How to Say "suitable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “suitable” is “adecuado” — use 'adecuado' when something is a good match for a specific need, purpose, or situation, implying it's the right choice.
adecuado
ah-deh-KWAH-doha.ðeˈkwa.ðo
Examples
Necesitas encontrar la herramienta adecuada para este trabajo.
You need to find the appropriate tool for this job.
La respuesta que diste no fue adecuada.
The answer you gave was not suitable.
Este es el momento adecuado para empezar a estudiar.
This is the right moment to start studying.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'adecuado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Remember the four forms: 'adecuado' (masculine singular), 'adecuada' (feminine singular), 'adecuados' (masculine plural), and 'adecuadas' (feminine plural).
Forgetting Gender Match
Mistake: “La decisión fue adecuado.”
Correction: La decisión fue adecuada. (Since 'decisión' is feminine, the adjective must be 'adecuada'.)
apropiado
ah-proh-pee-AH-doha.pɾoˈpja.ðo
Examples
Necesitas encontrar un momento apropiado para hablar con tu jefe.
You need to find an appropriate moment to talk to your boss.
Llevar pantalones cortos no es apropiado en este restaurante elegante.
Wearing shorts is not appropriate in this elegant restaurant.
La respuesta que diste fue muy apropiada y diplomática.
The answer you gave was very suitable and diplomatic.
Making it Match
Since 'apropiado' is a describing word (adjective), you must change its ending to match the thing you are describing. Use '-a' for feminine things (la hora apropiada), '-os' for masculine plural things, and '-as' for feminine plural things.
Placement is Flexible
This word usually goes after the noun (el momento apropiado), but you can sometimes place it before the noun (un apropiado momento) for a slightly more formal or literary tone.
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: “La situación es apropiado.”
Correction: La situación es apropiada. (Since 'situación' is feminine, the describing word must also end in -a.)
indicado
een-dee-KAH-dohindiˈkaðo
Examples
Este tipo de calzado es el más indicado para caminar en la montaña.
This type of footwear is the most suitable for walking in the mountains.
¿Cuál es el tratamiento indicado para esta enfermedad?
What is the appropriate treatment for this illness?
Llegaste en el momento indicado.
You arrived at the right time.
Changing Forms
Like many Spanish words that describe things (adjectives), 'indicado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'el libro indicado' (masculine singular), 'la hora indicada' (feminine singular), 'los pasos indicados' (masculine plural).
apto
AP-tohˈapto
Examples
Esta película no es apta para niños.
This movie is not suitable for children.
El agua del río no es apta para el consumo humano.
The river water is not fit for human consumption.
Buscamos un terreno apto para cultivar tomates.
We are looking for land suitable for growing tomatoes.
Matching the Noun
Since this is a describing word, it must change its ending to match what it describes: 'apto' (masculine), 'apta' (feminine), 'aptos' (masculine plural), 'aptas' (feminine plural).
The 'For' Connection
When you want to say what something is suitable 'for', always use the word 'para' after 'apto'.
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “Es apto de niños.”
Correction: Es apto para niños. (Always use 'para' when describing who or what something is for.)
conveniente
kohn-veh-nee-EN-tehkombeˈnjente
Examples
Es conveniente que firmemos el contrato hoy.
It is advisable that we sign the contract today.
No es conveniente tomar decisiones bajo presión.
It is not wise/advisable to make decisions under pressure.
Debes buscar un momento conveniente para hablar con tu jefe.
You should look for a suitable time to speak with your boss.
Using 'Conveniente' with Actions
When you say it is 'conveniente' (advisable) that someone else does something, Spanish requires a special verb form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Es conveniente que llegues temprano.'
Forgetting the Subjunctive
Mistake: “Es conveniente que llegas temprano. (Incorrect verb form)”
Correction: Es conveniente que llegues temprano. (Use the special verb form when expressing advice or necessity for another person.)
idóneo
ee-DOH-neh-ohiˈðoneo
Examples
Este es el lugar idóneo para construir nuestra nueva casa.
This is the ideal place to build our new house.
Ella es la candidata idónea para dirigir el departamento de ventas.
She is the ideal candidate to lead the sales department.
No me parece el momento idóneo para discutir este problema familiar.
I don't think it's the right moment to discuss this family problem.
Matching Gender
Since this word ends in -o, you must change it to -a (idónea) when describing something feminine, like 'una solución idónea' (an ideal solution).
Using 'para'
This word is almost always followed by the word 'para' (for) to explain what the person or thing is suitable for.
Confusing with 'perfecto'
Mistake: “Using 'perfecto' when you mean 'the right fit for a specific task'.”
Correction: While something can be 'perfect' in general, use 'idóneo' when it has the specific skills or characteristics needed for a particular job or situation.
adaptado
ah-dahp-TAH-dohadapˈtaðo
Examples
Leí una versión de Don Quijote adaptada para estudiantes.
I read a version of Don Quixote adapted for students.
Después de un mes, Pedro ya se siente adaptado a su nuevo trabajo.
After a month, Pedro already feels adjusted to his new job.
El hotel tiene baños adaptados para personas en silla de ruedas.
The hotel has bathrooms adapted for people in wheelchairs.
Using 'Estar' or 'Ser'
Use 'ser' for things that are permanently modified (like a book) and 'estar' for how a person feels in a new situation.
Matching the Noun
Even though we are looking at 'adaptado,' remember to change it to 'adaptada' if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'una casa adaptada'.
Using the wrong word for 'to'
Mistake: “Estoy adaptado con el clima.”
Correction: Estoy adaptado al clima (adaptado + a + el). In Spanish, you are adapted 'to' something, not 'with' it.
acorde
ah-KOR-dehaˈkoɾde
Examples
Debes vestirte de manera acorde con la ocasión.
You should dress in a way that is suitable for the occasion.
Sus acciones no son acordes a sus palabras.
Their actions are not consistent with their words.
Buscamos un precio acorde con la calidad del producto.
We are looking for a price in line with the product's quality.
One Form for All
This adjective doesn't change for masculine or feminine. It is always 'acorde' for one thing and 'acordes' for many.
Linking Words
You usually need the words 'con' (with) or 'a' (to) right after 'acorde' to connect it to the rest of your idea.
Forgetting the Plural
Mistake: “Sus ideas son acorde con el plan.”
Correction: Sus ideas son acordes con el plan. (If the things you are describing are plural, the word 'acorde' must be plural too).
digno
DEEG-nohˈdiɣno
Examples
Es un hombre digno de nuestra confianza.
He is a man worthy of our trust.
La causa es digna de ser apoyada por todos.
The cause is deserving of everyone's support.
No soy digno de tanto honor.
I am not worthy of so much honor.
Always Use 'de'
When 'digno' means 'worthy of something,' it almost always needs the small word 'de' (of) immediately after it before you name the thing it is worthy of.
Adjective Agreement
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'digno' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'digno' (m.), 'digna' (f.), 'dignos' (m. plural), 'dignas' (f. plural).
Omitting 'de'
Mistake: “Es digno confianza.”
Correction: Es digno de confianza. (You must include 'de' to link the adjective to the thing being deserved.)
propio
pro-pyoˈpɾo.pjo
Examples
Debes usar la herramienta propia para este trabajo.
You must use the proper tool for this job.
No es el vocabulario propio para una conversación formal.
That is not the appropriate vocabulary for a formal conversation.
candidato
kahn-dee-DAH-tohkan.diˈda.to
Examples
Este plato es un candidato perfecto para la cena de Nochebuena.
This dish is a perfect candidate for Christmas Eve dinner.
La película es una seria candidata a ganar el Óscar este año.
The movie is a serious contender (or candidate) to win the Oscar this year.
Adjective Agreement
When 'candidato' describes a thing, it functions like an adjective and must match the thing's gender and number. For example, 'el plato es candidato' (masculine singular) but 'las películas son candidatas' (feminine plural).
aparente
ah-pah-REHN-teha.pa.ˈɾen.te
Examples
Buscamos un lugar aparente para celebrar la gala.
We are looking for a suitable place to hold the gala.
Esa ropa no es aparente para una entrevista de trabajo.
That clothing is not appropriate for a job interview.
A Formal Choice
In this sense, 'aparente' describes something that visually or functionally fits a standard. It is a high-level vocabulary choice.
cómodo
Examples
Es más cómodo pagar con tarjeta que usar efectivo.
It is more convenient to pay by card than to use cash.
Adecuado vs. Apropiado
Related Translations
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