Inklingo

How to Say "stable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “stable” is “estable” — use this word to describe something that is physically firm, not likely to move or fall, or to describe a situation that is secure and lasting, like a job or relationship..

estable🔊A2

Use this word to describe something that is physically firm, not likely to move or fall, or to describe a situation that is secure and lasting, like a job or relationship.

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establo🔊A2

This word specifically refers to a building or enclosure where horses or other farm animals are kept.

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fijo🔊A1

Use this when you mean 'permanent' or 'unchanging,' most commonly in the context of employment or a fixed position.

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firme🔊A2

This adjective means 'firm' or 'steady' and is used for physical objects that are not likely to wobble or fall over.

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seguro🔊A2

While often meaning 'safe,' this can also imply 'secure' or 'not likely to give way,' similar to 'estable' but with a stronger emphasis on safety.

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cuadra🔊B1

This noun refers specifically to a stable, particularly one designed for horses, often implying the stalls within the building.

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English → Spanish

estable

es-TAH-bleh/esˈtaβle/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word to describe something that is physically firm, not likely to move or fall, or to describe a situation that is secure and lasting, like a job or relationship.
A large, perfectly balanced blue cube resting firmly on a flat green surface, illustrating physical firmness and stability.

Examples

Asegúrate de que la escalera esté estable antes de subir.

Make sure the ladder is stable before climbing.

El trípode mantuvo la cámara perfectamente estable.

The tripod kept the camera perfectly steady.

Necesito un trabajo estable con buen salario.

I need a stable job with a good salary.

Su estado de ánimo se mantuvo estable a pesar de los problemas.

Her mood remained stable despite the problems.

Adjective Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives, 'estable' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'una base estable' (a stable base).

The Meaning of 'Ser'

When describing something that is stable by nature or design (like a personality trait or a long-term job), always use the verb SER: 'Su carácter es estable' (His character is stable).

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake: “La mesa es estable.”

Correction: La mesa está estable. (Use ESTAR when talking about a temporary state or condition, like whether an object is currently steady or wobbly.)

Confusing 'Estable' and 'Fijo'

Mistake: “Tengo un trabajo fijo.”

Correction: Tengo un trabajo estable. ('Fijo' means 'fixed' or 'set' (like a fixed salary), but 'estable' is much better for describing security and permanence in employment.

establo

/es-TAH-blo//esˈtaβlo/

nounA2general
This word specifically refers to a building or enclosure where horses or other farm animals are kept.
A classic wooden stable with a horse looking out from a stall door.

Examples

El granjero lleva las vacas al establo por la noche.

The farmer takes the cows to the stable at night.

Huele a paja fresca en el establo.

It smells like fresh straw in the stable.

Limpiaron el establo antes de que llegaran los caballos nuevos.

They cleaned the barn before the new horses arrived.

Gender and Articles

Establo ends in -o, making it masculine. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'el establo' or 'un establo'.

Don't confuse with 'estable'

Mistake: “Using 'estable' to mean barn.”

Correction: Say 'establo'. 'Estable' is an adjective that means 'steady' or 'stable' (like a stable relationship).

fijo

/fee-hoh//ˈfixo/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when you mean 'permanent' or 'unchanging,' most commonly in the context of employment or a fixed position.
A thick wooden post bolted securely to a stone ground, illustrating something being fixed and unmoving.

Examples

Necesito un trabajo fijo con beneficios.

I need a permanent job with benefits.

El sillón está fijo a la pared y no se puede mover.

The armchair is fixed to the wall and cannot be moved.

Tenemos una tarifa fija por la electricidad cada mes.

We have a fixed rate for electricity every month.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'fijo' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun it describes: 'fijo' (m. singular), 'fija' (f. singular), 'fijos' (m. plural), 'fijas' (f. plural).

Confusing 'fijo' and 'estable'

Mistake: “Using 'estable' when referring to a job contract ('trabajo estable').”

Correction: While 'estable' is understandable, the most natural way to say 'permanent job' in Spanish is 'trabajo fijo' or 'empleo fijo'.

firme

FEER-meh/ˈfiɾme/

adjectiveA2general
This adjective means 'firm' or 'steady' and is used for physical objects that are not likely to wobble or fall over.
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).

seguro

/seh-GOO-roh//seˈɣu.ɾo/

adjectiveA2general
While often meaning 'safe,' this can also imply 'secure' or 'not likely to give way,' similar to 'estable' but with a stronger emphasis on safety.
A child safely riding a bicycle with a helmet and knee pads in a park.

Examples

Este barrio es muy seguro por la noche.

This neighborhood is very safe at night.

Guarda tus documentos en un lugar seguro.

Keep your documents in a secure place.

Necesitamos una escalera más segura que esta.

We need a more stable ladder than this one.

Use 'Ser' for Inherent Safety

To describe something that has the quality of being safe (like a city or a car), use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'El coche es seguro' (The car is safe).

cuadra

KWAA-drah/ˈkwaðɾa/

nounB1general
This noun refers specifically to a stable, particularly one designed for horses, often implying the stalls within the building.
A rustic wooden stable building with open stall doors, showing two horses inside.

Examples

El jinete limpió la cuadra después de alimentar a los caballos.

The rider cleaned the stable after feeding the horses.

Hay diez caballos en la cuadra principal de la hacienda.

There are ten horses in the main stable of the ranch.

Choosing between 'estable' and 'fijo' for jobs

Learners often confuse 'estable' and 'fijo' when talking about jobs. Use 'fijo' for 'permanent' or 'unchanging' employment, while 'estable' emphasizes security and reliability over the long term, suggesting it's not likely to disappear.

Related Translations

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