In Spanish, 'quemado/a' means 'burned'. It's used for things that have been damaged by fire or heat, like food that's been cooked too long. For example, 'El pan está quemado' means 'The bread is burned'. It's a simple adjective describing a state of being affected by fire. You might hear it when talking about cooking or accidents. Remember it changes based on the noun: 'quemado' for masculine nouns, 'quemada' for feminine nouns.
The Spanish adjective 'quemado/a' signifies something that has been damaged by fire or heat. This can be literal, such as food that is overcooked ('el pollo quemado') or an object affected by flames ('el mueble quemado'). It also has a figurative use, describing a person who is extremely tired or exhausted from overwork, similar to 'burnt out' in English ('me siento quemado/a'). The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: 'quemado' (masculine singular), 'quemada' (feminine singular), 'quemados' (masculine plural), 'quemadas' (feminine plural). It's commonly used with the verb 'estar' to describe a state.
The Spanish adjective 'quemado/a' translates to 'burned' and is used in two main ways. Literally, it describes objects or food damaged by fire or excessive heat. For instance, 'la vela quemada' refers to a burned candle, and 'el arroz quemado' is burnt rice. Figuratively, it describes a state of extreme exhaustion or burnout, often due to prolonged stress or overwork. A person in this state might say, 'Estoy quemado/a después de tantas horas de estudio.' The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The verb 'estar' is typically used with 'quemado/a', especially in its figurative sense, as it describes a condition or state of being.
The Spanish adjective 'quemado/a' signifies damage by fire or heat, both literally and figuratively. In its literal sense, it denotes that something has been subjected to fire or excessive heat, resulting in damage. Examples include 'un documento quemado' (a burned document) or 'la comida quemada' (burned food). Figuratively, 'quemado/a' describes a state of profound exhaustion, depletion, or burnout, often a consequence of sustained effort or stress. Phrases like 'estar quemado/a' are common in this context, implying a feeling of being 'burnt out.' Adjective agreement is crucial: 'quemado' for masculine singular nouns, 'quemada' for feminine singular, 'quemados' for masculine plural, and 'quemadas' for feminine plural. The verb 'estar' is generally used to indicate this state.
The Spanish adjective 'quemado/a' denotes the state of having been damaged by fire or heat, extending to a metaphorical sense of exhaustion or depletion. Literally, it applies to objects or food subjected to extreme temperatures, such as 'una prenda quemada' (a burned garment) or 'la piel quemada por el sol' (skin burned by the sun). Figuratively, it conveys a sense of being thoroughly exhausted, overwhelmed, or 'burnt out,' typically from prolonged intense activity or stress. This is often expressed with 'estar quemado/a,' indicating a deep depletion of energy or enthusiasm. Adherence to gender and number agreement with the modified noun is mandatory. The use of 'estar' is standard for describing this condition, emphasizing its transient or resultant nature.
The Spanish adjective 'quemado/a' denotes a state of damage resulting from fire or intense heat, with a well-established figurative extension signifying profound exhaustion, depletion, or burnout. In its literal application, it describes physical alteration due to thermal stress, such as 'un circuito quemado' (a burned circuit) or 'material quemado' (burned material). Metaphorically, 'quemado/a' signifies a state of extreme fatigue, disillusionment, or lack of motivation resulting from prolonged overexertion or stress, often articulated as 'estar quemado/a.' This figurative usage implies a significant psychological or physiological toll. Strict adherence to grammatical agreement—gender and number—with the antecedent noun is requisite. The auxiliary verb 'estar' is consistently employed to denote this resultant state or condition.

quemado/a in 30 Sekunden

  • Literally means 'burned' (damaged by fire/heat).
  • Figuratively means 'burnt out' (exhausted from overwork/stress).
  • Adjective, agrees in gender and number with the noun.
  • Commonly used with 'estar' to describe a state.

The Spanish adjective quemado/a directly translates to 'burned' in English. It describes something that has been damaged by fire or intense heat. This can apply to physical objects, food, or even metaphorical situations. For example, if you leave toast in the toaster for too long, it becomes quemado. Similarly, a piece of wood left too close to a fire might be quemado. Beyond the literal sense, quemado/a can also describe a person who is exhausted or overwhelmed, often due to overwork or stress. In this context, it's similar to saying someone is 'burnt out'. The feminine form, quemada, is used when referring to a feminine noun, and the masculine form, quemado, is used for masculine nouns. It's a very common adjective used in everyday Spanish to describe a wide range of 'burnt' states.

Literal Meaning
Refers to physical damage caused by fire or heat.
Figurative Meaning
Describes extreme exhaustion or being overworked.

La cocina estaba llena de humo porque el pan se quemó.

The kitchen was full of smoke because the bread got burned.

Después de tantas horas de trabajo, me siento quemado.

After so many hours of work, I feel burnt out.

Using quemado/a correctly involves understanding its dual meaning and ensuring proper agreement with the noun it describes. In its literal sense, it's straightforward: if something is damaged by heat, it's quemado/a. For instance, if a steak is overcooked, you'd say it's quemado. If a woman burned her hand, her hand (la mano, feminine) would be quemada. When used figuratively, it describes a state of exhaustion. A person who has been working too hard might say, 'Estoy quemado/a.' The context usually makes it clear whether you're talking about physical burning or mental/physical exhaustion. Pay attention to the gender of the noun. For example, 'el papel quemado' (the burned paper) versus 'la comida quemada' (the burned food). When referring to multiple items, use the plural forms: 'los dedos quemados' (the burned fingers) or 'las ideas quemadas' (the exhausted ideas, metaphorically). The verb 'estar' is commonly used with quemado/a, especially in its figurative sense, as it describes a state or condition. 'El sol está quemado' is not typically used; instead, one might say 'El sol está muy fuerte' or 'Me quemé con el sol' (I got sunburned). However, if a surface has been physically burned by the sun's intensity over time, like paint on a car, 'la pintura está quemada' is appropriate. Learning to identify the noun and its gender is key to mastering this adjective. Practice forming sentences with different subjects and contexts to solidify your understanding.

Literal Use Examples
El pastel está quemado; se me olvidó sacarlo del horno.
La ropa se quemó en la secadora.
Figurative Use Examples
Después de la maratón, todos los corredores se sentían quemados.
Ella está quemada con su trabajo; necesita unas vacaciones.

La sartén está quemada por el fuego.

The frying pan is burned by the fire.

Los estudiantes están quemados por tantos exámenes.

The students are burnt out by so many exams.

You'll encounter quemado/a in a multitude of everyday scenarios. In the kitchen, it's a common descriptor for food that has been overcooked. Imagine a family dinner where someone accidentally burns the rice; they'll likely exclaim, '¡Ay, el arroz está quemado!' or 'Se me quemó el arroz.' Similarly, if you're grilling, you might warn someone, 'Cuidado, esa salchicha se está quemando.' In discussions about home repairs or accidents, it might come up. For example, 'Se quemó el cableado eléctrico y tuvimos que llamar a un electricista.' When talking about personal well-being, especially in professions that demand a lot of energy and focus, the figurative use is prevalent. A teacher might confide in a friend, 'Este año estoy quemada, necesito un descanso.' A doctor dealing with long shifts could say, 'Me siento completamente quemado.' In casual conversations about summer, you might hear, 'Me quemé la piel con el sol' (I got sunburned), although 'quemado/a' specifically refers to the skin being affected by the sun's heat, leading to redness or peeling. It's also used in contexts involving electronics. If a device malfunctions due to overheating, one might say, 'El teléfono se sobrecalentó y parece que se quemó la batería.' Even in more abstract discussions, like creative burnout, you might hear, 'El escritor está quemado y no tiene ideas nuevas.' You'll hear it from friends sharing cooking mishaps, colleagues discussing work stress, or even in media reporting on electrical fires. The versatility of quemado/a makes it a staple in Spanish vocabulary, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the more intense.

Kitchen Conversations
'El pan está quemado, ¿puedes hacer más?'
Workplace Stress
'Después de tantos proyectos, me siento quemado.'
Describing Physical Damage
'Ten cuidado, esa superficie está quemada por el sol.'

El motor se quemó durante la carrera.

The engine burned out during the race.

Me quemé los dedos al tocar la olla caliente.

I burned my fingers touching the hot pot.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with quemado/a is forgetting adjective-noun agreement. Since Spanish adjectives must match the gender and number of the noun they modify, using 'quemado' when it should be 'quemada' (or vice versa) is a common slip-up. For example, saying 'la comida quemado' instead of 'la comida quemada' is incorrect. Another mistake is confusing the adjective with the verb. While 'quemado/a' is derived from 'quemar', it functions as a descriptor. Learners might incorrectly use it as a verb in certain contexts, like saying 'El pan quemado' when they mean 'El pan se quemó' (the bread burned). The figurative meaning of 'burnt out' can also be a source of confusion. Some learners might try to translate 'burnt out' too literally, missing the nuanced Spanish expression. For instance, trying to say 'Estoy quemado de mi trabajo' might sound a bit awkward compared to 'Estoy quemado/a con mi trabajo' or 'Estoy quemado/a de tanto trabajar'. Additionally, speakers might misuse 'quemado/a' when describing sunburn. While 'quemado/a' can imply sunburn, more specific phrases like 'me quemé con el sol' (I got sunburned) or 'tengo la piel quemada por el sol' are often preferred for clarity. Overusing 'quemado/a' for any slight discomfort or tiredness can also be a mistake; it signifies a more extreme state of exhaustion. Finally, confusing it with 'ardido/a' (which can mean sore, inflamed, or offended/bitter) might happen, though 'quemado/a' is more directly related to heat and fire.

Agreement Errors
Incorrect: 'El coche quemado se paró.' Correct: 'El coche quemado se paró.' (Assuming 'coche' is masculine)
Incorrect: 'La mano quemado.' Correct: 'La mano quemada.'
Figurative vs. Literal
Misuse: 'Estoy quemado de frío.' (Incorrect, implies heat exhaustion) Correct: 'Tengo mucho frío.' or 'Estoy agotado por el frío.' (depending on context)
Verb vs. Adjective Confusion
Incorrect: 'El fuego quemado la casa.' Correct: 'El fuego quemó la casa.' (using the verb)

Incorrect: 'La carta quemado está en la mesa.' Correct: 'La carta quemada está en la mesa.'

Gender agreement error.

Incorrect: 'Me siento quemado por el sol.' (when meaning sunburned) Correct: 'Me quemé con el sol.' or 'Tengo la piel quemada por el sol.'

Imprecise use for sunburn.

While quemado/a is a versatile word, Spanish offers other terms that can convey similar meanings, depending on the context. For literal burning, tostado/a is used specifically for food that is toasted or slightly browned, often to a pleasant crispness, unlike the more severe damage implied by quemado/a. For example, 'el pan tostado' is toasted bread, while 'el pan quemado' is burnt bread. Another related term is carbonizado/a, which describes something completely reduced to charcoal or completely charred, a more extreme state than just 'burned'. For instance, a log at the end of a fire might be carbonizado, while a piece of paper might simply be quemado. In the context of skin damage from the sun, ardido/a can sometimes be used to describe a stinging or inflamed sensation, though quemado/a (or 'quemado por el sol') is more direct for the visual appearance of sunburn. For the figurative meaning of being 'burnt out' or exhausted, you might also hear agotado/a (exhausted), fundido/a (literally 'melted', but used figuratively to mean completely exhausted or drained), or derrotado/a (defeated, often used when someone feels mentally beaten by a situation). Agotado/a is a general term for tiredness, whereas quemado/a implies a deeper, often work-related, fatigue. Fundido/a suggests a complete lack of energy, while derrotado/a implies a feeling of defeat. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most precise word for the situation.

Literal Comparisons
Quemado/a vs. Tostado/a: 'Tostado' implies a pleasant browning, often of food (e.g., pan tostado - toasted bread). 'Quemado' implies damage, overcooking (e.g., pan quemado - burnt bread).
Quemado/a vs. Carbonizado/a: 'Carbonizado' means turned to charcoal, a more extreme state than 'quemado'.
Figurative Comparisons
Quemado/a vs. Agotado/a: 'Agotado/a' is general exhaustion. 'Quemado/a' specifically implies burnout from overwork or stress.
Quemado/a vs. Fundido/a: 'Fundido/a' suggests being completely drained of energy, often a consequence of being 'quemado/a'.

El café está quemado, no tostado.

Distinguishing between burned and toasted coffee.

Después de la crisis, se sentía fundido, no solo agotado.

More severe exhaustion than general tiredness.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'cremare' is related to words in other Romance languages like Italian 'cremare' and French 'consumer' (though 'brûler' is more common for 'to burn'). It also shares roots with words related to cremation.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɛˈmɑːðoʊ/
US /kɛˈmɑːdoʊ/
The stress falls on the second syllable: que-MA-do.
Reimt sich auf
helado cansado enamorado preparado dedicado equivocado olvidado adaptado
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'qu' as 'kw'.
  • Incorrect vowel sounds, especially the 'e' and 'a'.
  • Misplacing the stress, for example, on the first syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Recognizable due to its common literal meaning. The figurative meaning of 'burnt out' is also frequently encountered in informal contexts and media, making it accessible for intermediate learners.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement, and understanding the contexts for literal vs. figurative use. Common patterns like 'estar quemado/a' are helpful.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is relatively straightforward. The key is to use it appropriately in both literal (food, objects) and figurative (exhaustion) contexts.

Hören 3/5

The word is frequently used, so learners will encounter it often. Context is usually sufficient to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

quemar estar ser fuego calor

Als Nächstes lernen

quemadura quemazón carbonizado/a agotado/a fundido/a

Fortgeschritten

sobrecalentamiento desgaste desmotivación insatisfacción laboral resiliencia

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

El libro (masculine singular) está quemado. La mesa (feminine singular) está quemada. Los papeles (masculine plural) están quemados. Las ideas (feminine plural) están quemadas.

Use of 'Estar' for States/Conditions

El pan está quemado (describes a state). El coche está averiado (describes a state).

Reflexive Verbs (quemarse)

Yo me quemé (I burned myself). El fusible se quemó (The fuse blew/burned out).

Past Participles as Adjectives

'Quemado/a' is the past participle of 'quemar' used as an adjective.

Figurative Language

Using 'quemado/a' to describe emotional or mental exhaustion, not literal burning.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

El pan está quemado.

The bread is burned.

masculine singular agreement

2

Mi mano está quemada.

My hand is burned.

feminine singular agreement

3

El fuego quemó la madera.

The fire burned the wood.

Past tense of the verb 'quemar'

4

La comida está quemada.

The food is burned.

feminine singular agreement

5

El papel se quemó.

The paper burned.

Reflexive verb 'quemarse'

6

El libro está quemado.

The book is burned.

masculine singular agreement

7

La sopa está quemada.

The soup is burned.

feminine singular agreement

8

Me quemé el dedo.

I burned my finger.

Verb 'quemarse'

1

El pollo asado quedó un poco quemado.

The roasted chicken turned out a bit burned.

masculine singular agreement

2

Ella se siente quemada después de tanto estudiar.

She feels burned out after studying so much.

Figurative use, feminine singular agreement

3

Cuidado con la sartén, está quemada.

Be careful with the frying pan, it's burned.

feminine singular agreement

4

Los árboles cercanos a la fogata estaban quemados.

The trees near the campfire were burned.

masculine plural agreement

5

El sol dejó la piel quemada.

The sun left the skin burned.

feminine singular agreement

6

Las ideas del artista estaban quemadas.

The artist's ideas were burnt out.

Figurative use, feminine plural agreement

7

Se quemó la pintura del coche.

The car's paint got burned.

Reflexive verb 'quemarse'

8

Los cables estaban quemados.

The cables were burned.

masculine plural agreement

1

El pastel se quemó porque lo dejé demasiado tiempo en el horno.

The cake burned because I left it too long in the oven.

Past tense of 'quemarse'

2

Me siento quemado/a con este trabajo, necesito un descanso.

I feel burnt out with this job, I need a break.

Figurative use, common expression

3

La madera expuesta al fuego quedó completamente quemada.

The wood exposed to the fire was completely burned.

masculine singular agreement

4

Las hojas secas se quemaron rápidamente.

The dry leaves burned quickly.

feminine plural agreement

5

El incidente dejó al equipo quemado y desmotivado.

The incident left the team burnt out and demotivated.

Figurative use, masculine plural agreement

6

La tela se quemó al contacto con la plancha caliente.

The fabric burned upon contact with the hot iron.

feminine singular agreement

7

Se quemó la batería del portátil.

The laptop's battery burned out.

Reflexive verb 'quemarse'

8

Los agricultores están quemados por la sequía.

The farmers are burnt out by the drought.

Figurative use, masculine plural agreement

1

El intenso calor del verano dejó la vegetación completamente quemada.

The intense summer heat left the vegetation completely burned.

feminine singular agreement

2

Después de la crisis económica, muchos emprendedores se sintieron quemados.

After the economic crisis, many entrepreneurs felt burnt out.

Figurative use, masculine plural agreement

3

Un cortocircuito provocó que el motor se quemara.

A short circuit caused the motor to burn out.

Reflexive verb 'quemarse'

4

Las palabras del crítico quemaron al autor.

The critic's words burned the author (figuratively, hurt/offended).

Figurative use, similar to 'hurt' or 'stung'

5

La exposición prolongada al sol puede dejar la piel quemada y sensible.

Prolonged sun exposure can leave the skin burned and sensitive.

feminine singular agreement

6

Los bomberos lucharon contra las llamas que habían quemado gran parte del bosque.

The firefighters fought against the flames that had burned a large part of the forest.

masculine singular agreement

7

Se sentía quemado/a por la rutina, anhelando un cambio.

He/She felt burnt out by the routine, longing for a change.

Figurative use, common expression

8

El sobrecalentamiento del dispositivo lo dejó quemado y inutilizable.

The device's overheating left it burned out and unusable.

masculine singular agreement

1

La falta de reconocimiento y el exceso de carga laboral lo habían dejado profesionalmente quemado.

The lack of recognition and excessive workload had left him professionally burned out.

Figurative use, professional burnout

2

El aceite de oliva, si se calienta demasiado, adquiere un sabor quemado.

Olive oil, if heated too much, acquires a burned taste.

masculine singular agreement

3

Tras años de dedicación intensa, el artista se encontraba quemado, incapaz de crear.

After years of intense dedication, the artist found himself burnt out, unable to create.

Figurative use, creative burnout

4

Las declaraciones incendiarias del político quemaron su reputación.

The politician's inflammatory statements burned his reputation (ruined it).

Figurative use, metaphorical burning

5

La exposición prolongada a la radiación solar puede causar daños irreversibles en la piel, dejándola quemada.

Prolonged exposure to solar radiation can cause irreversible damage to the skin, leaving it burned.

feminine singular agreement

6

Los equipos que trabajan bajo presión constante corren el riesgo de terminar quemados.

Teams working under constant pressure run the risk of ending up burnt out.

Figurative use, plural agreement

7

El sistema eléctrico de la casa se quemó debido a una sobrecarga.

The house's electrical system burned out due to an overload.

masculine singular agreement

8

Sentirse quemado/a en el ámbito laboral es una señal de alarma que no debe ignorarse.

Feeling burnt out in the workplace is a warning sign that should not be ignored.

Figurative use, common expression

1

La implacable rutina y la falta de alicientes habían consumido su energía, dejándolo completamente quemado.

The relentless routine and lack of incentives had consumed his energy, leaving him completely burned out.

Figurative use, profound exhaustion

2

El sobrecalentamiento del procesador resultó en un daño irreparable, dejando el componente quemado.

The processor's overheating resulted in irreparable damage, leaving the component burned out.

masculine singular agreement

3

Las críticas mordaces y la constante presión mediática terminaron por quemar al joven actor.

The biting criticism and constant media pressure ended up burning out the young actor.

Figurative use, burnout from external pressure

4

La madera, tras un incendio forestal, quedó reducida a cenizas y material quemado.

The wood, after a forest fire, was reduced to ashes and burned material.

masculine singular agreement

5

El exceso de trabajo sin pausas adecuadas puede conducir a un estado de agotamiento crónico, un 'estar quemado'.

Overwork without adequate breaks can lead to a state of chronic exhaustion, a 'being burnt out'.

Figurative use, emphasizing chronic state

6

La exposición continua a la corrosión y al calor extremo dejó las piezas metálicas quemadas y deformadas.

Continuous exposure to corrosion and extreme heat left the metal parts burned and deformed.

feminine plural agreement

7

Se dice que el talento no quemado es el talento desperdiciado.

It is said that unburned talent is wasted talent.

Figurative use, metaphorical potential

8

El circuito integrado sufrió un fallo catastrófico, quedando quemado.

The integrated circuit suffered a catastrophic failure, becoming burned out.

masculine singular agreement

Häufige Kollokationen

estar quemado/a
pan quemado
piel quemada
sentirse quemado/a
papel quemado
motor quemado
trabajo quemado
estar quemado con algo
dedos quemados
cable quemado

Häufige Phrasen

¡Se quemó!

— It got burned! or It burned out!

¡Ay, el pastel se quemó!

Me siento quemado/a.

— I feel burnt out.

Después de la semana de exámenes, me siento quemado.

El sol me quemó.

— The sun burned me (sunburned me).

No usé protector solar y el sol me quemó.

Está quemado.

— It's burned. (Can also mean 'He/She is burnt out' depending on context).

La cena está quemada.

Estar quemado con alguien/algo.

— To be fed up with someone or something; to be disillusioned.

Estoy quemado con la situación actual.

La comida quemada.

— The burned food.

No puedo comer la comida quemada.

Se quemó la batería.

— The battery burned out.

El teléfono dejó de funcionar, se quemó la batería.

Tengo la piel quemada.

— I have burned skin (usually from the sun).

Después de la playa, tengo la piel quemada.

Está quemado de tanto trabajar.

— He/She is burnt out from working so much.

Mi hermano está quemado de tanto trabajar.

El motor se quemó.

— The engine burned out.

El coche antiguo se paró porque el motor se quemó.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

quemado/a vs tostado/a

'Tostado/a' means 'toasted' and is usually positive, especially for food. 'Quemado/a' implies damage or overcooking.

quemado/a vs carbonizado/a

'Carbonizado/a' means 'charred' or 'turned to charcoal', a more extreme state of burning than 'quemado/a'.

quemado/a vs ardido/a

'Ardido/a' can mean 'sore' or 'inflamed' (skin), or figuratively 'offended' or 'bitter'. 'Quemado/a' is more directly related to heat and fire damage.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Estar quemado/a de algo"

— To be completely fed up, disillusioned, or tired of something due to excessive exposure or negative experiences. It implies a deep sense of frustration and lack of enthusiasm.

Estoy quemado de escuchar siempre las mismas excusas.

informal
"Quemarse las pestañas"

— To study very hard, often late into the night. Literally 'to burn one's eyelashes'.

Tuvo que quemarse las pestañas para aprobar el examen final.

informal
"No quemar las naves"

— To not burn one's bridges; to leave options open and not commit to a path that prevents return. It's the opposite of making a definitive, irreversible decision.

Es importante no quemar las naves al dejar un trabajo, por si acaso.

formal/proverbial
"Quemarse en el intento"

— To fail spectacularly or to exhaust oneself completely in an attempt to achieve something, often with negative consequences.

Intentó impresionar al jefe, pero se quemó en el intento y lo despidieron.

informal
"Tener la sangre quemada"

— To be extremely angry or furious. It's a strong expression of intense anger.

Cuando vio lo que habían hecho, tenía la sangre quemada.

informal/colloquial
"Quemarle a uno la cabeza"

— To make one's head hurt from thinking too much or from a complex problem. It implies mental strain.

Este problema de matemáticas me está quemando la cabeza.

informal
"Estar quemado por dentro"

— To feel emotionally or spiritually depleted, often due to suffering or hardship. A deeper sense of burnout.

Después de todo lo que ha pasado, se siente quemado por dentro.

figurative/emotional
"Quemarse vivo"

— To burn oneself alive (literal), or to be extremely anxious or impatient, feeling like one is 'burning up' from within.

No puedo esperar más, ¡me estoy quemando vivo!

literal/figurative
"El día está quemado"

— The day is extremely hot, often uncomfortably so.

No salgas al mediodía, el día está quemado.

colloquial/weather
"Una idea quemada"

— A worn-out or overused idea; a cliché.

Ese argumento es una idea quemada, ya no convence a nadie.

figurative/critical

Leicht verwechselbar

quemado/a vs tostado

Both describe browning, often of food.

'Tostado' implies a pleasant browning, like toasted bread. 'Quemado' implies damage from excessive heat, like burnt toast.

Me gusta el pan tostado, pero no el pan quemado.

quemado/a vs agotado

Both can describe exhaustion.

'Agotado' is general exhaustion. 'Quemado/a' specifically implies burnout from overwork or stress, a deeper depletion.

Estoy agotado/a después de correr, pero me siento quemado/a por la presión del trabajo.

quemado/a vs quemar (verb)

'Quemado/a' is the past participle of 'quemar' and can be used adjectivally.

'Quemar' is the action of burning. 'Quemado/a' is the state of being burned or burnt out.

El fuego quemó la casa. La casa está quemada.

quemado/a vs fundido

Both can describe extreme exhaustion figuratively.

'Fundido' literally means 'melted', and figuratively means completely drained of energy, often as a result of being 'quemado/a'.

Después de la presentación, me sentí fundido/a, como si todo mi energía se hubiera derretido.

quemado/a vs ardiendo

Both relate to heat.

'Ardiendo' is the present participle of 'arder' (to burn, to be on fire), indicating an active process of burning. 'Quemado/a' is the state of having been burned.

La casa está ardiendo. La casa está quemada (after the fire).

Satzmuster

A1

Noun + está + quemado/a.

El pan está quemado.

A1

Me + quemé + (body part).

Me quemé el dedo.

A2

Yo + me siento + quemado/a.

Yo me siento quemado/a.

A2

El/La + Noun + se + quemó.

El papel se quemó.

B1

Noun + (plural) + están + quemados/as.

Los cables están quemados.

B1

Estar + quemado/a + con/por + Noun/Infinitive.

Estoy quemado/a por el sol.

B2

El/La + Noun + está + quemado/a + (cause).

La piel está quemada por el sol.

C1

Figurative use: Subject + estar + quemado/a + (context).

Los empleados están quemados por la presión.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

quemadura burn (injury)
quemazón burning sensation
quemador burner (on a stove)

Verben

quemar to burn
quemarse to burn oneself; to get burned

Adjektive

quemado/a burned, burnt out

Verwandt

incendio fire (large scale)
fuego fire
calor heat
exceso excess
fatiga fatigue

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high

Häufige Fehler
  • Forgetting gender/number agreement. La comida está quemada. Los libros están quemados.

    Adjectives must agree with the noun. 'Quemada' for feminine singular, 'quemados' for masculine plural, etc.

  • Using 'quemado/a' for general tiredness. Me siento cansado/a. Me siento agotado/a.

    'Quemado/a' implies severe exhaustion or burnout, not just mild tiredness.

  • Confusing 'quemado/a' with 'tostado/a'. El pan está tostado (nicely browned). El pan está quemado (burnt).

    'Tostado' is positive/neutral for food; 'quemado' implies damage.

  • Using 'estar' when the action of burning is emphasized. El fuego quemó la casa. (Verb) / La casa está quemada. (State)

    Use the verb 'quemar' for the action and the adjective 'quemado/a' with 'estar' for the resulting state.

  • Incorrect pronunciation of 'qu'. Pronounce 'qu' as /k/ (like 'k' in 'kite').

    The 'qu' in Spanish is always pronounced like /k/, not /kw/.

Tipps

Master Agreement

Always match 'quemado/a' to the gender and number of the noun. 'El coche quemado', 'la casa quemada', 'los cables quemados', 'las ideas quemadas'.

Literal vs. Figurative

Remember the two main uses: physical damage by heat ('la comida quemada') and extreme exhaustion ('estar quemado/a'). Context is key!

Stress the 'MA'

The stress in 'quemado/a' falls on the second-to-last syllable: que-MA-do. Practice saying it clearly.

Use with 'Estar'

In both literal and figurative senses, 'quemado/a' is often used with the verb 'estar' to describe a state or condition: 'El pan está quemado', 'Me siento quemado/a'.

Kitchen Talk

You'll hear 'quemado/a' a lot when talking about cooking mishaps! '¡Se me quemó el arroz!' is a classic.

Workplace Woes

The phrase 'estar quemado/a' is very common when people discuss feeling overworked and exhausted in their jobs.

Distinguish from 'Tostado'

Don't confuse 'quemado/a' (burned, damaged) with 'tostado/a' (toasted, pleasantly browned), especially when talking about food.

Study Hard Idiom

Remember the idiom 'quemarse las pestañas' for studying intensely, which uses the root of 'quemado/a'.

Visual Link

Picture burnt toast next to an exhausted person to remember both the literal and figurative meanings of 'quemado/a'.

Create Sentences

Practice writing sentences using 'quemado/a' in different contexts: literal (food, objects) and figurative (exhaustion).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a chef who is so tired from cooking that his fingers are 'quemados' (burned) and he feels completely 'quemado' (burnt out). The image of burnt fingers and a burnt-out chef should help you remember both meanings.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a piece of toast that is completely black and burnt, sitting next to a person who looks utterly exhausted and slumped over a desk. The burnt toast represents the literal meaning, and the exhausted person represents the figurative meaning.

Word Web

Fire Heat Damage Exhaustion Burnout Overcooked Tiredness Stress

Herausforderung

Try to describe three things in your environment that are literally 'quemado/a' and three situations where someone might feel 'quemado/a'. Write them down.

Wortherkunft

The Spanish word 'quemado/a' comes directly from the Latin verb 'cremare', which means 'to burn'. Over time, this evolved through Vulgar Latin and Old Spanish to become the modern word we use today. The '-ado/a' ending signifies a past participle, indicating a state resulting from the action of burning.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Burned, consumed by fire.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish

Kultureller Kontext

While 'quemado/a' is a neutral descriptor for physical damage, its figurative use for exhaustion should be used with empathy, as it describes a state of significant distress.

In English, 'burned' is the direct translation, and 'burnt out' captures the figurative meaning. The concept of burnout is widely recognized in English-speaking societies as well.

The phrase 'quemarse las pestañas' (to burn one's eyelashes) is a well-known idiom for studying intensely. Discussions about 'burnout' are common in workplace culture and mental health advocacy. Culinary shows and reviews often mention food being 'quemado/a'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Cooking and Food

  • El pan está quemado.
  • Se me quemó la cena.
  • Cuidado, está muy caliente y quemado.

Work and Stress

  • Me siento quemado/a.
  • Estoy quemado con mi trabajo.
  • Es un trabajo que te deja quemado.

Physical Damage (Objects/Surfaces)

  • El motor se quemó.
  • La pintura está quemada por el sol.
  • Se quemó el cable.

Health and Body

  • Me quemé la piel.
  • Tengo la piel quemada.
  • Me quemé el dedo.

Figurative Disillusionment

  • Estoy quemado/a de la política.
  • Se quemaron las ideas.
  • Se quemó en el intento.

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Alguna vez se te ha quemado algo importante en la cocina?"

"¿Cómo manejas el estrés laboral para no sentirte 'quemado/a'?"

"¿Qué opinas de la gente que se 'quema' en sus trabajos?"

"Si tuvieras que describir una situación 'quemada' en tu vida, ¿cuál sería?"

"¿Prefieres la comida un poco tostada o te molesta si está ligeramente quemada?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe un momento en el que te sentiste 'quemado/a' por el trabajo o los estudios. ¿Qué causó esa sensación y cómo la superaste?

Piensa en un objeto o alimento que se haya quemado. Describe la experiencia y qué aprendiste de ella.

¿Cómo crees que el concepto de 'quemado/a' se aplica a las relaciones personales o a las ideas?

Escribe sobre una situación en la que tuviste que 'quemarte las pestañas' para lograr algo. ¿Valió la pena el esfuerzo?

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre estar 'agotado/a' y estar 'quemado/a'. ¿En qué situaciones usarías cada término?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'quemado/a' has a very common figurative meaning. It describes someone who is 'burnt out' from overwork, stress, or prolonged intense effort. For example, 'Me siento quemado/a de tanto estudiar' means 'I feel burnt out from studying so much'.

It depends on the gender of the noun it describes. If the noun is masculine singular, use 'quemado' (e.g., 'el pan quemado'). If it's feminine singular, use 'quemada' (e.g., 'la comida quemada'). For plurals, it's 'quemados' (masculine plural) and 'quemadas' (feminine plural).

Yes, it can. You might say 'Me quemé la piel con el sol' (I burned my skin with the sun) or 'Tengo la piel quemada por el sol' (I have skin burned by the sun). While 'quemado/a' works, phrases like 'me quemé con el sol' are also very common.

'Tostado/a' usually refers to food that is nicely browned and crispy, like toasted bread ('pan tostado'). 'Quemado/a' implies damage from overcooking or excessive heat, meaning it's burnt ('pan quemado').

Both are very common. 'Estar quemado/a' describes the state of being burnt out (e.g., 'Estoy quemado/a'), while 'sentirse quemado/a' emphasizes the feeling of being burnt out (e.g., 'Me siento quemado/a'). They are often interchangeable in this figurative sense.

'Quemar' is the verb 'to burn'. 'Quemado/a' is its past participle used as an adjective. For example: 'El fuego quemó la madera' (The fire burned the wood) -> 'La madera está quemada' (The wood is burned).

Yes. If an electronic device or component malfunctions due to overheating, it's common to say it 'se quemó' (burned out), or that it is 'quemado/a'. For example, 'El motor se quemó' or 'El circuito está quemado'.

Yes, the noun form is 'quemadura', which means a burn (injury). There's also 'quemazón', meaning a burning sensation.

The figurative meaning of 'burnt out' is extremely common in everyday conversation, especially when discussing work, studies, or demanding activities. It's a widely understood expression.

Literally, it's descriptive. Figuratively, describing someone as 'quemado/a' implies they are suffering from severe exhaustion and potentially disillusionment, so it should be used with some consideration, though it's a very common and accepted term.

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