Inklingo

How to Say "standing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forstandingis paradouse 'parado' when describing someone or something physically upright on their feet, like waiting for a bus or a statue in a plaza..

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parado

/pah-RAH-doh//paˈɾaðo/

adjectiveA1
Use 'parado' when describing someone or something physically upright on their feet, like waiting for a bus or a statue in a plaza.
A simplified drawing of a person standing upright and still.

Examples

El hombre estuvo parado en la parada del autobús durante una hora.

The man was standing at the bus stop for an hour.

Estuvo parado en la esquina esperando el autobús.

He was standing on the corner waiting for the bus.

El coche se quedó parado en medio de la carretera.

The car was left stopped in the middle of the road.

Use with 'Estar'

When 'parado' describes a temporary state (like someone standing up right now), you almost always use the verb 'estar'.

Confusing 'Parado' and 'De Pie'

Mistake:Using 'parado' only when meaning 'standing' (like standing up).

Correction: 'De pie' specifically means 'on one's feet.' 'Parado' can mean 'standing' OR 'stopped.' If you want to emphasize the upright position, use 'de pie'.

condición

nounC1formal
Choose 'condición' to talk about a person's social or economic status, especially their position within society.

Examples

Su humilde condición no le impidió alcanzar el éxito.

His humble standing did not prevent him from achieving success.

reputación

nounB1
Use 'reputación' when referring to the general opinion or estimation that people have of someone's character or abilities, particularly in a professional context.

Examples

La doctora tiene una excelente reputación en la comunidad.

The doctor has an excellent standing (reputation) in the community.

términos

nounB1
Employ 'términos' when discussing the relationship or how people interact with each other, often in phrases like 'on good terms'.

Examples

Es importante mantener buenos términos con los vecinos.

It's important to maintain good terms (standing) with the neighbors.

permanente

/per-ma-NEN-te//peɾ.maˈnen.te/

adjectiveA1
Select 'permanente' for concepts that are established and intended to last, such as a committee that meets regularly over time.
A massive, ancient stone lighthouse standing firmly on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, symbolizing permanence and endurance.

Examples

El comité permanente se reunirá el próximo mes.

The standing committee will meet next month.

Necesitamos una solución permanente a este problema.

We need a permanent solution to this problem.

El daño al edificio no es permanente, se puede reparar.

The damage to the building is not permanent; it can be repaired.

Ella tiene un puesto permanente en la universidad.

She has a permanent position at the university.

Always the Same

As an adjective, 'permanente' always keeps the same ending ('-e'), whether it describes a masculine or feminine person or thing (e.g., 'el cambio permanente' and 'la solución permanente').

Physical vs. Social Position

Learners often confuse 'parado' (physically on your feet) with 'condición' or 'reputación' (social or professional status). Remember: 'parado' is about being upright, while 'condición' and 'reputación' relate to how you are perceived or positioned in society or your career.

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