caducado in 30 Sekunden
- Caducado means expired or outdated.
- Used for food, medicine, documents, and figurative concepts.
- Agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
- Typically used with the verb 'estar'.
The Spanish adjective 'caducado' directly translates to 'expired' or 'outdated' in English. It's used to describe items that have passed their expiration date, whether that's food, medicine, documents, or even ideas and concepts that are no longer relevant or valid. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of that little 'use by' or 'expiration date' you see on products.
- Core Meaning
- Having passed a designated time limit, rendering it invalid or unusable.
- Common Applications
- You'll most frequently encounter 'caducado' when talking about groceries (like milk or yogurt), medications, or official documents such as passports or driver's licenses. It can also be used more figuratively to describe something that is no longer current or effective.
Esta leche está caducada.
It's a very practical word for everyday situations. Imagine you're in a supermarket in Spain and want to check if a product is still good to buy, or if you're dealing with administrative tasks and need to ensure your documents are up-to-date. 'Caducado' is the word you'll need. It's also useful for expressing frustration when something you relied on is no longer usable due to its expiration. For instance, discovering your favorite cheese is 'caducado' might lead to a disappointed sigh.
- Figurative Use
- Beyond physical items, 'caducado' can describe outdated ideas, methods, or even relationships that have run their course and are no longer effective or relevant. For example, someone might say a particular political strategy is 'caducada'.
Ese método de enseñanza está caducado.
- Grammar Note
- As an adjective, 'caducado' agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So, you might see 'caducado' (masculine singular), 'caducada' (feminine singular), 'caducados' (masculine plural), or 'caducadas' (feminine plural).
Using 'caducado' correctly involves understanding its grammatical agreement and the context in which it's applied. Remember, it's an adjective, so it needs to match the noun it describes in gender and number.
- Describing Food
- This is perhaps the most common use. You'll often hear people checking expiration dates on food items.
El yogur parece caducado.
- Describing Medicine
- It's crucial to check the expiration date on medications for safety and effectiveness.
No tomes esa pastilla, está caducada.
- Describing Documents
- Official documents have validity periods.
Mi pasaporte está caducado y necesito renovarlo.
- Figurative Usage
- Applying the concept to non-physical things.
Sus ideas sobre tecnología ya suenan caducadas.
Let's look at more examples, paying attention to the gender and number agreement:
- Plural Forms
- Referring to multiple items.
Las fechas de caducidad de estos productos están caducadas.
- Feminine Singular
- Describing a feminine noun.
La oferta especial está caducada.
- Masculine Plural
- Describing multiple masculine nouns.
Los cupones de descuento están caducados.
You'll encounter 'caducado' in a variety of everyday settings, reflecting its practical utility in Spanish-speaking cultures. It's a word that pops up in predictable, yet essential, situations.
- Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
- This is ground zero for 'caducado'. Shoppers often check dates, and cashiers might flag items at the register. You might hear announcements like, 'Disculpe, este producto está caducado' (Excuse me, this product is expired).
¿Podría revisar si esta fecha de vencimiento está caducada?
- Pharmacies
- Pharmacists and customers alike will use 'caducado' when discussing medications. 'Este jarabe está caducado desde hace dos meses' (This syrup has been expired for two months) is a common statement.
Es importante no usar medicamentos caducados.
- Government Offices and Banks
- When dealing with official documents like ID cards, driver's licenses, or passports, 'caducado' is the term used to indicate they are no longer valid. 'Su licencia de conducir está caducada' (Your driver's license is expired) is a phrase you might hear from an official.
Necesito renovar mi carnet de identidad porque está caducado.
- Conversations About Old Items or Ideas
- In more informal or figurative contexts, people might use 'caducado' to describe something that is no longer relevant or fashionable. For example, someone might comment on an old piece of technology or an outdated trend by saying it's 'caducado'.
Esa teoría científica ya está caducada.
While 'caducado' is a straightforward word, English speakers learning Spanish might make a few common errors. Being aware of these can help you avoid them and sound more natural.
- Incorrect Gender/Number Agreement
- The most frequent mistake is not adjusting 'caducado' to match the noun it describes. Since it's an adjective, it must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
Incorrecto: La medicina está caducado.
- Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
- 'Caducado' describes a state or condition that can change (e.g., a product can go from not expired to expired). Therefore, it usually pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) to indicate this temporary state, rather than 'ser' (to be), which denotes more permanent characteristics.
Incorrecto: El pan es caducado.
- Confusing with 'Expirado'
- While 'expirado' is a direct cognate and also means 'expired,' 'caducado' is far more common in everyday Spanish for most contexts, especially food and official documents. Using 'expirado' might sound slightly more formal or less common in casual conversation for these items.
Less common for food: El queso está expirado.
- Overusing the Figurative Meaning
- While 'caducado' can be used figuratively for outdated ideas, overuse in this context without clear indication can be confusing. Stick to its primary meaning for physical items unless the context is very clear.
Potentially unclear: Su plan de negocios está caducado.
While 'caducado' is the most common and versatile word for 'expired,' Spanish offers other terms that can be used in specific contexts or with slightly different nuances. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.
- Expirado
- Meaning: Expired. This is a direct cognate and can be used interchangeably with 'caducado' in many situations, particularly with documents or abstract concepts. However, for food and medicine, 'caducado' is generally more common in everyday speech.
- Comparison: 'Expirado' often carries a slightly more formal tone than 'caducado'. While both mean 'expired,' 'caducado' is the go-to for groceries and medications in most Spanish-speaking regions. You might see 'billete expirado' (expired ticket) or 'permiso expirado' (expired permit).
Mi carnet de conducir está caducado.
El plazo de inscripción ha expirado.
- Obsoleto
- Meaning: Obsolete, outdated. This term is used for things that are no longer in use or relevant because newer, better versions exist. It's more about being superseded than having a specific expiration date.
- Comparison: 'Obsoleto' is used for technology, methods, or ideas that have become outdated over time, not for items with a printed expiration date. For example, an old flip phone might be 'obsoleto', while milk is 'caducado'.
Esa tecnología está completamente obsoleta.
- Desactualizado
- Meaning: Outdated, out of date. Similar to 'obsoleto', this implies something is no longer current or relevant. It can apply to information, fashion, or even opinions.
- Comparison: 'Desactualizado' is a good alternative for figurative uses of 'caducado' when referring to information or trends. While 'caducado' can sometimes imply a fixed end date, 'desactualizado' suggests a lack of being up-to-date. A news report could be desactualizado, while a carton of juice is caducado.
Las noticias que leí están desactualizadas.
- Vencido
- Meaning: Expired, lapsed. This term is often used for contracts, deadlines, or legal statuses that have passed. It's less common for food items.
- Comparison: 'Vencido' is specific to things that have a deadline or a term limit, such as a lease agreement or a credit card's validity. While it means 'expired,' it doesn't typically apply to the perishability of food.
El contrato de alquiler ha vencido.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The Latin root 'cadere' also gives us English words like 'cascade' (something falling in stages) and 'decadent' (falling away from standards). In Spanish, it's the source of words like 'caída' (fall) and 'ocaso' (sunset, decline).
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'c' as 's' instead of 'k'.
- Making the 'd' sound too hard (like in 'dog').
- Incorrectly stressing a different syllable.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its agreement and common contexts (food, documents) is key. Recognizing its figurative uses adds another layer.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives in Spanish must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. For 'caducado', this means using 'caducado' (m. sing.), 'caducada' (f. sing.), 'caducados' (m. pl.), 'caducadas' (f. pl.).
Ser vs. Estar
The verb 'estar' is used to describe states or conditions that can change, like being expired. 'El pan está caducado.' (The bread is expired.) 'Ser' is for more permanent characteristics.
Noun Gender
Knowing the gender of nouns is crucial for adjective agreement. 'Leche' (milk) is feminine, so it's 'la leche está caducada'. 'Pan' (bread) is masculine, so it's 'el pan está caducado'.
Pluralization
To make nouns and adjectives plural, typically add '-s' or '-es'. For example, 'los cupones' (the coupons) becomes 'los cupones están caducados'.
Prepositional Phrases
Phrases like 'fecha de caducidad' (expiration date) use the preposition 'de' to show possession or relationship.
Beispiele nach Niveau
La leche está caducada.
The milk is expired.
'Caducada' agrees with 'leche' (feminine singular).
Este pan está caducado.
This bread is expired.
'Caducado' agrees with 'pan' (masculine singular).
La fecha está caducada.
The date is expired.
'Caducada' agrees with 'fecha' (feminine singular).
El yogur caducado.
The expired yogurt.
Simple noun phrase.
No comas eso, está caducado.
Don't eat that, it's expired.
Implies food.
Mi medicina caducada.
My expired medicine.
Simple noun phrase.
El billete está caducado.
The ticket is expired.
'Caducado' agrees with 'billete' (masculine singular).
La oferta está caducada.
The offer is expired.
'Caducada' agrees with 'oferta' (feminine singular).
Este queso ya está caducado, no lo puedo comer.
This cheese is already expired, I can't eat it.
Connects expiration to inability to eat.
Revisé la fecha de caducidad y está caducada.
I checked the expiration date and it is expired.
Uses 'fecha de caducidad' and then 'caducada'.
Mi pasaporte está caducado, necesito uno nuevo.
My passport is expired, I need a new one.
Common context for documents.
Las galletas que compramos estaban caducadas.
The cookies we bought were expired.
'Caducadas' agrees with 'galletas' (feminine plural).
¿Tienes alguna medicina que no esté caducada?
Do you have any medicine that isn't expired?
Negative construction.
El contrato de suscripción está caducado.
The subscription contract is expired.
Context of contracts.
No te tomes esa aspirina, parece caducada.
Don't take that aspirin, it looks expired.
Uses 'parece' (it seems).
Los cupones de descuento están caducados.
The discount coupons are expired.
'Caducados' agrees with 'cupones' (masculine plural).
Me di cuenta de que la leche estaba caducada justo cuando iba a prepararme un café con leche.
I realized the milk was expired just as I was about to make myself a coffee with milk.
Complex sentence structure with temporal clause.
Es importante verificar la fecha de caducidad de los medicamentos, ya que tomarlos caducados puede ser perjudicial para la salud.
It's important to check the expiration date of medications, as taking them expired can be harmful to your health.
Explains the consequence of taking expired medicine.
El certificado de vacunación ha caducado y necesito obtener uno nuevo para viajar.
The vaccination certificate has expired and I need to get a new one to travel.
Context of travel and official documents.
Muchos de los alimentos en el refrigerador estaban caducados, así que tuve que tirarlos.
Many of the foods in the refrigerator were expired, so I had to throw them away.
Describes a situation leading to disposal.
La oferta especial que vi en el supermercado ya estaba caducada.
The special offer I saw at the supermarket was already expired.
Using 'ya' (already) emphasizes the expired status.
Este método de enseñanza, aunque fue popular en su momento, ahora se considera caducado.
This teaching method, although it was popular in its time, is now considered outdated.
Figurative use for methods.
Los billetes de avión que compré para el año pasado están caducados.
The plane tickets I bought for last year are expired.
Applies to travel tickets.
No confíes en esa información, parece que el artículo está caducado.
Don't trust that information, it seems the article is expired.
Figurative use for information/articles.
A pesar de que la fecha de caducidad era la semana pasada, la fruta todavía se veía fresca.
Even though the expiration date was last week, the fruit still looked fresh.
Contrasts expiration date with appearance.
El organismo regulador advirtió sobre los peligros de consumir productos caducados, especialmente aquellos destinados a bebés.
The regulatory body warned about the dangers of consuming expired products, especially those intended for babies.
Formal context, emphasizes danger.
Mi carnet de conducir internacional está caducado, por lo que tendré que tramitar uno nuevo antes de mi viaje.
My international driver's license is expired, so I will have to process a new one before my trip.
Specific type of document, implies administrative action.
La política económica implementada hace una década ahora se considera caducada y poco efectiva.
The economic policy implemented a decade ago is now considered outdated and ineffective.
Figurative use in economics/policy.
Comprobé la fecha de caducidad de las vacunas que necesitábamos y, afortunadamente, ninguna estaba caducada.
I checked the expiration date of the vaccines we needed and, fortunately, none were expired.
Uses negative plural form.
El plazo para presentar la solicitud ha caducado, por lo que no será posible aceptarla.
The deadline to submit the application has expired, so it will not be possible to accept it.
Formal context for deadlines.
A veces, aunque un producto esté caducado, si se conserva adecuadamente, su calidad no se deteriora drásticamente.
Sometimes, even if a product is expired, if it is stored properly, its quality does not deteriorate drastically.
Discusses exceptions to expiration rules.
Considero que las viejas teorías sobre la evolución ya están caducadas ante los nuevos descubrimientos genéticos.
I consider that the old theories about evolution are already outdated in the face of new genetic discoveries.
Figurative use in science.
El sistema de seguridad, aunque robusto en su momento, ha quedado caducado frente a las sofisticadas amenazas cibernéticas actuales.
The security system, although robust in its time, has become outdated against today's sophisticated cyber threats.
Complex figurative use in technology and security.
La legislación vigente sobre protección de datos se consideraba caducada hasta la reciente reforma que introdujo nuevas normativas.
The current data protection legislation was considered outdated until the recent reform that introduced new regulations.
Formal legal context, implies reform.
A pesar de que la fecha de caducidad del pasaporte era hace un año, la embajada aceptó mi solicitud de visa temporalmente.
Even though the passport's expiration date was a year ago, the embassy temporarily accepted my visa application.
Discusses exceptions and temporary measures.
Es imperativo que los profesionales de la salud estén al tanto de las fechas de caducidad de los medicamentos para evitar cualquier riesgo de administración de fármacos caducados.
It is imperative that healthcare professionals are aware of medication expiration dates to avoid any risk of administering expired drugs.
Formal and imperative tone, emphasizes professional responsibility.
El modelo de negocio tradicional de la industria editorial se ha quedado caducado ante el auge de las plataformas digitales y el contenido gratuito.
The traditional business model of the publishing industry has become outdated in the face of the rise of digital platforms and free content.
Figurative use in business and media.
Los protocolos de emergencia establecidos hace décadas ahora se consideran caducados y requieren una revisión exhaustiva.
The emergency protocols established decades ago are now considered outdated and require a thorough review.
Formal context for procedures and reviews.
Aunque el documento original no estaba caducado, la información que contenía sí lo estaba, lo que generó confusión.
Although the original document was not expired, the information it contained was, which caused confusion.
Distinguishes between document validity and information currency.
La obsolescencia programada hace que muchos dispositivos electrónicos queden caducados mucho antes de que su vida útil física termine.
Planned obsolescence causes many electronic devices to become outdated long before their physical lifespan ends.
Connects 'caducado' with 'obsolescencia programada' (planned obsolescence).
La persistencia de ciertas ideologías políticas, a pesar de haber sido refutadas y consideradas caducadas por la mayoría de la comunidad académica, sigue influyendo en el debate público.
The persistence of certain political ideologies, despite having been refuted and considered outdated by the majority of the academic community, continues to influence public debate.
Complex sentence structure, abstract concepts, and societal implications.
El análisis forense reveló que las muestras de ADN, aunque conservadas en condiciones óptimas, habían superado su período de validez y presentaban signos de degradación, lo que las hacía virtualmente caducadas para fines probatorios.
The forensic analysis revealed that the DNA samples, although preserved in optimal conditions, had surpassed their validity period and showed signs of degradation, making them virtually expired for evidentiary purposes.
Highly technical and formal language, abstract concept of 'virtualmente caducadas'.
La estrategia de marketing, concebida en una era pre-digital, resultó ser caducada y contraproducente en el competitivo panorama online actual.
The marketing strategy, conceived in a pre-digital era, proved to be outdated and counterproductive in today's competitive online landscape.
Figurative use, sophisticated vocabulary, and contrasting contexts.
Los métodos de diagnóstico médico que se basaban únicamente en la observación clínica, sin el apoyo de tecnología avanzada, son hoy considerados caducados y de escasa fiabilidad.
Medical diagnostic methods that relied solely on clinical observation, without the support of advanced technology, are considered outdated and of little reliability today.
Compares historical and modern practices.
A pesar de la fecha de caducidad impresa en el envase, la naturaleza intrínseca de ciertos productos alimenticios permite su consumo prolongado sin merma significativa de sus propiedades nutritivas.
Despite the expiration date printed on the packaging, the intrinsic nature of certain food products allows for prolonged consumption without significant loss of their nutritional properties.
Discusses exceptions and intrinsic properties.
La jurisprudencia sentada por tribunales de épocas pasadas puede considerarse caducada si no se alinea con los principios constitucionales y los derechos humanos contemporáneos.
Jurisprudence established by courts of past eras can be considered outdated if it does not align with contemporary constitutional principles and human rights.
Legal and philosophical context, abstract concepts of alignment.
La obsolescencia percibida, más que la real, es a menudo el factor que determina que un producto sea considerado caducado por el consumidor.
Perceived obsolescence, rather than actual obsolescence, is often the factor that determines a product to be considered expired by the consumer.
Discusses consumer psychology and perceived obsolescence.
Los manuales de procedimiento que no han sido actualizados en años son un claro indicio de que la organización opera con directrices caducadas.
Procedure manuals that have not been updated in years are a clear indication that the organization operates with outdated guidelines.
Implies organizational inefficiency due to outdated procedures.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— It is expired.
Revisé la fecha y el pan está caducado. (I checked the date and the bread is expired.)
— The expiration date has passed.
No puedo usar este cupón porque la fecha de caducidad ha pasado. (I can't use this coupon because the expiration date has passed.)
— Don't eat that, it's expired.
Ese yogur huele raro, no comas eso, está caducado. (That yogurt smells strange, don't eat that, it's expired.)
— I have to renew my expired ID/license.
Mi carnet de conducir está caducado y necesito uno nuevo. (My driver's license is expired and I need a new one.)
— Is it expired?
Antes de comprar la leche, pregunté: ¿Está caducado? (Before buying the milk, I asked: Is it expired?)
— Expired products are dangerous.
El médico nos recordó que los productos caducados son peligrosos. (The doctor reminded us that expired products are dangerous.)
— This method is outdated.
Ese enfoque para enseñar ya está caducado. (That approach to teaching is already outdated.)
— The offer is expired.
Intenté usar el cupón, pero la oferta está caducada. (I tried to use the coupon, but the offer is expired.)
— My subscription is expired.
Recibí un correo diciendo que mi suscripción está caducada. (I received an email saying my subscription is expired.)
— Be careful with expired products.
Siempre reviso las etiquetas, hay que tener cuidado con los productos caducados. (I always check the labels, you have to be careful with expired products.)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'Expirado' is a very close synonym and often interchangeable, especially for documents. However, 'caducado' is more common for everyday items like food and medicine in many regions.
'Obsoleto' means outdated due to newer versions, not necessarily having a fixed expiration date. A computer might be 'obsoleto', while milk is 'caducado'.
'Desactualizado' means out of date, often used for information or trends. It implies a lack of currency rather than a strict expiration. 'Caducado' implies a definite end point.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To have one's date expired; to be past one's prime or usefulness. It's a more figurative way of saying something is outdated or no longer relevant.
Siento que tengo la fecha caducada en este trabajo, necesito un cambio. (I feel like my date has expired in this job, I need a change.)
Informal— To pass the expiration date; to go beyond one's usefulness or relevance.
Este político parece que ya pasó la fecha de caducidad y no conecta con la gente joven. (This politician seems to have passed the expiration date and doesn't connect with young people.)
Informal— To be from the expired era; to belong to an outdated time or way of thinking.
Sus comentarios sobre la igualdad de género son de la época caducada. (His comments on gender equality are from the expired era.)
Informal— Literally 'to have the expired sign', meaning to be outdated or past one's usefulness, especially in a professional or social context.
El entrenador parecía tener el cartel caducado después de tantas derrotas. (The coach seemed to have an expired sign after so many defeats.)
Informal— Time has expired it; time has made it obsolete or irrelevant.
La tecnología ha avanzado tanto que el tiempo lo ha caducado todo. (Technology has advanced so much that time has expired everything.)
Figurative— Expired and forgotten; completely irrelevant and no longer considered.
Sus viejas promesas quedaron caducadas y olvidadas. (His old promises were left expired and forgotten.)
Figurative— To smell of expired; to seem outdated or past its prime.
Esa película ya huele a caducado, no creo que sea buena idea verla. (That movie already smells of expired, I don't think it's a good idea to watch it.)
Figurative/Informal— To consider expired; to deem something as no longer valid or relevant.
La empresa decidió dar por caducado el contrato y negociar uno nuevo. (The company decided to consider the contract expired and negotiate a new one.)
Formal/Business— With an expired date; referring to something that is past its expiration.
No puedo aceptar este documento con fecha caducada. (I cannot accept this document with an expired date.)
Formal— It's already expired; a simple statement indicating something is no longer valid.
No te molestes en intentarlo, ya está caducado. (Don't bother trying, it's already expired.)
InformalLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'expired' and share Latin roots related to ending.
'Caducado' is generally more common and preferred for food and medicine in everyday Spanish. 'Expirado' can sound slightly more formal or is used for things with strict deadlines like permits or contracts. While they overlap significantly, 'caducado' feels more natural for perishables.
La fecha de caducidad de la comida es importante. El plazo de mi visa ha expirado.
Both words describe something that is no longer useful or relevant.
'Caducado' refers to a specific expiration date having passed. 'Obsoleto' means something has been replaced by something newer or better and is no longer in common use, even if it technically hasn't 'expired'. For example, an old mobile phone might be obsolete, while a carton of milk is caducado.
Este teléfono es obsoleto porque salió el nuevo modelo. El yogur está caducado porque pasó la fecha.
Both imply a lack of currency or relevance.
'Desactualizado' means out of date or not up-to-date, often applied to information, knowledge, or fashion. 'Caducado' implies a definitive end or expiration. You might say a news report is 'desactualizado', but a medicine is 'caducado'.
La información de este artículo está desactualizada. La medicina caducada no es segura.
Both relate to the end of a validity period.
'Vencido' is typically used for contracts, deadlines, or legal terms that have passed. It's less common for food or medicine. 'Caducado' is the primary term for food and medicine expiration.
El contrato de arrendamiento ha vencido. La leche está caducada.
Can be used informally to mean expired, especially for food.
'Pasado' is a more general term meaning 'past' or 'over'. While 'el jamón está pasado' can mean the ham is expired, 'caducado' is more precise and standard for expiration dates. 'Pasado' can also refer to things that are simply old or have gone by.
Esta fecha está pasada. El yogur está caducado.
Satzmuster
[Noun] + está + caducado/a.
La leche está caducada.
No + [verb] + [noun], está + caducado/a.
No comas ese yogur, está caducado.
Me di cuenta de que + [noun] + estaba + caducado/a.
Me di cuenta de que el pan estaba caducado.
El/La + [noun] + está + caducado/a + y necesito + [noun].
Mi pasaporte está caducado y necesito uno nuevo.
A pesar de que + [condition], + [noun] + está + caducado/a.
A pesar de que la fecha es reciente, el producto está caducado.
El/La + [noun] + se considera + caducado/a.
Esa teoría se considera caducada.
Es imperativo que + [noun] + no esté + caducado/a.
Es imperativo que los medicamentos no estén caducados.
La + [noun] + ha quedado + caducada + frente a + [new situation].
La estrategia ha quedado caducada frente a las nuevas tecnologías.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High
-
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'.
→
El pan está caducado.
'Estar' is used for temporary states and conditions. Being expired is a state that can change, hence 'estar' is correct.
-
Incorrect gender/number agreement.
→
La leche está caducada.
'Leche' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'caducada'. If it were 'los yogures' (masculine plural), it would be 'caducados'.
-
Using 'caducado' when 'obsoleto' or 'desactualizado' is more precise.
→
Esa tecnología está obsoleta.
'Caducado' implies a specific expiration date has passed. 'Obsoleto' means outdated due to newer technology, and 'desactualizado' means out of date in terms of information or trends.
-
Confusing 'caducado' with 'antiguo'.
→
El coche está caducado.
'Antiguo' means old. A car might be old ('antiguo') but not necessarily expired ('caducado'). However, if a car's registration is expired, it would be 'caducado'.
-
Not changing the adjective for plural nouns.
→
Los billetes están caducados.
'Billetes' is plural masculine, so the adjective must also be plural masculine: 'caducados'.
Tipps
Adjective Agreement is Key
Remember that 'caducado' must change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Think: 'el yogur caducado' (masculine singular), 'la medicina caducada' (feminine singular), 'los billetes caducados' (masculine plural), 'las ofertas caducadas' (feminine plural).
Check Those Dates!
In Spanish-speaking countries, just like anywhere else, it's wise to check the 'fecha de caducidad' (expiration date) on food and medicine. You'll often hear people asking or stating, '¿Está caducado?' (Is it expired?) or 'Esto está caducado.' (This is expired.).
Documents and Bureaucracy
When dealing with official matters, 'caducado' is the term for expired documents like passports, ID cards, or driver's licenses. You'll often need to renew them before they become 'caducados' to avoid issues.
Beyond Physical Items
Don't limit 'caducado' to just physical items. It can be used to describe outdated ideas, methods, or trends. For example, 'Sus ideas sobre tecnología están caducadas.' (His ideas about technology are outdated.)
Stress and Sound
The stress in 'caducado' falls on the third syllable: ca-du-CA-do. Pay attention to the soft 'd' sound between vowels, which is similar to the 'th' in 'this'.
Synonyms and Nuances
While 'caducado' is common, also learn 'expirado' (often for documents/deadlines), 'obsoleto' (outdated tech/methods), and 'desactualizado' (outdated info/fashion) to express yourself more precisely.
Sentence Building
Create sentences using 'estar caducado/a/os/as'. Try describing different items: 'El yogur está caducado.' 'Mi licencia de conducir está caducada.' 'Los cupones están caducados.'
Everyday Expressions
Familiarize yourself with common phrases like 'Está caducado' (It's expired), '¿Está caducado?' (Is it expired?), and 'Fecha de caducidad' (Expiration date).
Avoid 'Ser' Confusion
Remember to use 'estar' with 'caducado' to describe a state. 'El pan está caducado', not 'El pan es caducado'.
Cultural Relevance
Understanding the importance of expiration dates for health and safety, as well as the legal implications of expired documents, is key to using 'caducado' appropriately in Spanish-speaking contexts.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a clock that has 'fallen' (caducado) apart because its time has run out. The pieces of the clock are scattered, symbolizing that its validity has ended.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a carton of milk with a big, red 'X' crossing out the expiration date, and the milk itself looking a bit droopy or sad, as if it has 'fallen' into a state of being spoiled.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to describe three items in your kitchen or bathroom that might be 'caducado' and write a short sentence for each, using the correct form of the adjective.
Wortherkunft
The word 'caducado' comes from the Latin verb 'cadere', meaning 'to fall'. This root is related to the idea of something falling into disuse or decline, or a date falling due to the passage of time.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Falling, decaying, or declining.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > SpanishKultureller Kontext
When referring to expired food or medicine, it's generally a factual statement. However, using 'caducado' figuratively for people's ideas or skills should be done with consideration, as it can imply a lack of value or relevance.
In English-speaking countries, the concept of expiration dates is equally important, with terms like 'expired', 'use by', and 'best before' being common. The legal and administrative importance of valid documents like passports and driver's licenses is also universally understood.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Grocery shopping and checking food items.
- ¿Cuál es la fecha de caducidad?
- Este producto está caducado.
- No puedo llevarme esto, está caducado.
Visiting a pharmacy or discussing medication.
- ¿Está caducado este medicamento?
- No uses el medicamento caducado.
- Verifica que no esté caducado.
Dealing with official documents and identification.
- Mi pasaporte está caducado.
- Necesito renovar mi carnet caducado.
- El documento ya está caducado.
Talking about outdated items or ideas.
- Esa idea está caducada.
- Este método parece caducado.
- Su tecnología está caducada.
Checking validity of tickets, coupons, or offers.
- La oferta está caducada.
- Este cupón está caducado.
- El billete está caducado.
Gesprächseinstiege
"Have you ever accidentally eaten something that was 'caducado'?"
"What's the most important document you have that needs to be kept up-to-date (not 'caducado')?"
"Can you think of a time when a piece of technology felt 'caducado' very quickly?"
"If a restaurant serves food that is 'caducado', what should you do?"
"Besides food and documents, what else can become 'caducado'?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a situation where you discovered something was 'caducado'. What was it, and what did you do?
Write a short story about a character who relies on outdated information ('caducado' ideas) and the consequences.
Imagine you are a shopkeeper. How would you explain to a customer that a product is 'caducado'?
Reflect on a time when a skill or piece of knowledge you had became 'caducado'. How did you adapt?
Create a dialogue between two friends discussing whether to throw away food that is slightly 'caducado' or try to use it.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'caducado' is widely used for food and medicine because they have specific expiration dates. However, it's also commonly used for official documents like passports, driver's licenses, and ID cards that have a validity period. Figuratively, it can describe ideas, methods, or trends that are no longer current or relevant.
Both words mean 'expired'. 'Caducado' is generally more common for food and medicine in everyday Spanish. 'Expirado' can be used for documents, contracts, or deadlines, and sometimes sounds a bit more formal. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 'caducado' is the default for perishables.
Yes, absolutely. 'Caducado' is an adjective, so it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. You'll use 'caducado' for masculine singular nouns (e.g., 'el pan está caducado'), 'caducada' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'la leche está caducada'), 'caducados' for masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'los cupones están caducados'), and 'caducadas' for feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'las ofertas están caducadas').
You should almost always use the verb 'estar' with 'caducado'. This is because 'caducado' describes a state or condition (something has become expired), and 'estar' is used for temporary states, conditions, and locations. For example, 'El yogur está caducado' (The yogurt is expired).
Yes, it can be used figuratively. For example, you might say that an old theory or a certain way of thinking is 'caducado' if it's no longer relevant or effective. In such cases, words like 'obsoleto' (obsolete) or 'desactualizado' (outdated) might also be suitable, but 'caducado' conveys a sense of having passed a definitive point of relevance.
Using 'ser' with 'caducado' would sound incorrect to a native speaker. 'Ser' describes inherent qualities or identities, while 'estar' describes temporary states or conditions. Since being expired is a state that can change (from not expired to expired), 'estar' is the correct verb to use.
The most common mistakes include not changing the ending of 'caducado' to match the noun's gender and number, and incorrectly using 'ser' instead of 'estar'. Also, confusing it with 'obsoleto' or 'desactualizado' when a more precise term exists can lead to less natural phrasing.
The most common phrase is 'fecha de caducidad'. You might also hear 'fecha de vencimiento' or 'fecha de expiración' in certain contexts, but 'fecha de caducidad' is the standard for food and many other items.
Generally, no. Food that is 'caducado' may have lost nutritional value, changed in texture or taste, or, more importantly, may have become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, posing a health risk. It's always best to discard food once its expiration date has passed.
While software doesn't typically have a printed 'expiration date' like food, you might hear 'caducado' used figuratively to describe software that is very old, no longer supported, or incompatible with current systems, making it effectively 'expired' in terms of usefulness. However, terms like 'obsoleto' or 'desactualizado' might be more precise.
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Summary
The Spanish adjective 'caducado' signifies that something has passed its expiration date, rendering it invalid or unusable. It is commonly applied to food, medicine, and official documents, and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For instance, 'la leche está caducada' (the milk is expired) and 'el pasaporte está caducado' (the passport is expired).
- Caducado means expired or outdated.
- Used for food, medicine, documents, and figurative concepts.
- Agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
- Typically used with the verb 'estar'.
Adjective Agreement is Key
Remember that 'caducado' must change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Think: 'el yogur caducado' (masculine singular), 'la medicina caducada' (feminine singular), 'los billetes caducados' (masculine plural), 'las ofertas caducadas' (feminine plural).
Check Those Dates!
In Spanish-speaking countries, just like anywhere else, it's wise to check the 'fecha de caducidad' (expiration date) on food and medicine. You'll often hear people asking or stating, '¿Está caducado?' (Is it expired?) or 'Esto está caducado.' (This is expired.).
Documents and Bureaucracy
When dealing with official matters, 'caducado' is the term for expired documents like passports, ID cards, or driver's licenses. You'll often need to renew them before they become 'caducados' to avoid issues.
Beyond Physical Items
Don't limit 'caducado' to just physical items. It can be used to describe outdated ideas, methods, or trends. For example, 'Sus ideas sobre tecnología están caducadas.' (His ideas about technology are outdated.)
Beispiel
No comas ese yogur, está caducado.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr time Wörter
acontecimiento
A2Ein Ereignis oder Geschehnis, insbesondere eines von Bedeutung. Es bezeichnet oft einen Meilenstein oder einen historischen Wendepunkt.
acortar
A2Ich muss die Hose acortar (kürzen).
adolescencia
A2Die Adoleszenz ist der Zeitraum der Entwicklung von der Pubertät bis zum Erwachsenenalter.
agilizar
B2Einen Prozess beschleunigen oder effizienter gestalten.
al
A2Eine obligatorische Verschmelzung von 'a' und 'el', die 'zum' oder 'am' bedeutet. Beispiel: 'zum Kino' (al cine).
alargar
A2Etwas verlängern (räumlich oder zeitlich).
alba
A2Die Morgendämmerung, das erste Licht des Tages vor Sonnenaufgang.
anticipar
B1Ein zukünftiges Ereignis vorhersehen und sich darauf vorbereiten.
antigüedad
A2Die Antike prägte die europäische Kultur.
aplazar
B1Etwas auf einen späteren Zeitpunkt verschieben; vertagen.
