Inklingo

How to Say "supposed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

supuesto

/soo-PWEHS-toh//suˈpwesto/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'supuesto' when referring to something that is believed to be true, often implying doubt or that it's an allegation, like an alleged criminal.
A mysterious figure wearing a large hat, partially obscured by shadow and mist, suggesting an unconfirmed identity.

Examples

El supuesto culpable no estaba en la escena del crimen.

The alleged culprit was not at the crime scene.

La policía detuvo al supuesto ladrón.

The police arrested the alleged thief.

El supuesto acuerdo nunca se firmó.

The supposed agreement was never signed.

Hablamos sobre las supuestas ventajas del nuevo sistema.

We talked about the supposed advantages of the new system.

Adjectives Must Match

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'supuesto' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'supuesto' for masculine things ('el supuesto ladrón') and 'supuesta' for feminine things ('la supuesta causa'). It also becomes plural: 'los supuestos expertos'.

Forgetting to Match Gender

Mistake:La supuesto razón es complicada.

Correction: La supuesta razón es complicada. Because 'razón' (reason) is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also be feminine.

presupuesto

preh-soo-PWEHS-toh/pɾe.suˈpwes.to/

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'presupuesto' when something is assumed or implied as a basis for something else, like a fundamental right or a condition that is taken for granted.
A cartoon rabbit confidently reaching for a large carrot hanging just out of reach while standing on a small, unstable, wobbly wooden block, illustrating the idea of taking stability for granted.

Examples

La libertad de expresión es un valor presupuesto en nuestra sociedad.

Freedom of expression is a presupposed value in our society.

La igualdad de oportunidades es un derecho presupuesto en la ley.

Equality of opportunity is a right assumed/presupposed in the law.

El acuerdo fue firmado bajo la base de un entendimiento presupuesto.

The agreement was signed based on an assumed understanding.

El éxito de la campaña estaba ya presupuesto por el equipo.

The success of the campaign was already supposed by the team.

Agreement Rule

When used as an adjective, 'presupuesto' must change its ending to match the thing it describes (e.g., 'una verdad presupuesta').

Supuesto vs. Presupuesto

Learners often confuse 'supuesto' and 'presupuesto'. Remember that 'supuesto' usually refers to something believed to be true (alleged), while 'presupuesto' means something is assumed or implied as a basis for something else (hypothetical).

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