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How to Say "synthetic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

artificial

/ar-tee-fee-SYAL//aɾtifiˈsjal/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to something that is not natural or is produced by chemical processes, often in contrast to '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

artificiales

/ar-tee-fee-see-AH-les//aɾtifiˈθjales/

adjective (plural)B1general
Use this plural form when you are specifically talking about multiple items that are synthetic, like flowers or fabrics.
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.

Singular vs. Plural Agreement

The most common mistake is using the singular 'artificial' when referring to multiple synthetic items. Remember to match the adjective's number to the noun it describes; use 'artificiales' for plural nouns and 'artificial' for singular nouns or the general concept.

Related Translations

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