, las reglas son diferentes.

In this particular case, the rules are different.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of what it describes. Use 'concreto' for masculine things (un plan concreto) and 'concreta' for feminine things (una idea concreta).

Placement Matters

Usually, you place 'concreto' after the noun you are describing to sound natural in Spanish.

Using it for building material in Spain

Mistake: “Using 'concreto' for cement in Madrid.”

Correction: While understood, people in Spain almost always say 'hormigón' for the building material. 'Concreto' is mostly for 'specific' there.

determinado

deh-tehr-mee-NAH-dohdeteɾmiˈnaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to a particular, though perhaps unnamed, thing or time that has been decided or set.
A single bright red apple sitting among many green apples.

Examples

Debes entregar el informe en un día determinado.

You must hand in the report on a specific day.

Bajo determinadas condiciones, el experimento funciona.

Under certain conditions, the experiment works.

Matching the Noun

This word needs to change its ending to match what you are talking about. Use 'determinado' for one male thing, 'determinada' for one female thing, and add an 's' for plurals.

Placement Matters

Mistake: “Using 'determinado' always after the noun.”

Correction: When it means 'certain' or 'some,' it often goes before the noun (e.g., 'determinadas personas'). When it means 'specific,' it usually goes after.

particular

par-tee-koo-larpaɾ.ti.kuˈlaɾ

adjectiveA2general
Employ this when highlighting a single, individual instance or reason, often to distinguish it from others.
A high-quality storybook illustration showing a group of three identical red apples, where a bright, focused spotlight shines intensely on only one of the apples, highlighting it against a simple background.

Examples

Necesito una razón particular para justificar mi ausencia.

I need a specific reason to justify my absence.

Ella tiene una manera particular de ver el mundo.

She has a particular way of seeing the world.

En este caso particular, la regla no aplica.

In this particular case, the rule does not apply.

Invariable Form

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'particular' doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine nouns. It always stays the same, but you must add an 's' for plural: 'particulares'.

Confusing with 'Privado'

Mistake: “Using 'particular' when referring to a restricted place (like a bathroom).”

Correction: Use 'privado' for places restricted from public access (e.g., 'acceso privado'). Use 'particular' for things that are unique or personal to someone.

especiales

ehs-peh-SYAH-lehsespeˈsjales

adjectiveA1general
Use this when 'specific' means 'special' or 'particular' in the sense of being unique or required for a certain purpose.
A single, large, brightly glowing gold star positioned prominently among several smaller, plain blue stars, symbolizing something unique or exceptional.

Examples

Necesitamos herramientas especiales para ese trabajo.

We need special tools for that job.

Tengo recuerdos especiales de mis vacaciones en Perú.

I have special memories from my vacation in Peru.

Las instrucciones especiales están en la página cinco.

The specific instructions are on page five.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'especiales' ends in '-es', it is the plural form. It must be used with plural nouns, regardless of whether they are masculine (días especiales) or feminine (personas especiales).

Using the Singular Form with Plural Nouns

Mistake: “Los regalos especial.”

Correction: The correct form is 'Los regalos especiales.' Always add the '-es' when describing more than one thing.

puntual

poon-TWAHLpunˈtwal

adjectiveB2general
Opt for this when referring to a problem or situation that is isolated, limited to a single point in time or scope.
A single bright red apple sitting in the middle of a large bowl of green apples.

Examples

Solo tenemos un problema puntual con el sistema.

We only have a specific/isolated problem with the system.

Fue una colaboración puntual para este proyecto.

It was a one-off collaboration for this project.

La policía realiza controles puntuales en la carretera.

The police carry out occasional/random checks on the road.

Describing Exceptions

Use this meaning when you want to emphasize that something is not a pattern or a regular habit, but a single instance.

Thinking it always means 'time'

Mistake: “Este es un momento puntual.”

Correction: Este es un momento importante / específico.

Using 'específico' vs. 'concreto'

Learners often confuse 'específico' and 'concreto'. Use 'específico' when you need precision or exactness, and 'concreto' when referring to something tangible or particular rather than general or abstract.

Related Translations

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