How to Say "steady" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “steady” is “constante” — use 'constante' to describe something that is continuous, regular, or happens without interruption, like a pace or a sound.
constante
kohn-STAHN-tehkonˈstante
Examples
El ruido constante de la calle no me deja dormir.
The constant noise from the street doesn't let me sleep.
Necesitas ser más constante con tus estudios para ver resultados.
You need to be more persistent with your studies to see results.
Su apoyo constante fue esencial durante la crisis.
His steady support was essential during the crisis.
Gender is Easy
Since 'constante' ends in '-e', it doesn't change its ending to match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'el esfuerzo constante' (masculine) and 'la dedicación constante' (feminine).
Confusing Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: “Using 'constante' when you mean 'constantly' (which is the adverb 'constantemente').”
Correction: Remember, 'constante' describes a noun (a constant effort). If you want to describe how an action is done, use the adverb: 'Trabaja constantemente' (He works constantly).
estable
es-TAH-blehesˈtaβle
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.
firme
FEER-mehˈfiɾme
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).
fija
FEE-hahˈfixa
Examples
La estantería está fija a la pared.
The bookshelf is fixed to the wall.
Ella tiene una idea fija en la cabeza.
She has a fixed idea in her head.
Matching the Gender
Since this word ends in '-a', it is the feminine form. Use it when describing feminine words like 'la mesa' or 'la idea'. If the thing you are describing is masculine, use 'fijo' instead.
sostenido
sos-te-NEE-dohsos.teˈni.ðo
Examples
La empresa ha tenido un crecimiento sostenido este año.
The company has had sustained growth this year.
Escuchamos un pitido sostenido que venía de la cocina.
We heard a steady beep coming from the kitchen.
Mantén un esfuerzo sostenido para terminar la carrera.
Keep up a steady effort to finish the race.
Matching the Noun
Since this acts as a description word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'sostenido' for masculine things (un grito sostenido) and 'sostenida' for feminine things (una nota sostenida).
Action vs. Description
This word often comes from the verb 'sostener' (to hold). When used as a description, it tells us that the state of 'being held' is continuing over time.
Confusing 'Sostenido' and 'Sostenible'
Mistake: “El desarrollo es sostenido.”
Correction: El desarrollo es sostenible.
Constante vs. Estable
Related Translations
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