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How to Say "utter" in Spanish

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absoluta

ab-so-LOO-tah/aβsoˈluta/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'absoluta' as an adjective to mean 'complete' or 'total' when modifying a noun, often for emphasis.
A perfectly clear drinking glass filled completely to the brim with clear water, showing no space remaining.

Examples

Ella tiene una fe absoluta en sus habilidades.

She has absolute faith in her abilities.

Necesitamos una confianza absoluta para lograrlo.

We need complete confidence to achieve it.

La mayoría absoluta en el parlamento garantiza la aprobación.

The absolute majority in parliament guarantees approval.

Matching the Noun

Since 'absoluta' ends in '-a', you must use it to describe feminine things (like 'la verdad' or 'la calma'). If the thing you are describing is masculine (like 'el poder'), you must use 'absoluto'.

Mixing Genders

Mistake: “La poder absoluta.”

Correction: El poder absoluto. Remember that adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe. 'Poder' is masculine.

perfectos

/pair-FEK-tohs//perˈfektos/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'perfectos' as an adjective to mean 'complete' or 'total' when referring to a state or identity, similar to 'absoluta' but often implying a lack of any other quality.
A whole, round cake with frosting, completely intact with no slices removed.

Examples

Eran unos perfectos desconocidos.

They were complete strangers.

Son unos perfectos idiotas.

They are total idiots.

Emphasis with 'perfectos'

When you put 'perfectos' before a noun (the person or thing), it often means 'total' or 'complete' rather than 'without flaws'.

pura

/POO-rah//ˈpu.ɾa/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'pura' as an adjective to emphasize that something is entirely or exclusively of a certain nature, similar to 'sheer' or 'pure'.
A colossal, vertical, sheer cliff face composed entirely of solid rock, dominating the view above a blue ocean, illustrating absolute scale.

Examples

Fue pura coincidencia que nos encontráramos allí.

It was sheer coincidence that we ran into each other there.

Sintió una pura felicidad al ver a su hija.

She felt absolute happiness upon seeing her daughter.

Intensifying Emotions

When 'pura' is used as an intensifier, it often comes before the noun (e.g., 'pura alegría') to emphasize the totality of the emotion or quality.

lanzar

lahn-ZAHR/lanˈθaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'lanzar' as a verb when 'utter' means to make a sudden sound, like a cry, shout, or sigh.
A cartoon figure standing on a small hill, cupping their hands around their mouth and shouting loudly, illustrated by strong visual lines indicating sound waves.

Examples

El público lanzó un grito de alegría al ver al cantante.

The audience let out a cry of joy upon seeing the singer.

El director lanzó una advertencia severa a los empleados.

The director issued a severe warning to the employees.

Adjective vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse the adjective translations ('absoluta', 'perfectos', 'pura') with the verb 'lanzar'. Remember that 'lanzar' is only used when 'utter' means to make a sound or cry, while the others are adjectives describing completeness or totality.

Related Translations

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