Inklingo

How to Say "tight" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apretado

ah-preh-TAH-doh/a.pɾe.ˈta.ðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'apretado' when clothing or an object is physically too small or constricting, making it feel uncomfortably tight.
A person wearing a t-shirt that is clearly too small, with the fabric stretched tight across their chest.

Examples

Estos zapatos me quedan muy apretados.

These shoes are very tight on me.

El metro iba tan apretado que no podía moverme.

The subway was so cramped that I couldn't move.

Matching the Noun

This word must match what you are describing. Use 'apretado' for masculine items (el zapato) and 'apretada' for feminine items (la camisa).

Tight vs. Narrow

Mistake: “Using 'estrecho' to describe small shoes.”

Correction: Use 'apretado' for things that feel tight on your body; 'estrecho' means a space is physically narrow (like a hallway).

justo

/HOOS-toh//ˈxusto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'justo' to describe clothing that fits perfectly, closely, and snugly without being uncomfortably tight.
A perfectly balanced antique scale of justice, with two identical, simple weights resting evenly on the pans, symbolizing fairness and equality.

Examples

Me gusta cómo me queda esta camisa, es justo pero cómoda.

I like how this shirt fits me, it's snug but comfortable.

El profesor es muy justo con todos los estudiantes.

The teacher is very fair with all the students.

Necesito la cantidad justa de azúcar para la receta.

I need the exact amount of sugar for the recipe.

Estos pantalones me quedan un poco justos.

These pants are a bit tight on me.

Making it Match: Gender and Number

When 'justo' is used to describe something (as an adjective), it needs to match the thing it's describing. It changes its ending: justo (for masculine things), justa (for feminine things), justos (for masculine plural), and justas (for feminine plural).

Using 'justo' for 'only'

Mistake: “Quiero justo un café.”

Correction: Quiero solo un café. (I only want one coffee.) Use 'solo' or 'solamente' when you mean 'only' or 'just' in the sense of quantity.

tenso

/TEN-so//ˈtenso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'tenso' when something is stretched taut, like a rope or a muscle, indicating tension.
A thick rope being pulled horizontally from both sides until it is perfectly straight and tight.

Examples

La cuerda tiene que estar muy tensa para que funcione.

The rope has to be very tight for it to work.

Hoy me siento un poco tenso por la reunión de mañana.

I feel a bit tense today because of tomorrow's meeting.

Había un ambiente tenso en la oficina después de la noticia.

There was a strained atmosphere in the office after the news.

Matching the word it describes

This word must change to match the gender of the person or object: use 'tenso' for men/masculine things and 'tensa' for women/feminine things.

Tenso vs. Tensión

Mistake: “Using 'tengo tenso' to say you have tension.”

Correction: Say 'estoy tenso' (I am tense) or 'tengo tensión' (I have tension).

Confusing 'apretado' and 'justo'

The most common mistake is using 'apretado' when 'justo' is more appropriate. Remember, 'apretado' implies discomfort or being too small, while 'justo' means a good, snug fit.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.