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How to Say "specific" in Spanish

English → Spanish

específico

adjectiveA2general
Use this when you mean precise, exact, or clearly defined, often in contrast to something general.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta específica antes de mañana.

I need a specific answer before tomorrow.

determinado

/deh-tehr-mee-NAH-doh//deteɾmiˈnaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose this when referring to something that has been decided upon, set, or particular in a fixed sense, like a specific time or place.
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-lar/paɾ.ti.kuˈlaɾ/

adjectiveA2general
Use this when you want to emphasize a single, individual item or reason, often implying it's noteworthy or personal.
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-lehs/espeˈsjales/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when 'specific' means 'special' or 'particular' in the sense of being required or unique 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.

Specific vs. Special

Learners often confuse 'específico' with 'especial'. Remember that 'específico' means precise or exact, while 'especial' means special or unique. While 'especial' can sometimes translate 'specific' (e.g., special tools), 'específico' is the most direct translation for precision.

Related Translations

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