magro في 30 ثانية
- Magro means lean, with little to no fat.
- Used for meat, like 'carne magra'.
- Also means meager or insufficient, like 'presupuesto magro'.
- Remember gender/number agreement: magro/magra/magros/magras.
- Definition
- The Spanish adjective 'magro' primarily means 'lean' or 'thin', specifically referring to something that contains very little or no fat. It's often used to describe meat or animal products, but it can also be applied metaphorically to other things that are sparse or lacking in substance.
- Usage Contexts
- You'll most commonly encounter 'magro' when discussing food, particularly cuts of meat. For example, 'carne magra' refers to lean meat. It can also describe the fat content of processed foods, like 'tomate triturado magro' (lean crushed tomatoes), though this is less frequent. Beyond food, 'magro' can be used metaphorically to describe something that is meager, insufficient, or lacking in richness. For instance, a 'presupuesto magro' would be a very small or insufficient budget. Similarly, a 'periodo magro' might refer to a time of scarcity or low productivity. The word carries a sense of being stripped down, with the non-essential (fat, in the literal sense) removed.
El cerdo ibérico es conocido por su carne magra.
Tuvimos que hacer un presupuesto magro para este mes debido a gastos inesperados.
- Etymological Connection
- The word 'magro' comes from the Latin word 'macer', meaning 'thin' or 'emaciated'. This origin highlights the core concept of lacking substance or being reduced to essentials, whether it's physical form or the content of something.
La dieta se basaba en pollo magro y verduras.
- Beyond Meat
- While meat is the most common context, 'magro' can also describe other food items. For instance, certain types of fish are considered 'magros' if they have low fat content. It can even be used for plant-based products if they are formulated to be low in fat. The key is the absence of significant fat. In a broader sense, 'magro' can describe a style or texture that is lean and unadorned, like a 'estilo de vida magro' (a minimalist lifestyle).
El escritor describió un paisaje magro y desolado.
- Figurative Meanings
- The metaphorical use of 'magro' is where its versatility truly shines. It extends the concept of 'lean' to abstract ideas. A 'discurso magro' might be a speech that is short on content or impact. A 'rendimiento magro' could refer to poor or insufficient results. This figurative usage often implies a deficiency, a lack of richness, or a state of being reduced to the bare minimum. It's a way to describe things that are not substantial or are lacking in desirable qualities, much like meat without fat might be seen as less flavorful or satisfying by some.
- Adjective Agreement
- As an adjective, 'magro' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine singular form is 'magro', the feminine singular is 'magra', the masculine plural is 'magros', and the feminine plural is 'magras'. For example, 'el corte magro' (the lean cut), 'la carne magra' (the lean meat), 'los cortes magros' (the lean cuts), 'las carnes magras' (the lean meats).
Prefiero comprar pechuga de pollo magra.
- Describing Food
- The most straightforward use of 'magro' is in culinary contexts. When you want to specify lean cuts of meat, you'll use this adjective. Think about different types of animals: 'cerdo magro' (lean pork), 'ternera magra' (lean veal), 'cordero magro' (lean lamb). It's also common with poultry: 'pavo magro' (lean turkey), 'pollo magro' (lean chicken). When referring to processed items like ground meat or sausages, 'magro' indicates a lower fat percentage, which is often desirable for health-conscious consumers or those on specific diets. For example, 'carne picada magra' would be lean ground meat.
Este yogur es magro y bajo en calorías.
- Metaphorical Applications
- Beyond its literal meaning, 'magro' can be used figuratively to describe a lack of abundance, richness, or substance. This often appears in contexts related to finances, resources, or even abstract concepts. A 'presupuesto magro' refers to a tight or insufficient budget. A 'periodo magro' signifies a time of scarcity or low productivity. In literature or descriptive writing, you might find 'un paisaje magro' to depict a barren or uninspiring scene. The adjective suggests something that has been stripped down, perhaps to its essential components, but often implying a negative consequence of that reduction, like a lack of flavor or vitality.
La empresa tuvo unos beneficios magros el último trimestre.
- Use with 'Ser'
- 'Magro' is typically used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe inherent qualities or characteristics. For instance, 'Esta carne es magra' (This meat is lean) describes a fundamental characteristic of the meat. It's not something that changes easily or temporarily, unlike qualities often described with 'estar'. So, you'd say 'El pescado es magro' rather than 'El pescado está magro', unless you were perhaps referring to a specific preparation that made it lean temporarily.
Necesitamos reducir la grasa y usar cortes magros.
- Combinations with Other Adjectives
- 'Magro' can be combined with other adjectives to provide more specific descriptions. For example, 'carne de res magra y tierna' (lean and tender beef). It can also be used in contrast. 'No quiero carne grasosa, prefiero la magra' (I don't want fatty meat, I prefer the lean one). This highlights its role in specifying a particular characteristic, often for health or dietary reasons.
- Butcher Shops and Supermarkets
- The most common place you'll hear 'magro' is in conversations about meat. At a butcher's counter or in the meat section of a supermarket, you'll hear people asking for 'carne magra' or the butcher recommending 'un corte magro'. Labels on packaging will often specify 'carne magra' or indicate the fat percentage. It's a standard term for consumers looking for leaner options.
¿Tiene este jamón ibérico una opción más magra?
- Restaurants and Cafeterias
- When ordering food, especially dishes featuring meat, 'magro' might appear on menus or in descriptions. For example, a dish might be described as 'pollo a la plancha magro' (grilled lean chicken breast) or 'bistec magro' (lean steak). It's a cue for customers who are health-conscious or following specific dietary plans. Chefs also use it when discussing ingredients and preparation methods.
El chef recomendó el solomillo magro.
- Health and Fitness Discussions
- In conversations about healthy eating, diets, and fitness, 'magro' is a common term. People discussing their meal plans will often refer to 'proteína magra' (lean protein) or specify that they are choosing 'carnes magras' to meet their nutritional goals. Nutritionists and dietitians frequently use the word when advising clients.
Para perder peso, es importante consumir carnes magras.
- Financial and Economic Contexts
- You might hear 'magro' in discussions about budgets, profits, or economic periods, particularly in news reports or business meetings. For example, a journalist might describe a company's 'resultados magros' (meager results) or an analyst might talk about a 'crecimiento magro' (sluggish growth). This figurative use implies a lack of substantiality or positive outcome.
El informe financiero mostró beneficios magros para la empresa.
- Descriptive Writing and Literature
- Authors and storytellers might use 'magro' to paint a picture of scarcity or lack. A description of a barren landscape, a period of hardship, or even a person's gaunt appearance could employ this word to evoke a sense of thinness or deficiency. For instance, 'un invierno magro' could describe a harsh, unproductive winter.
- Gender and Number Agreement
- The most frequent error for learners is failing to correctly conjugate 'magro' to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. Remember: 'magro' (masculine singular), 'magra' (feminine singular), 'magros' (masculine plural), 'magras' (feminine plural). Forgetting this leads to grammatical inaccuracies, such as saying 'la carne magro' instead of 'la carne magra'. Always check the noun you are describing!
Incorrecto: La pechuga de pollo es magro.
- Confusing 'Ser' and 'Estar'
- While 'magro' primarily describes an inherent quality (using 'ser'), learners might incorrectly use 'estar' if they are thinking about a temporary state. For example, saying 'El bistec está magro' might imply it has become lean recently, which is not the standard usage. 'Ser' is used to state that something is inherently lean, like 'El filete es magro'. Use 'ser' to describe the nature of the food or concept.
Correcto: El filete de ternera es magro.
- Overuse in Figurative Contexts
- While 'magro' has figurative meanings, learners might overuse it in situations where a more direct or nuanced adjective would be better. For instance, describing a person's personality as 'magro' might sound odd; 'austero' (austere) or 'sencillo' (simple) might be more appropriate depending on the context. Stick to its core meanings unless you are very confident in the figurative application.
Incorrecto: Su personalidad es muy magra.
- Literal vs. Metaphorical Confusion
- Sometimes learners might apply the literal meaning of 'lean' to abstract concepts where it doesn't quite fit. For example, calling a 'conversation magra' might not convey the intended meaning of 'brief' or 'uninteresting'. While it can mean lacking substance, context is crucial. For abstract ideas, consider alternatives like 'escaso' (scarce), 'insuficiente' (insufficient), or 'poco sustancioso' (lacking substance).
Correcto: El informe financiero tuvo resultados magros.
- Misinterpreting 'Magro' as 'Thin' for People
- While 'magro' can mean thin, it's rarely used to describe a person's body in the same way as 'delgado' or 'flaco'. 'Magro' applied to a person might imply an unhealthy thinness or emaciation. If you want to say someone is thin or slim, use 'delgado' or 'esbelto'. 'Magro' in relation to a person might suggest they are underfed or sickly, so use with caution.
- Lean Meat Context
- Bajo en grasa: (Low in fat) This is a very direct and common alternative, often used on food labels and in health advice. It's more descriptive than 'magro'.
Desgrasado: (Fat-removed) This term specifically implies that fat has been removed from a product, often through a process. It's very similar to 'magro' when referring to processed foods.
Sin grasa: (Fat-free) This is a stronger statement than 'magro' and implies absolutely no fat, which is rare for most natural food products.
The label reads 'yogur magro' which is similar to 'yogur bajo en grasa'.
- Figurative Contexts (Lack of Substance/Richness)
- Escaso: (Scarce, meager) This is a good synonym for 'magro' when referring to resources or availability. 'Un presupuesto escaso' is very similar to 'un presupuesto magro'.
Insuficiente: (Insufficient) This emphasizes the lack of quantity or quality. 'Resultados insuficientes' can be comparable to 'resultados magros'.
Pobre: (Poor, meager) In certain contexts, 'pobre' can mean lacking in richness or substance, similar to 'magro'. 'Una explicación pobre' might be a 'magra' explanation.
Árido: (Arid, dry) Used metaphorically for things lacking richness or interest, like a text or a style. 'Un estilo árido' can be akin to a 'estilo magro' in its lack of embellishment.
The company's 'beneficios magros' were also described as 'beneficios escasos' in the financial report.
- Describing Thinness (with caution)
- Delgado: (Thin, slim) This is the most common and neutral word for describing a person or object as thin. It's generally positive or neutral.
Flaco: (Skinny, thin) Similar to 'delgado' but can sometimes imply being too thin or gaunt.
Enjuto: (Lean, gaunt, dry) This word can be close to 'magro' when describing a person, implying a lean, somewhat dry or austere physique. It's less common than 'delgado'.
Esquelético: (Skeletal) This is a much stronger term, implying extreme thinness, almost to the point of bones showing. It's rarely a positive descriptor.
While 'magro' can mean thin, 'delgado' is the preferred term for a healthy thinness, whereas 'magro' for a person might imply an unhealthy state.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The Latin root 'macer' also gives us the English word 'macerate', which means to soften or break down by soaking, and in a figurative sense, to weaken or wear away. This connection highlights the idea of something being reduced or thinned out.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'a' too short.
- Not stressing the first syllable.
- Confusing the 'o' sound at the end with a different vowel sound.
مستوى الصعوبة
Understanding 'magro' in its literal sense for food is straightforward. Recognizing its figurative meanings requires more context and exposure to idiomatic expressions. Learners might initially struggle with its metaphorical applications in finance or literature.
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Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)
The adjective 'magro' must agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el corte magro' (masculine singular), 'la carne magra' (feminine singular), 'los cortes magros' (masculine plural), 'las carnes magras' (feminine plural).
Use of 'Ser' for Inherent Qualities
'Magro' typically describes an inherent characteristic, so it is used with the verb 'ser'. 'Esta ternera es magra.' (This veal is lean.)
Figurative Language
Adjectives like 'magro' can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts, implying a lack of substance or richness. 'Un discurso magro' (a meager speech).
Comparative and Superlative Forms
While less common, comparative and superlative forms can be created: 'más magro' (leaner), 'el/la más magro/magra' (the leanest). 'Este corte es más magro que el otro.'
Placement of Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives like 'magro' usually follow the noun they modify. 'Carne magra', 'presupuesto magro'.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
La carne es magra.
The meat is lean.
'carne' is feminine, so 'magra' is used.
Quiero pollo magro.
I want lean chicken.
'pollo' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Este pescado es magro.
This fish is lean.
'pescado' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Prefiero la comida magra.
I prefer lean food.
'comida' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
Tengo un presupuesto magro.
I have a meager budget.
'presupuesto' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Es un corte magro.
It's a lean cut.
'corte' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
La dieta usa carne magra.
The diet uses lean meat.
'carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
Busco opciones magras.
I'm looking for lean options.
'opciones' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used.
El chef preparó un pavo magro para la cena.
The chef prepared a lean turkey for dinner.
'pavo' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Esta receta requiere carne de cerdo magra.
This recipe requires lean pork.
'carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
Los nutricionistas recomiendan cortes magros.
Nutritionists recommend lean cuts.
'cortes' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used.
Mi amigo está a dieta y solo come carnes magras.
My friend is on a diet and only eats lean meats.
'carnes' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used.
El presupuesto del proyecto era bastante magro.
The project's budget was quite meager.
'presupuesto' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Me gusta el yogur griego magro.
I like lean Greek yogurt.
'yogur' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Ella eligió el filete magro en lugar del graso.
She chose the lean steak instead of the fatty one.
'filete' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Tuvimos un comienzo de año magro en ventas.
We had a meager start to the year in sales.
'comienzo' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
La carnicería ofrecía una variedad de cortes de ternera magra.
The butcher shop offered a variety of lean veal cuts.
'ternera' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
Para mantener la línea, es fundamental consumir proteínas magras.
To stay in shape, it is essential to consume lean proteins.
'proteínas' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used.
El informe financiero reveló unos beneficios magros para la empresa.
The financial report revealed meager profits for the company.
'beneficios' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used. (Figurative use)
El escritor describió un paisaje árido y magro, desprovisto de vida.
The writer described an arid and lean landscape, devoid of life.
'paisaje' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Le recomendaron una dieta basada en pescado magro y verduras.
They recommended a diet based on lean fish and vegetables.
'pescado' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
A pesar del esfuerzo, los resultados fueron magros.
Despite the effort, the results were meager.
'resultados' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used. (Figurative use)
La mayoría de los embutidos etiquetados como 'magros' tienen menos del 10% de grasa.
Most sausages labeled 'lean' have less than 10% fat.
'embutidos' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used.
El artista buscaba un estilo de vida magro, libre de excesos.
The artist sought a lean lifestyle, free from excesses.
'estilo de vida' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
La industria cárnica está innovando con productos más magros para satisfacer la demanda de consumidores preocupados por la salud.
The meat industry is innovating with leaner products to meet the demand of health-conscious consumers.
'productos' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used.
El periodo de escasez económica dejó al país con unas arcas públicas magras.
The period of economic scarcity left the country with meager public coffers.
'arcas' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used. (Figurative use)
Se decía que el general tenía una dieta basada exclusivamente en verduras y carne magra de caza.
It was said that the general had a diet based exclusively on vegetables and lean game meat.
'carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
A pesar de su talento, su producción literaria fue notablemente magra.
Despite his talent, his literary output was remarkably meager.
'producción' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used. (Figurative use)
La investigación reveló que los alimentos procesados etiquetados como 'magros' a menudo contienen altos niveles de sodio.
Research revealed that processed foods labeled 'lean' often contain high levels of sodium.
'alimentos' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used.
El terreno, pobre y magro, apenas permitía el cultivo de cereales.
The soil, poor and lean, barely allowed the cultivation of grains.
'terreno' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Los chefs modernos a menudo buscan realzar el sabor de las carnes magras con hierbas y especias.
Modern chefs often seek to enhance the flavor of lean meats with herbs and spices.
'carnes' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used.
La compañía atravesó un periodo de crecimiento magro, con inversiones limitadas.
The company went through a period of meager growth, with limited investments.
'periodo' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
La dieta mediterránea, aunque rica en grasas saludables, prioriza el consumo de proteínas magras como el pescado y las legumbres.
The Mediterranean diet, although rich in healthy fats, prioritizes the consumption of lean proteins like fish and legumes.
'proteínas' is feminine plural, so 'magras' is used.
La crítica literaria señaló la prosa del autor como deliberadamente magra, despojada de adornos retóricos superfluos.
The literary critic described the author's prose as deliberately lean, stripped of superfluous rhetorical embellishments.
'prosa' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used. (Figurative use)
En la ganadería extensiva, los animales suelen desarrollar una musculatura magra debido a la actividad física constante.
In extensive livestock farming, animals tend to develop lean musculature due to constant physical activity.
'musculatura' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
El análisis económico sugirió que el crecimiento del PIB sería magro en el próximo año fiscal.
The economic analysis suggested that GDP growth would be meager in the next fiscal year.
'crecimiento' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
La preparación de un caldo de ave requiere un pollo entero, preferiblemente de corral y con poca grasa, para obtener un sabor más puro y magro.
Preparing chicken broth requires a whole chicken, preferably free-range and with little fat, to obtain a purer, leaner flavor.
'pollo' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used.
Su discurso, aunque bien intencionado, resultó ser superficial y magro en argumentos convincentes.
His speech, though well-intentioned, turned out to be superficial and meager in convincing arguments.
'discurso' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Los chefs de vanguardia experimentan con técnicas para resaltar la textura inherente de los cortes de carne magra.
Avant-garde chefs experiment with techniques to highlight the inherent texture of lean meat cuts.
'carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
La reforma fiscal introdujo medidas que, si bien necesarias, resultaron en un aumento magro de la recaudación.
The tax reform introduced measures that, while necessary, resulted in a meager increase in revenue.
'aumento' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
La filosofía estoica aboga por una vida austera y magra, desprendida de los vicios y las pasiones superfluas.
Stoic philosophy advocates for an austere and lean life, detached from vices and superfluous passions.
'vida' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used. (Figurative use)
El análisis de la obra arquitectónica reveló una estética deliberadamente magra, donde cada elemento cumplía una función esencial.
The analysis of the architectural work revealed a deliberately lean aesthetic, where each element served an essential function.
'estética' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used. (Figurative use)
La acuicultura moderna busca optimizar la alimentación para producir peces con un contenido graso controlado y una carne más magra.
Modern aquaculture seeks to optimize feeding to produce fish with controlled fat content and leaner meat.
'carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
En el contexto de la narrativa experimental, el uso de un lenguaje deliberadamente magro puede ser una estrategia para enfocar la atención del lector en la estructura subyacente.
In the context of experimental narrative, the use of deliberately lean language can be a strategy to focus the reader's attention on the underlying structure.
'lenguaje' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Las economías emergentes a menudo luchan con un crecimiento magro, lastradas por la inestabilidad política y la deuda externa.
Emerging economies often struggle with meager growth, weighed down by political instability and external debt.
'crecimiento' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
El chef, un purista en su arte, insistía en que la preparación de los solomillos magros debía ser sencilla para no enmascarar su sabor intrínseco.
The chef, a purist in his art, insisted that the preparation of lean tenderloins should be simple so as not to mask their intrinsic flavor.
'solomillos' is masculine plural, so 'magros' is used.
La metodología de investigación se caracterizó por un enfoque riguroso y magro, eliminando cualquier dato que no fuera directamente relevante.
The research methodology was characterized by a rigorous and lean approach, eliminating any data that was not directly relevant.
'enfoque' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
Tras la crisis, la empresa se vio obligada a operar con un capital magro, lo que limitó severamente sus opciones de expansión.
After the crisis, the company was forced to operate with meager capital, which severely limited its expansion options.
'capital' is masculine singular, so 'magro' is used. (Figurative use)
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Lean meat, referring to cuts with minimal fat content.
Ella siempre elige carne magra para sus comidas saludables.
— A meager or insufficient budget, implying a lack of financial resources.
Tuvimos que hacer malabares con un presupuesto magro para organizar el evento.
— Meager or disappointing results, indicating a lack of success or achievement.
A pesar de su gran esfuerzo, los resultados fueron magros.
— Lean protein sources, typically from poultry, fish, or certain cuts of red meat.
Las proteínas magras son fundamentales para la recuperación muscular.
— A cut of meat that is naturally lean and has little visible fat.
¿Podría recomendarme un corte magro de ternera?
— A diet that emphasizes lean foods and limits fat intake.
Mi doctor me recomendó seguir una dieta magra.
— A minimalist or simple lifestyle, free from excessive material possessions or indulgences.
Él prefiere un estilo de vida magro, enfocado en experiencias más que en cosas.
— Slow or minimal growth, often used in economic or business contexts.
La compañía experimentó un crecimiento magro durante la recesión.
— A time of scarcity or low productivity.
Estamos pasando por un período magro en cuanto a clientes.
— Nutritional advice or practices focused on low-fat intake.
La nutrición magra es clave para mantener un peso saludable.
يُخلط عادةً مع
'Flaco' primarily describes people or animals as thin or skinny. While 'magro' can sometimes imply thinness, its primary meaning is lean (low fat), and its figurative use is about scarcity. Using 'flaco' for meat or budgets would be incorrect.
'Graso' is the direct opposite of 'magro' when referring to food, meaning fatty or greasy. Confusing them would lead to describing something as having fat when it is meant to be lean, or vice versa.
While 'pobre' can sometimes mean meager or lacking in substance (similar to figurative 'magro'), it often carries connotations of poverty or low quality in a broader sense. 'Magro' is more specific to a lack of fat (literal) or a lack of richness/abundance (figurative).
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To live on very little, to subsist with minimal resources.
Después de perder su trabajo, tuvo que vivir de lo magro durante varios meses.
Informal— Literally 'a lean bone', this idiom refers to something that offers very little substance or benefit.
Le dieron un aumento muy pequeño, apenas un hueso magro.
Informal— To leave nothing behind, to consume or use everything completely, often implying thoroughness or greed.
Se comieron todo el pastel, no dejaron ni un gramo magro.
Informal— To be more lean than fat; used literally for food or metaphorically for situations where scarcity outweighs abundance.
En esta época del año, el mercado es más magro que gordo en cuanto a ofertas.
General— Literally 'lean bread', this can refer to bread made with minimal fat or, figuratively, to something lacking substance or nourishment.
Le ofrecieron un trabajo con un sueldo muy bajo, un pan magro.
Figurative, Informal— With the little that one has; making do with limited resources.
Logró terminar el proyecto con el magro presupuesto que le asignaron.
Informal— A small, insignificant task or problem to deal with.
Le dieron un hueso para roer magro, algo fácil y sin importancia.
Informal— To discard the less valuable or less desirable parts and keep the essential or more valuable ones.
En la negociación, dejó la grasa y se quedó con lo magro, obteniendo las mejores condiciones.
Figurative— A speech that is short on content, ideas, or impact.
Su presentación fue un discurso magro, sin apenas información útil.
Figurative— For lean times; for periods of scarcity or difficulty.
Guardó algo de dinero para tiempos magros.
Generalسهل الخلط
Both can describe thinness.
'Magro' is primarily about low fat content (literal) or scarcity (figurative). 'Flaco' is about being thin or skinny, usually referring to people or animals, and can sometimes imply an unhealthy thinness.
Compré carne magra para la cena. (I bought lean meat for dinner.) vs. El perro está flaco y necesita comer más. (The dog is skinny and needs to eat more.)
Opposites in the context of food.
'Magro' means low in fat, while 'grasoso' means high in fat or greasy. They are direct antonyms when describing food items.
Prefiero el jamón magro al jamón graso. (I prefer lean ham to fatty ham.)
Both can mean lacking or insufficient in figurative contexts.
'Magro' in its figurative sense often implies a lack of richness, substance, or abundance. 'Escaso' specifically means scarce or meager in quantity. 'Un presupuesto magro' and 'un presupuesto escaso' are very similar, but 'magro' can also imply a lack of quality or richness, not just quantity.
Los beneficios fueron magros. (The profits were meager.) vs. Los recursos son escasos. (Resources are scarce.)
Both can relate to thinness.
'Delgado' is the standard, neutral term for thin or slim, used for people, objects, and sometimes food. 'Magro' is specifically about low fat content in food or scarcity/lack of substance figuratively. Describing a person as 'magro' is unusual and can imply unhealthy thinness.
Es una persona delgada. (He is a slim person.) vs. Este corte de ternera es muy magro. (This cut of veal is very lean.)
Can imply lack of substance or richness.
'Magro' specifically refers to a lack of fat (literal) or a lack of richness/abundance (figurative). 'Pobre' can mean poor in quality, unfortunate, or even impoverished. While a 'discurso pobre' (poor speech) might be 'magro' in content, 'pobre' has a broader range of meanings.
Su explicación fue pobre. (His explanation was poor.) vs. El informe financiero mostró resultados magros. (The financial report showed meager results.)
أنماط الجُمل
Noun + ser + magro/magra.
El pollo es magro.
Quiero + [noun] + magro/magra.
Quiero carne magra.
Tener + un + [masculine noun] + magro.
Tengo un presupuesto magro.
Preferir + [noun] + magro/magra.
Prefiero el pescado magro.
El/La [noun] + es + [adverb] + magro/magra.
El informe es bastante magro.
Ser + [adjective] + y + magro/magra.
Es una carne tierna y magra.
A pesar de + [noun], los resultados son magros.
A pesar del esfuerzo, los resultados son magros.
La [noun] + se caracteriza por ser magra.
La dieta se caracteriza por ser magra.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High in culinary contexts, medium in figurative contexts.
-
Forgetting adjective agreement (e.g., 'la carne magro').
→
La carne magra.
The adjective 'magro' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. 'Carne' is feminine singular, so 'magra' is used.
-
Using 'magro' for people's thinness.
→
Él es delgado.
While 'magro' can imply thinness, it's primarily about low fat content or scarcity. For describing a person as thin or slim, 'delgado' or 'flaco' are the appropriate words.
-
Confusing literal and figurative meanings (e.g., calling a bland dish 'magro').
→
El plato era insípido.
If a dish lacks flavor, use 'insípido' (bland) or 'soso' (tasteless). 'Magro' specifically refers to low fat content, not lack of flavor.
-
Using 'estar' instead of 'ser' with 'magro' for inherent qualities.
→
El salmón es magro.
'Magro' describes an inherent characteristic (low fat content), so it's used with 'ser' (to be). Using 'estar' would imply a temporary state.
-
Using 'magro' when 'grasoso' is intended.
→
Me gusta la panceta grasosa.
'Magro' means lean (low fat), while 'grasoso' means fatty or greasy. Using 'magro' would mean the opposite of what is intended when describing fatty foods.
نصائح
Master Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'magro' changes its ending to match the noun: 'magro' (masculine singular), 'magra' (feminine singular), 'magros' (masculine plural), 'magras' (feminine plural). For example, 'el filete magro' but 'la pechuga magra'.
Distinguish Literal and Figurative Meanings
Understand that 'magro' literally means low in fat (like meat), but it can also figuratively mean meager, scarce, or lacking substance (like a budget or results). Context is key!
Stress the First Syllable
The stress in 'magro' falls on the first syllable: MA-gro. Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion with other words.
Avoid for People's Physique (Usually)
While it can mean thin, 'magro' is rarely used for people's bodies. Use 'delgado' or 'flaco' for a neutral description of thinness.
Connect to 'Macro'
Think of 'magro' as the opposite of 'macro' (large). It represents a small amount of fat or substance, making it lean or meager.
Common in Food Markets
You'll frequently hear and see 'magro' in butcher shops, supermarkets, and on food labels when referring to lean cuts of meat or low-fat products.
Consider 'Bajo en grasa' and 'Escaso'
'Bajo en grasa' (low in fat) is a direct alternative for food. 'Escaso' (scarce/meager) is a good synonym for the figurative meaning.
Know its Opposite: 'Graso'
The direct antonym for 'magro' when talking about food is 'grasoso' (fatty/greasy).
Lean Budgets and Results
Pay attention to its use in financial or performance contexts ('presupuesto magro', 'resultados magros') to understand its meaning of scarcity or insufficiency.
Use it in Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'magro' in both literal and figurative contexts to solidify your understanding and usage.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Imagine a 'magician' (mag-) who makes all the 'fat' disap-pear (-ro), leaving only lean meat. So, 'magro' = lean, like magic made the fat disappear.
ربط بصري
Picture a very thin, lean cut of beef with the word 'MAGRO' written on it in bold, red letters. Alternatively, visualize a farmer with a very small, 'meager' harvest (representing the figurative meaning) and the word 'MAGRO' above it.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to describe three different food items you ate today using 'magro' or its feminine/plural forms if applicable. Then, think of a situation where you had a 'magro' budget or 'magros' results and write a short sentence about it.
أصل الكلمة
The word 'magro' comes from the Latin word 'macer', which meant 'thin', 'lean', or 'emaciated'. This root is also the origin of the English word 'emaciate'.
المعنى الأصلي: Thin, lean, emaciated.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanishالسياق الثقافي
When describing people, 'magro' can imply unhealthy thinness or emaciation. It is generally better to use 'delgado' (thin/slim) for a neutral description of a person's physique.
In English-speaking contexts, 'lean' is the direct equivalent for food. For the figurative meaning, words like 'meager,' 'scarce,' or 'insufficient' are used. The concept of 'lean' has also been adopted in business management (e.g., 'lean manufacturing').
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Buying groceries, specifically meat.
- Quisiera carne magra, por favor.
- ¿Tiene cortes de cerdo magros?
- Busco pollo magro sin piel.
Discussing diets and healthy eating.
- Mi dieta se basa en proteínas magras.
- Es importante consumir grasas saludables, pero en moderación.
- Prefiero las carnes magras para controlar mi peso.
Talking about finances or budgets.
- Nuestro presupuesto es bastante magro este año.
- Tuvimos que hacer un plan con recursos magros.
- Las ganancias fueron magras.
Describing food preparation or recipes.
- Esta receta utiliza ternera magra.
- El pescado magro se cocina rápidamente.
- Asegúrate de usar un corte magro para este plato.
Reading news or business reports.
- El informe muestra un crecimiento magro.
- La empresa enfrenta un periodo magro.
- Los resultados fueron magros.
بدايات محادثة
"What's your favorite type of lean meat and how do you prepare it?"
"When you hear the word 'magro', what's the first thing that comes to your mind?"
"Have you ever had to work with a 'magro' budget? What challenges did you face?"
"Do you prefer lean meats or fattier cuts? Why?"
"Can you think of a time when something was 'magro' in a figurative sense, like a movie or a book?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Write about a healthy meal you enjoyed that featured lean protein. Describe the ingredients and how it made you feel.
Reflect on a time you had to manage with limited resources or a 'magro' budget. What did you learn from that experience?
Imagine you are a chef creating a new dish using lean meat. Describe the dish, its flavors, and why you chose lean cuts.
Consider the concept of a 'lean lifestyle.' What does that mean to you, and what are its potential benefits and drawbacks?
Write a short story where the word 'magro' plays a significant role, either literally or figuratively.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةThe primary meaning of 'magro' is 'lean', referring to something that contains very little or no fat. This is most commonly used for meats and food products. For example, 'carne magra' means lean meat.
It's not common to use 'magro' to describe a person's physique in a neutral way. While it can imply thinness, it often suggests an unhealthy thinness or emaciation. For a neutral description of being thin or slim, it's better to use 'delgado' or 'flaco'.
'Presupuesto magro' means a meager or insufficient budget. It uses 'magro' figuratively to indicate a lack of financial resources or abundance, similar to saying 'a tight budget'.
'Graso' is the direct opposite of 'magro' when describing food. 'Magro' means lean (low fat), while 'grasoso' means fatty or greasy.
No, while its primary use is for food (low fat), 'magro' can be used figuratively to describe things that are sparse, lacking substance, or insufficient. Examples include 'resultados magros' (meager results) or 'crecimiento magro' (meager growth).
Yes, as an adjective, 'magro' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The forms are: 'magro' (masculine singular), 'magra' (feminine singular), 'magros' (masculine plural), and 'magras' (feminine plural).
For the figurative use (like 'presupuesto magro' or 'resultados magros'), good English equivalents include 'meager', 'scarce', 'insufficient', or 'slim'. The best choice depends on the specific context.
Yes, 'magro' can be used for fish if it has a low fat content. For instance, 'pescado magro' refers to lean fish, similar to how it's used for meat.
'Magro' implies naturally low fat content or a state of leanness. 'Desgrasado' specifically means fat has been removed, often through a processing method. They are very similar in meaning when referring to processed foods.
Yes, 'magro' is a common word, especially in contexts related to food and healthy eating. Its figurative uses are also encountered frequently in business, finance, and descriptive writing.
اختبر نفسك 92 أسئلة
Write a sentence about choosing lean meat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a situation where you had a limited budget.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a business outcome that was not very successful.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a book or article with a very concise and direct writing style.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a lifestyle focused on simplicity and essential needs.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Mention lean chicken in a simple sentence.
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Talk about choosing lean cuts of meat.
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Describe a time of scarcity or low activity.
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Describe slow economic growth.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe well-defined muscles with low body fat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe land that is not very fertile.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
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/ 92 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The Spanish word 'magro' primarily means 'lean' when referring to food, especially meat, indicating a low fat content. It extends metaphorically to mean 'meager' or 'insufficient' when describing budgets, results, or other abstract concepts. Always ensure it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
- Magro means lean, with little to no fat.
- Used for meat, like 'carne magra'.
- Also means meager or insufficient, like 'presupuesto magro'.
- Remember gender/number agreement: magro/magra/magros/magras.
Master Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'magro' changes its ending to match the noun: 'magro' (masculine singular), 'magra' (feminine singular), 'magros' (masculine plural), 'magras' (feminine plural). For example, 'el filete magro' but 'la pechuga magra'.
Distinguish Literal and Figurative Meanings
Understand that 'magro' literally means low in fat (like meat), but it can also figuratively mean meager, scarce, or lacking substance (like a budget or results). Context is key!
Stress the First Syllable
The stress in 'magro' falls on the first syllable: MA-gro. Practice saying it clearly to avoid confusion with other words.
Avoid for People's Physique (Usually)
While it can mean thin, 'magro' is rarely used for people's bodies. Use 'delgado' or 'flaco' for a neutral description of thinness.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات food
a la carta
B1تعني 'حسب الطلب' (أ لا كارتا) طلب الأطباق بشكل فردي من قائمة الطعام.
abrelatas
B1فتاحة العلب هي أداة تستخدم لفتح علب الطعام المعدنية.
aceituna
A1الزيتون هو ثمرة شجرة الزيتون، ويستخدم للزيت أو للأكل.
aceitunas
B1الزيتون هو ثمرة شجرة الزيتون، ويؤكل عادة كمقبلات أو يستخدم لإنتاج الزيت.
ácido
A2ذو طعم حامض مثل الليمون. 'هذا الليمون حامض جداً.' / 'لديه فكاهة لاذعة.'
aderezar
B1تتبيل الطعام أو تزيينه. 'يجب تتبيل السلطة قبل تقديمها.'
aderezo
B1تتبيلة للطعام، مثل تتبيلة السلطة.
aditivo
B1هذه المادة المضافة تحسن لون العصير بشكل كبير.
agridulce
B1شيء يجمع بين الطعم الحامض والحلو.
agrio
A1Sour.
