How to Say "suitable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “suitable” is “adecuado” — use 'adecuado' when something is a good match or fits the requirements of a particular task or situation..
adecuado
ah-deh-KWAH-doh/a.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-doh/a.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-doh/indiˈkaðo/
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).
conveniente
kohn-veh-nee-EN-teh/kombeˈnjente/
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.)
cómodo
Examples
Es más cómodo pagar con tarjeta que usar efectivo.
It is more convenient to pay by card than to use cash.
propio
/pro-pyo//ˈpɾo.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-toh//kan.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).
digno
DEEG-noh/ˈdiɣno/
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.)
Adecuado vs. Apropiado
Related Translations
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