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How to Say "traditional" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tradicional

trah-dee-syoh-NAL/tɾaðisjoˈnal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'tradicional' when referring to customs, history, or practices that have been passed down through generations.
A single, brightly colored ceramic bowl decorated with intricate, repeating traditional folk patterns, symbolizing a long-standing custom or historical craft.

Examples

La paella es un plato tradicional de España.

Paella is a traditional dish from Spain.

Mi abuela sigue las recetas tradicionales para el pan.

My grandmother follows the traditional recipes for bread.

Ellos tienen un estilo de vida muy tradicional.

They have a very traditional lifestyle.

Always Fits the Noun's Number

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'tradicional' must agree in number (singular or plural) with the thing it describes. Since it ends in '-l', you add '-es' to make it plural: 'tradicional' (singular) vs. 'tradicionales' (plural).

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Las costumbres tradicional.”

Correction: Las costumbres tradicionales. (Remember to add the -es when the noun is plural, even if the adjective doesn't change for gender.)

clásico

adjectiveA1general
Use 'clásico' to describe something that follows an established style or method, often implying timelessness or enduring quality.

Examples

Ella tiene un estilo clásico que nunca pasa de moda.

She has a classic style that never goes out of fashion.

Tradicional vs. Clásico

Learners often confuse 'tradicional' and 'clásico'. Remember that 'tradicional' is tied to customs and history, like a traditional wedding. 'Clásico' refers more to enduring style or quality, like a classic car or a classic novel.

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