How to Say "unripe" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “unripe” is “inmaduro” — use 'inmaduro' for general unripeness, especially when referring to fruits, vegetables, or plants that have not yet reached maturity.
inmaduro
een-mah-DOO-rohinmaˈðuɾo
Examples
El aguacate todavía está inmaduro, espera unos días para comerlo.
The avocado is still unripe, wait a few days to eat it.
No comas el plátano, todavía está inmaduro.
Don't eat the banana, it is still unripe.
Las manzanas inmaduras son muy ácidas.
Unripe apples are very sour.
Cosecharon el trigo cuando aún estaba inmaduro.
They harvested the wheat when it was still green.
Matching Gender
If you are describing something feminine, like 'la fruta', change the ending to 'a': 'la fruta inmadura'.
Using 'Estar'
When talking about fruit being unripe, we use the verb 'estar' because ripeness is a temporary state that changes over time.
Using 'ser' for fruit
Mistake: “La manzana es inmadura.”
Correction: La manzana está inmadura. Use 'estar' because the fruit will eventually ripen; it's a current condition, not a permanent trait.
verde
BEHR-dehˈbeɾðe
Examples
Las uvas todavía están verdes y ácidas.
The grapes are still unripe and sour.
No puedes comer esas fresas; todavía están muy verdes.
You can't eat those strawberries; they are still very unripe.
Es un empleado nuevo y todavía está un poco verde en el puesto.
He is a new employee and is still a bit green/inexperienced in the position.
Confusing 'inmaduro' and 'verde'
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