Inklingo

How to Say "synthetic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

artificial

ar-tee-fee-SYALaɾtifiˈsjal

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to something that is not natural or real, often created through human intervention, especially in contrast to something 'natural'.
A colorful plastic flower in a small clay pot.

Examples

Prefiero la luz natural a la luz artificial.

I prefer natural light over artificial light.

El campo tiene césped artificial.

The field has artificial grass.

Estamos estudiando la inteligencia artificial.

We are studying artificial intelligence.

One word for both genders

This word doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You can say 'el lago artificial' or 'la flor artificial'—the ending stays the same!

Spelling check

Mistake: “artifisial”

Correction: artificial

sintético

adjectiveB1general
Use this word specifically when talking about materials, fibers, or chemicals that are man-made, often in contrast to natural ones.

Examples

Prefiero las telas naturales a los tejidos sintéticos.

I prefer natural fabrics over synthetic textiles.

artificiales

ar-tee-fee-see-AH-lesaɾtifiˈθjales

adjectiveB1general
This is the plural form of 'artificial' and is used when referring to multiple artificial items or materials, like flowers or decorations.
A close-up illustration of a vase holding several colorful, obviously plastic flowers that are perfectly formed and unnaturally smooth.

Examples

Las flores artificiales no necesitan agua.

Artificial flowers do not need water.

Muchos atletas usan superficies artificiales para entrenar.

Many athletes use artificial surfaces to train.

El gobierno está invirtiendo en lagos artificiales para la ciudad.

The government is investing in artificial lakes for the city.

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since 'artificiales' ends in -es, it is used to describe more than one thing. It works for both masculine plural nouns (like 'lagos artificiales') and feminine plural nouns (like 'luces artificiales').

Position

This adjective usually goes right after the noun it describes, like in 'productos artificiales' (artificial products), to clearly show what kind of product you are talking about.

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Compramos flores artificial.”

Correction: Compramos flores artificiales. Remember, if you are talking about many flowers ('flores'), the describing word must also be plural.

Artificial vs. Sintético

The most common mistake is using 'artificial' when you specifically mean a man-made material. While 'sintético' can sometimes be seen as a type of 'artificial,' it's best to use 'sintético' for materials (like fabrics) and 'artificial' for things that are generally not natural or real.

Related Translations

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