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A2 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

crítico

Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces crítico en 30 secondes

Explication crítico in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'crítico' is introduced as a simple adjective to describe something that is very important or someone who says bad things about something. Beginners should focus on its similarity to the English word 'critical'. You can use it to say that a moment is very important: 'un momento crítico'. You can also use it to describe a person who complains or judges a lot: 'una persona crítica'. At this stage, it is enough to know that it is an adjective and must match the noun it describes. For example, you say 'el hombre es crítico' but 'la mujer es crítica'. It is a useful word to express strong opinions or highlight the importance of a situation in simple sentences. Do not worry too much about the complex medical or philosophical meanings yet. Just remember it means 'very important' or 'judging'. Practice using it with basic nouns like 'momento' (moment), 'situación' (situation), or 'persona' (person). For example: 'El examen es crítico para mi nota' (The exam is critical for my grade). This basic understanding will help you recognize the word when you hear it in simple conversations or read it in beginner texts. It is a stepping stone to more advanced uses later on.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to understand the dual nature of the word 'crítico'. You now know it means both 'crucial/important' and 'judgmental/disapproving'. This is the stage where you start using it in more varied contexts. You can describe a situation that is a turning point: 'Estamos en una situación crítica'. You can also describe a person's attitude: 'Mi profesor es muy crítico con mi trabajo'. A key grammatical point at this level is the difference between using 'ser' and 'estar' with 'crítico'. Use 'ser' for permanent traits: 'Él es crítico' (He is a critical person). Use 'estar' for temporary states, especially in health or emergencies: 'El paciente está crítico' (The patient is in critical condition). This distinction is vital for clear communication. You should also practice noun-adjective agreement more confidently, ensuring you use 'críticos' and 'críticas' for plural nouns. Start noticing how 'crítico' is used in short news articles or simple stories to describe emergencies or important decisions. Try to incorporate it into your own writing when describing a problem or an important event in your life. For example: 'Fue un momento crítico cuando perdí mi pasaporte'. Expanding your use of 'crítico' beyond just 'important' will make your Spanish sound more natural and expressive.

At the B1 level, your understanding of 'crítico' deepens significantly. You are now expected to use it comfortably in abstract and professional contexts. The phrase 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking) becomes important as you discuss education, opinions, and analysis. You should be able to differentiate between constructive criticism and mere complaining when describing someone as 'crítico'. Furthermore, you will encounter the adverbial form 'críticamente' (critically), which is used to describe how an action is performed, such as 'analizar críticamente' (to analyze critically). At this intermediate stage, you should also be aware of the preposition 'con' when expressing who or what someone is critical of: 'Soy crítico con el gobierno' (I am critical of the government). Avoid the common mistake of saying 'crítico de'. You will frequently hear 'crítico' in news reports discussing politics, economics, and social issues, such as 'una fase crítica de las negociaciones' (a critical phase of the negotiations). Practice using synonyms like 'crucial', 'decisivo', and 'exigente' to avoid repeating 'crítico' too often. Your ability to use 'crítico' accurately with 'ser' and 'estar', and in various abstract contexts, demonstrates a solid intermediate grasp of Spanish vocabulary and grammar.

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At the B2 level, 'crítico' is a tool for nuanced expression and sophisticated argumentation. You are expected to use it effortlessly in debates, essays, and professional discussions. The concept of 'masa crítica' (critical mass) or 'punto crítico' (critical point) should be part of your vocabulary when discussing sociology, science, or business trends. You understand that being 'crítico' is not just about being negative; it is about objective evaluation and discernment. In literature and art, you can discuss the 'análisis crítico' of a work. You are also fully comfortable with the medical and emergency uses of the word, understanding the gravity it implies in news reports or health contexts. At this upper-intermediate level, you should be sensitive to register and tone. You know when 'crítico' sounds too dramatic for a mundane situation and when it is exactly the right word to convey urgency or analytical depth. You can easily navigate the subtle differences between 'crítico', 'vital', 'imprescindible', and 'determinante'. Your writing should showcase correct prepositional use ('crítico con', 'crítico hacia') and flawless noun-adjective agreement even in complex, multi-clause sentences. Mastery of 'crítico' at B2 means you can use it to persuade, analyze, and report with near-native precision.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'crítico' is highly refined and idiomatic. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage in philosophical and academic discourse. You can engage in complex discussions about 'teoría crítica' (critical theory) or the 'espíritu crítico' (critical spirit) required in modern democracies. You effortlessly distinguish between the adjective 'crítico' and the noun forms ('el crítico', 'la crítica') even in fast-paced, complex spoken Spanish. You use 'crítico' to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as a 'silencio crítico' (a judgmental silence) or a 'mirada crítica' (a critical gaze), understanding the implicit communication these phrases carry. In professional or academic writing, you use 'crítico' to establish authority and analytical rigor. You are also aware of regional variations or specific jargon where 'crítico' might be used uniquely. Your vocabulary is so broad that you only use 'crítico' when it is the absolute best word choice, easily swapping it for highly specific synonyms depending on the exact nuance required. At this advanced level, 'crítico' is fully integrated into your active vocabulary, allowing you to express complex intellectual, emotional, and situational realities with elegance and accuracy.

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At the C2 level, your command of 'crítico' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You manipulate the word with complete freedom across all registers, from colloquial banter to dense academic treatises. You appreciate the irony when 'crítico' is used euphemistically or sarcastically. You can deconstruct texts that rely on the dual meanings of 'crítico' for rhetorical effect. Your understanding encompasses the historical evolution of the word and its specific applications in specialized fields like literary criticism, quantum physics (masa crítica), and advanced medicine. You instinctively know the rhythmic and poetic implications of placing 'crítico' before the noun ('un crítico momento') versus after it, using this inversion for stylistic emphasis in creative writing or formal oratory. You are capable of correcting subtle misuses of the word by native speakers, understanding the prescriptive versus descriptive grammar rules surrounding it. At this mastery level, 'crítico' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you use to navigate and articulate the most complex, abstract, and critical aspects of human experience and knowledge in the Spanish language.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

crítico en 30 secondes

Means judgmental or analytical.
Means crucial or decisive.
Means dangerous or life-threatening.
Must agree in gender and number.

The Spanish adjective 'crítico' is a highly versatile and frequently used word that carries multiple layers of meaning, depending entirely on the context in which it is employed. At its core, 'crítico' translates to 'critical' in English, but this translation encompasses several distinct concepts that learners must master to achieve fluency. First and foremost, 'crítico' describes a person, attitude, or comment that expresses adverse, disapproving, or analytical judgments. When someone is being 'crítico' in this sense, they are evaluating the flaws, merits, or underlying truths of a situation, piece of art, or another person's behavior. This is not always negative; constructive criticism also falls under this umbrella, though the word often carries a connotation of fault-finding if not qualified. Secondly, 'crítico' is used to describe a situation, moment, or factor that is absolutely crucial, decisive, or essential to an outcome. In this context, a 'momento crítico' is a turning point where the future hangs in the balance. Thirdly, in medical and emergency contexts, 'crítico' describes a state of extreme danger or instability, such as a patient in 'estado crítico' (critical condition). Understanding these nuances is essential for any Spanish learner, as confusing them can lead to significant misunderstandings. Let us delve deeper into these meanings with specific examples and structural breakdowns.

Meaning 1: Analytical or Disapproving: Used to describe someone who analyzes or judges, often pointing out flaws. Example: Su mirada era muy crítica.

El profesor hizo un análisis crítico de la novela, destacando tanto sus virtudes como sus defectos estructurales.

Meaning 2: Crucial or Decisive: Describes a point in time or a factor that will determine a major outcome. Example: Un error crítico.

Estamos en un momento crítico de las negociaciones y no podemos permitirnos fallar ahora.

El apoyo del director fue un factor crítico para el éxito del proyecto.

Meaning 3: Medical or Dangerous: Refers to a state of severe health risk or an emergency situation that requires immediate intervention.

Después del accidente, el paciente fue trasladado al hospital en estado crítico.

La falta de agua ha llevado a la región a una situación crítica que requiere ayuda internacional.

To fully grasp the depth of 'crítico', one must also consider its etymology. Derived from the Greek word 'kritikos', meaning 'able to make judgments', the word has retained this intellectual core throughout its evolution into Latin and eventually Spanish. This historical root explains why 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking) is such a highly valued skill in academia and professional environments. It is the ability to discern, evaluate, and separate truth from falsehood. Furthermore, the adjective changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it modifies: crítico (masculine singular), crítica (feminine singular), críticos (masculine plural), and críticas (feminine plural). This agreement is a fundamental rule of Spanish grammar that must be strictly observed. For instance, you would say 'una decisión crítica' but 'un momento crítico'. The versatility of this word makes it indispensable for anyone looking to express complex thoughts, evaluate situations, or describe urgent scenarios in Spanish. By mastering its various applications, learners will significantly enhance their communicative competence and their ability to navigate both everyday conversations and more formal, academic, or professional discourse.

Using the adjective 'crítico' correctly in Spanish requires a solid understanding of Spanish grammar, particularly noun-adjective agreement and the nuanced differences between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. Because 'crítico' is an adjective, it must always agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means you will use 'crítico' for masculine singular nouns (e.g., el punto crítico), 'crítica' for feminine singular nouns (e.g., la situación crítica), 'críticos' for masculine plural nouns (e.g., los momentos críticos), and 'críticas' for feminine plural nouns (e.g., las decisiones críticas). Placement is also key. In Spanish, descriptive adjectives typically follow the noun. Therefore, you will almost always see 'crítico' placed directly after the noun it describes. However, in some literary or highly emphatic contexts, it might precede the noun, though this is rare for this specific word and usually reserved for poetic effect. The most significant grammatical challenge for learners is choosing between 'ser' and 'estar' when using 'crítico' as a predicate adjective. The choice completely alters the meaning of the sentence.

Using Ser + Crítico: When used with 'ser', 'crítico' describes an inherent characteristic or a permanent trait of a person, process, or thing. It means 'to be a critical person' (judgmental) or 'to be crucial' by nature.

Mi jefe es muy crítico con el trabajo de los demás; nunca está satisfecho.

El oxígeno es crítico para la supervivencia humana.

Using Estar + Crítico: When used with 'estar', 'crítico' describes a temporary state, condition, or mood. It is most commonly used in medical contexts to mean 'in critical condition' or to describe a situation that has temporarily become dangerous or unstable.

El paciente está crítico y necesita cirugía inmediata.

El mercado financiero está muy crítico esta semana debido a las noticias internacionales.

Adverbial Usage: Críticamente: To describe how an action is performed, you can use the adverbial form 'críticamente' (critically). This is formed by taking the feminine singular form (crítica) and adding the suffix '-mente'.

El comité evaluó críticamente todas las propuestas antes de tomar una decisión.

Beyond basic sentence structure, 'crítico' is frequently found in specific collocations and set phrases. For example, 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking) is a standard term in education. 'Masa crítica' (critical mass) is used in physics and sociology to describe the minimum amount required to start or maintain a process. 'Punto crítico' (critical point) refers to the exact moment a significant change occurs. Understanding these set phrases will make your Spanish sound much more natural and native-like. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish the adjective 'crítico' from the noun 'el crítico' or 'la crítica'. While they look identical, the noun refers to a person whose profession is to review things (a critic) or the review itself (a critique). Context usually makes this clear, but learners should be aware of the dual function of the word to avoid confusion in reading and listening comprehension.

The adjective 'crítico' permeates various facets of daily life, professional environments, and media in the Spanish-speaking world. Because it encompasses meanings ranging from 'judgmental' to 'crucial' and 'life-threatening', you will encounter it in highly diverse contexts. Understanding where and how it is used will help you anticipate its meaning based on the situation. One of the most common places you will hear 'crítico' is in news broadcasts and journalism. Reporters frequently use it to describe severe situations, political crises, or economic instability. When a country is facing a severe economic downturn, news anchors will talk about a 'situación económica crítica'. Similarly, during natural disasters or political unrest, the term is used to emphasize the gravity and urgency of the events unfolding. In these contexts, the word serves to heighten the audience's awareness of the stakes involved.

News and Media: Used to describe emergencies, crises, and turning points in current events.

El presentador anunció que el país se encuentra en un momento histórico muy crítico.

Another prevalent context is the medical field. Hospitals, clinics, and emergency services use 'crítico' as a standard technical term to describe patients whose vital signs are unstable and whose lives are in immediate danger. If you are watching a medical drama dubbed in Spanish or reading a medical report, 'estado crítico' is a phrase you will encounter constantly. It is the direct equivalent of 'critical condition' in English.

Medical Contexts: Describes severe, life-threatening health conditions.

Los médicos informaron a la familia que el paciente sigue en estado crítico en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

La falta de suministros médicos ha creado una situación crítica en el hospital local.

In academic and professional settings, 'crítico' takes on a more intellectual tone. Here, it refers to the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information objectively. Teachers encourage students to develop 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking), and employers look for candidates who can perform a 'análisis crítico' (critical analysis) of business strategies. In these environments, being 'crítico' is generally seen as a positive and necessary trait, denoting intelligence and discernment rather than mere negativity.

Academia and Business: Refers to analytical skills, essential evaluations, and crucial business factors.

El desarrollo del pensamiento crítico es el objetivo principal de este curso universitario.

La puntualidad es un factor crítico para mantener la satisfacción del cliente en nuestra empresa.

Finally, in everyday interpersonal relationships, you will hear 'crítico' used to describe someone's personality or behavior. If a friend is constantly pointing out your flaws or complaining about the food at a restaurant, you might describe them as being 'muy crítico'. In this context, it carries a slightly negative connotation, similar to being 'judgmental' or 'picky' in English. Understanding these varied contexts is crucial for interpreting the word correctly. A 'paciente crítico' is very different from a 'jefe crítico', and recognizing the setting is the key to unlocking the exact meaning intended by the speaker.

When learning the Spanish adjective 'crítico', students frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks. Because the word has multiple meanings and acts as a false friend in certain contexts, it is easy to misuse it. One of the most common mistakes is confusing the adjective 'crítico' with the noun 'crítica' (criticism/review) or 'crítico' (a critic). While they share the same root, their grammatical functions are entirely different. For example, a student might say 'Él tiene un crítico muy malo' when they mean 'He has a very bad criticism' (Él tiene una crítica muy mala). Remember that the adjective modifies a noun, while the noun represents the person or the concept itself.

Mistake 1: Noun vs. Adjective Confusion: Using the adjective form when the noun form is required, or vice versa.

Incorrect: Recibió un crítico constructivo. Correct: Recibió una crítica constructiva.

Another frequent error involves the incorrect choice between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. As discussed in the usage section, 'ser crítico' means to be a critical or judgmental person by nature, while 'estar crítico' means to be in a critical or dangerous condition temporarily. Using the wrong verb can lead to confusing or even comical statements. For instance, saying 'El paciente es crítico' implies the patient is a very judgmental person, rather than someone in a life-threatening medical state.

Mistake 2: Ser vs. Estar: Applying 'ser' for temporary states or 'estar' for permanent traits.

Incorrect: El herido es crítico. Correct: El herido está crítico.

Incorrect: Mi madre está muy crítica de mi ropa siempre. Correct: Mi madre es muy crítica con mi ropa siempre.

A third common mistake is a false friend issue regarding the English word 'critical'. In English, 'critical' can sometimes mean 'important' in a general sense, like 'It is critical that you call me'. While 'Es crítico que me llames' is understandable in Spanish, it sounds overly dramatic, as if life and death are involved. Native speakers would more naturally say 'Es crucial que me llames' or 'Es muy importante que me llames'. Overusing 'crítico' for everyday importance dilutes its impact and sounds unnatural.

Mistake 3: Overuse for General Importance: Using 'crítico' as a direct translation for 'important' in low-stakes situations.

Awkward: Es crítico comprar leche hoy. Better: Es muy importante comprar leche hoy.

Awkward: El examen de mañana es crítico. Better: El examen de mañana es crucial.

Finally, learners often forget the preposition 'con' when expressing who or what someone is critical of. They might try to directly translate 'critical of' as 'crítico de', which is incorrect in Spanish. The correct phrasing is always 'ser crítico con'. For example, 'She is critical of the government' translates to 'Ella es crítica con el gobierno', not 'crítica del gobierno'. Paying attention to these prepositions is vital for achieving fluency and sounding like a native speaker. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your use of 'crítico' will become much more precise and effective.

Expanding your vocabulary around the word 'crítico' is essential for expressing nuances and avoiding repetition in your Spanish communication. Because 'crítico' has multiple meanings, its synonyms and related words vary depending on the specific context you are trying to convey. When 'crítico' is used to mean 'crucial' or 'decisive', several excellent alternatives exist. 'Crucial' is a direct cognate and functions almost identically in Spanish. 'Decisivo' (decisive) is another strong synonym, emphasizing that a moment or factor will determine the final outcome. 'Vital' (vital) and 'esencial' (essential) can also be used, though they lean more towards 'necessary for life or success' rather than 'a turning point'.

Synonyms for Crucial/Decisive: Words that emphasize importance and turning points.

Este es un momento decisivo para nuestra empresa; debemos actuar ahora.

When 'crítico' is used to describe someone who is judgmental or analytical, the synonyms change completely. 'Exigente' (demanding) is a good alternative for someone who has high standards and is quick to point out flaws. 'Analítico' (analytical) is perfect for describing someone who evaluates things deeply, without the negative connotation of being judgmental. If you want to emphasize the negative aspect of complaining or finding fault, 'quejumbroso' (complaining) or 'juzgador' (judgmental) might be more appropriate, though 'juzgador' is less common than simply saying 'alguien que juzga mucho'.

Synonyms for Judgmental/Analytical: Words that describe a person's attitude towards evaluating others or situations.

El profesor es muy exigente con la ortografía en los ensayos.

Tiene una mente muy analítica y siempre ve los detalles que otros ignoran.

In medical or emergency contexts, where 'crítico' means dangerous or life-threatening, synonyms include 'grave' (serious/severe) and 'peligroso' (dangerous). 'Grave' is extremely common in medical settings; a patient can be in 'estado grave' just as they can be in 'estado crítico', though 'crítico' usually implies a more immediate threat to life.

Synonyms for Dangerous/Severe: Words used in medical or emergency situations.

El accidente fue muy grave, pero afortunadamente todos sobrevivieron.

La situación en la frontera se ha vuelto extremadamente peligrosa en los últimos días.

Understanding the antonyms of 'crítico' is equally important. If 'crítico' means crucial, antonyms would be 'insignificante' (insignificant), 'trivial' (trivial), or 'intrascendente' (inconsequential). If it means judgmental, antonyms could be 'comprensivo' (understanding), 'tolerante' (tolerant), or 'indulgente' (lenient). If it means medically critical, antonyms would be 'estable' (stable) or 'fuera de peligro' (out of danger). By learning these related words, you build a richer, more interconnected vocabulary web that allows you to express exactly what you mean in any given situation, rather than relying on a single, potentially ambiguous word.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Ser vs. Estar with Adjectives

Formation of Adverbs (-mente)

Prepositions with Adjectives (crítico con)

False Friends (crítico vs. crítica)

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Exemples par niveau

El examen es muy crítico.

The exam is very critical/important.

Uses 'ser' to describe a characteristic of the exam.

Ella es una persona crítica.

She is a critical person.

Feminine singular agreement: crítica.

Es un momento crítico.

It is a critical moment.

Masculine singular agreement: crítico.

El problema es crítico.

The problem is critical.

Adjective follows the noun 'problema'.

Mi jefe es crítico.

My boss is critical.

Uses 'ser' for a personality trait.

La situación es crítica.

The situation is critical.

Feminine singular agreement with 'situación'.

Son días críticos.

They are critical days.

Masculine plural agreement: críticos.

El hombre está crítico.

The man is in critical condition.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary health state.

Estamos en un momento crítico del partido.

We are at a critical moment in the game.

Describes a crucial point in time.

Mi madre es muy crítica con mi ropa.

My mother is very critical of my clothes.

Uses 'con' to show what she is critical of.

El paciente llegó al hospital en estado crítico.

The patient arrived at the hospital in critical condition.

Common medical phrase: 'estado crítico'.

Fue un error crítico en el proyecto.

It was a critical error in the project.

Describes a mistake that has major consequences.

No seas tan crítico contigo mismo.

Don't be so critical of yourself.

Negative imperative with 'ser'.

La falta de agua es un problema crítico aquí.

The lack of water is a critical problem here.

Highlights the severity of an issue.

Tomar una decisión ahora es crítico.

Making a decision now is critical.

Used to emphasize importance.

Las próximas horas son críticas para él.

The next few hours are critical for him.

Feminine plural agreement: críticas.

El pensamiento crítico es esencial en la universidad.

Critical thinking is essential in college.

Common collocation: 'pensamiento crítico'.

El periodista hizo un análisis crítico de la economía.

The journalist made a critical analysis of the economy.

Used in an academic/analytical context.

La empresa se encuentra en una fase crítica de desarrollo.

The company is in a critical phase of development.

Describes a crucial stage.

Es importante ser crítico con la información que leemos en internet.

It is important to be critical of the information we read on the internet.

Uses 'ser crítico con' for evaluating information.

El estado de la carretera es crítico debido a la tormenta.

The condition of the road is critical due to the storm.

Describes a dangerous physical state.

Su apoyo fue un factor crítico para ganar las elecciones.

His support was a critical factor in winning the election.

Means 'decisive' or 'key'.

El comité evaluó críticamente todas las propuestas.

The committee critically evaluated all the proposals.

Adverbial form: 'críticamente'.

Aunque está estable, el paciente sigue en estado crítico.

Although stable, the patient remains in critical condition.

Contrasting 'estable' with 'crítico' in medicine.

Alcanzamos la masa crítica necesaria para iniciar el cambio social.

We reached the critical mass necessary to start social change.

Advanced collocation: 'masa crítica'.

El informe presenta una visión muy crítica de la gestión actual.

The report presents a very critical view of the current management.

Used to describe a document's tone.

En este punto crítico, cualquier error podría ser fatal.

At this critical point, any mistake could be fatal.

Emphasizes extreme risk and decisiveness.

Desarrollar un espíritu crítico te protege contra la manipulación.

Developing a critical spirit protects you against manipulation.

Abstract concept: 'espíritu crítico'.

La infraestructura del país se encuentra en un estado verdaderamente crítico.

The country's infrastructure is in a truly critical state.

Used for large-scale, severe problems.

El profesor nos pidió que leyéramos el texto de manera crítica.

The professor asked us to read the text critically.

Adverbial phrase 'de manera crítica'.

Su intervención fue crítica para evitar que el conflicto escalara.

His intervention was critical to prevent the conflict from escalating.

Means 'essential' or 'vital'.

Los niveles de contaminación han llegado a un límite crítico.

Pollution levels have reached a critical limit.

Describes a threshold of danger.

La teoría crítica ofrece un marco para cuestionar las estructuras de poder.

Critical theory offers a framework to question power structures.

Academic terminology: 'teoría crítica'.

El autor adopta una postura sumamente crítica frente al consumismo moderno.

The author adopts a highly critical stance towards modern consumerism.

Advanced phrasing: 'postura crítica frente a'.

Tras el colapso financiero, la economía global entró en una espiral crítica.

After the financial collapse, the global economy entered a critical spiral.

Metaphorical use describing a severe downturn.

Es imperativo abordar este asunto con el rigor crítico que merece.

It is imperative to address this issue with the critical rigor it deserves.

Sophisticated collocation: 'rigor crítico'.

El paciente experimentó una falla multiorgánica, manteniéndose en estado crítico.

The patient experienced multi-organ failure, remaining in critical condition.

Highly technical medical context.

La obra es una sátira mordaz y una revisión crítica de la historia oficial.

The play is a biting satire and a critical review of official history.

Literary analysis terminology.

El éxito de la misión depende de una sincronización crítica de los eventos.

The success of the mission depends on a critical synchronization of events.

Describes absolute necessity in a complex process.

Su silencio en ese momento fue interpretado como un juicio crítico.

His silence at that moment was interpreted as a critical judgment.

Abstract interpretation of behavior.

La deconstrucción del texto requiere un aparato crítico formidable.

The deconstruction of the text requires a formidable critical apparatus.

Highly specialized academic jargon: 'aparato crítico'.

Atravesamos una coyuntura crítica que definirá el devenir de la próxima década.

We are going through a critical juncture that will define the course of the next decade.

Elevated vocabulary: 'coyuntura crítica'.

El ensayista despliega una agudeza crítica sin parangón en la literatura contemporánea.

The essayist displays an unparalleled critical acuity in contemporary literature.

Literary and poetic phrasing.

La viabilidad del ecosistema pende de un hilo en este umbral crítico.

The viability of the ecosystem hangs by a thread at this critical threshold.

Scientific and environmental discourse.

Su exégesis es profundamente crítica, despojando al mito de su aura romántica.

His exegesis is profoundly critical, stripping the myth of its romantic aura.

Theological or philosophical analysis.

La hiperinflación llevó al país a una situación de asfixia económica crítica.

Hyperinflation led the country to a situation of critical economic asphyxiation.

Complex metaphorical language.

El paciente superó la fase crítica, aunque el pronóstico sigue siendo reservado.

The patient overcame the critical phase, although the prognosis remains guarded.

Advanced medical terminology and phrasing.

Esgrime un escepticismo crítico que dinamita cualquier intento de dogma.

He wields a critical skepticism that dynamites any attempt at dogma.

Highly figurative and sophisticated expression.

Collocations courantes

momento crítico

estado crítico

pensamiento crítico

situación crítica

punto crítico

análisis crítico

masa crítica

fase crítica

juicio crítico

mirada crítica

Phrases Courantes

estar en estado crítico

ser muy crítico con

llegar a un punto crítico

desarrollar el pensamiento crítico

una decisión crítica

un error crítico

un factor crítico

una situación económica crítica

evaluar críticamente

superar la fase crítica

Souvent confondu avec

crítico vs La crítica (noun: criticism/review)

crítico vs El crítico (noun: the critic/reviewer)

crítico vs Importante (adjective: important - less severe than crítico)

Expressions idiomatiques

"estar en la cuerda floja (related concept)"

"ser un tiquismiquis (related to being overly critical)"

"buscarle tres pies al gato (related to critical over-analysis)"

"poner los puntos sobre las íes (related to critical clarity)"

"estar al borde del abismo (related to critical situations)"

"jugar con fuego (related to critical danger)"

"ser el momento de la verdad (related to critical moments)"

"dar en el clavo (related to critical accuracy)"

"mirar con lupa (related to critical examination)"

"cortar por lo sano (related to critical decisions)"

Facile à confondre

crítico vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

prepositions

Always use 'con' (with) when expressing what someone is critical of, not 'de' (of).

ser vs estar

Crucial distinction: 'Ser crítico' = to be a critical person. 'Estar crítico' = to be in critical condition.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'crítico de' instead of 'crítico con'.
Using 'ser crítico' when meaning 'estar crítico' for a patient.
Forgetting the accent mark, turning it into the verb 'critico' (I criticize).
Using 'crítico' to mean 'a review' instead of using the noun 'crítica'.
Overusing it as a direct translation for 'important' in trivial situations.

Astuces

Watch the Gender

Always make sure 'crítico' matches the noun it describes. 'Un momento crítico' but 'una decisión crítica'.

Ser vs. Estar

Memorize: 'Ser crítico' = personality. 'Estar crítico' = health/situation. Mixing them up changes the meaning entirely.

Use 'Con'

If you are critical OF something, in Spanish you are critical WITH it: 'crítico con'.

Pensamiento Crítico

Learn the phrase 'pensamiento crítico' (critical thinking). It makes you sound very educated and fluent.

Don't Forget the Accent

The word is 'crítico', not 'critico'. Without the accent, 'critico' means 'I criticize' (present tense verb).

Medical Use

In a hospital, 'estado crítico' is the standard term for a life-threatening condition.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'crítico' for small things like forgetting your keys. Use 'importante' instead.

Masa Crítica

In business or sociology, 'masa crítica' (critical mass) is a great advanced phrase to use.

Crítico vs Crítica

Remember that 'una crítica' is a review or criticism, not a female who is crucial.

Stress the First Syllable

The stress is on the 'crí'. Practice saying CRÍ-ti-co to sound natural.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

A CRITIC (crítico) is CRITICAL of the CRITICAL situation.

Origine du mot

From Latin 'criticus', which comes from Ancient Greek 'kritikos' (able to make judgments), from 'krinein' (to separate, decide, judge).

Contexte culturel

In Spain, 'ser un crítico' can also colloquially refer to someone who complains a lot about minor things.

In many Latin American countries, 'situación crítica' is frequently used in news to describe economic hardships or political crises.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Te consideras una persona muy crítica?"

"¿Cuál crees que es el problema más crítico en tu ciudad?"

"¿Alguna vez has estado en una situación crítica?"

"¿Por qué es importante el pensamiento crítico?"

"¿Eres crítico con las películas que ves?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe un momento crítico en tu vida y cómo lo superaste.

Escribe sobre una persona que conoces que es muy crítica. ¿Cómo te hace sentir?

Analiza críticamente tu libro o película favorita.

¿Qué factores son críticos para tener éxito en el aprendizaje de idiomas?

Imagina que eres un médico informando sobre un paciente en estado crítico.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Crítico' is the masculine adjective, while 'crítica' is the feminine adjective. However, 'la crítica' is also a noun meaning 'criticism' or 'review', and 'el crítico' is a noun meaning 'the critic' (a person). Context and articles (el/la) help distinguish them.

Use 'ser crítico' to describe a permanent personality trait, meaning someone who judges or analyzes a lot. Use 'estar crítico' to describe a temporary state, usually a severe medical condition or a dangerous, unstable situation.

Yes, but it means 'extremely important' or 'crucial', often implying that the outcome depends on it. It is stronger than 'importante'. Using it for everyday things sounds overly dramatic.

The exact translation is 'pensamiento crítico'. This is a very common phrase in educational and professional contexts.

Not necessarily. When meaning 'crucial' or 'analytical', it is neutral or positive. However, when describing a person's attitude ('ser crítico'), it can have a negative connotation of being a complainer, unless specified as 'crítica constructiva'.

When expressing what someone is critical of, use the preposition 'con'. For example, 'Soy crítico con el sistema' (I am critical of the system). Do not use 'de'.

Take the feminine singular form ('crítica') and add the suffix '-mente' to get 'críticamente', which means 'critically'.

Yes, exactly like in English. 'Estado crítico' means 'critical condition', referring to a patient whose life is in immediate danger.

Yes, it always has a written accent (tilde) on the first 'i' (crítico) because the stress falls on the third-to-last syllable (esdrújula word).

Depending on the meaning, you can use 'crucial' or 'decisivo' (for important), 'exigente' or 'analítico' (for judgmental), and 'grave' or 'peligroso' (for dangerous).

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence describing a patient in critical condition.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'estar' and 'estado crítico'.