Inklingo

How to Say "supposed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

supuesto

soo-PWEHS-tohsuˈpwesto

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

Examples

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.

hipotético

adjectiveB1general
Use 'hipotético' when discussing a situation or idea that is purely theoretical or assumed for the sake of argument or discussion, like a hypothetical scenario.

Examples

Hablemos de un caso hipotético para entender el problema.

Let's talk about a hypothetical case to understand the problem.

presupuesto

preh-soo-PWEHS-tohpɾe.suˈpwes.to

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'presupuesto' when something is implied, assumed, or taken for granted as a necessary condition, often in more formal or legal contexts.
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 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').

Alleged vs. Hypothetical

Learners often confuse 'supuesto' (alleged) with 'hipotético' (hypothetical). Remember that 'supuesto' implies a belief about reality, while 'hipotético' refers to a purely imagined scenario for discussion.

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