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How to Say "sturdy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

robusto

ro-BOOS-tohroˈβusto

adjectiveB1general
Use this word to describe objects or people that are physically strong, well-built, and substantial.
A thick, healthy oak tree with a wide trunk and lush green leaves standing firmly in a field.

Examples

El abuelo todavía es un hombre muy robusto.

Grandfather is still a very sturdy man.

Necesitamos una mesa robusta para el taller.

We need a sturdy table for the workshop.

A pesar de los problemas, la empresa mantiene un crecimiento robusto.

Despite the problems, the company maintains robust growth.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to match what you are describing. Use 'robusto' for masculine items, 'robusta' for feminine, and add an 's' for plural (robustos/robustas).

Positioning with the Verb 'Ser'

Since being 'robusto' is usually considered a lasting characteristic of a person or object, we almost always use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

Don't confuse with 'fat'

Mistake: “Using 'robusto' to mean someone is overweight in a negative way.”

Correction: 'Robusto' implies health and strength. If you want to say someone is just 'heavy,' use 'gordo' or 'con sobrepeso.' 'Robusto' is more like 'well-built'.

resistente

rreh-sees-TEHN-tehresisˈtente

adjectiveB1general
This word is best used to describe something that can withstand difficult conditions, such as harsh weather or wear and tear, implying resilience.
A vibrant green sprout growing through a crack in a hard stone pavement.

Examples

Los cactus son plantas muy resistentes al sol.

Cacti are very hardy plants in the sun.

Ella es una persona resistente y nunca se rinde.

She is a resilient person and never gives up.

Su salud es muy resistente a pesar de su edad.

His health is very robust despite his age.

Use with 'Ser'

When talking about someone's personality or a plant's nature, use 'ser' (ser resistente) because it's a stable quality.

sólido

adjectiveA2general
Use this term when referring to a state of matter or an object that is firm, compact, and not liquid or gas.

Examples

El hielo es agua en estado sólido.

Ice is water in a solid state.

roble

ROH-blehˈroβle

nounB2informal
This term is used metaphorically to describe a person who is in excellent physical health and very strong, like an oak tree.
A strong person standing tall and supportive like a solid mountain peak in a bright landscape.

Examples

Mi abuela tiene noventa años y está como un roble.

My grandmother is ninety years old and is as healthy as an oak.

Tras perder su trabajo, él se mantuvo como un roble por sus hijos.

After losing his job, he remained a pillar of strength for his children.

Es un roble; nada de lo que digas le va a afectar.

He is a rock; nothing you say is going to affect him.

The 'Como un' Pattern

To describe health, we almost always use the phrase 'estar como un roble'. It's a set comparison.

Gender matching

Mistake: “Saying 'Ella es una robla' to describe a strong woman.”

Correction: Say 'Ella es un roble'. The noun 'roble' is always masculine, even when describing a female.

Robusto vs. Resistente

Learners often confuse 'robusto' and 'resistente'. Remember that 'robusto' emphasizes physical strength and build, while 'resistente' focuses on the ability to withstand difficult conditions or damage over time.

Related Translations

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