When something is destructivo/a, it means it causes a lot of damage.
Think of a big storm that breaks trees and houses. That storm is destructiva.
Or if a child breaks all their toys, we can say their play was destructivo.
It's like saying something is very harmful and can ruin things.
When something is destructivo/a, it means it causes a lot of damage. Think about something that breaks things completely, or makes them unusable. It's not just a little bit of damage, it's really bad and often can't be fixed. For example, a big storm can be destructivo/a because it knocks down trees and houses. A person's words can also be destructivas if they hurt someone's feelings a lot.
When something is destructivo/a, it causes a lot of damage, and often this damage cannot be fixed. Think about things like natural disasters or harmful actions that leave a lasting negative impact. It's an adjective, so it will change its ending to match the noun it describes. For example, a "destructive storm" would be "una tormenta destructiva."
When you're learning Spanish at a B2 level, you're moving beyond basic communication and starting to express more complex ideas. Understanding adjectives like "destructivo/a" is crucial for describing situations, people, or even abstract concepts with greater precision. It allows you to articulate the severe impact of something, which is a common need in more advanced conversations.
Using this word correctly shows your ability to distinguish between different degrees of negativity or harm, rather than just using a general term. It also demonstrates your grasp of gender agreement, as it changes from "destructivo" (masculine) to "destructiva" (feminine) to match the noun it modifies. Mastering such nuances is a hallmark of B2 proficiency.
When we talk about something or someone that's destructivo/a, we're focusing on its capacity to cause significant, lasting damage. This isn't just about breaking something; it's about a deep, often irreversible impact. Think of a natural disaster that levels a town, leaving behind a paisaje destructivo. Or, in a more personal context, consider a habit that slowly erodes one's health, which could be described as having a efecto destructivo. The term implies a level of severity that goes beyond simple harm, suggesting a profound and often ruinous consequence.
destructivo/a en 30 secondes
- destructive
- damaging
- ruinous
§ Understanding 'Destructivo/a'
The Spanish adjective 'destructivo/a' is pretty straightforward. It means 'destructive' in English. Just like in English, it's used to describe something that causes significant and often irreversible damage. The ending changes based on the gender of the noun it modifies: 'destructivo' for masculine nouns and 'destructiva' for feminine nouns. Pay attention to that 'o' or 'a' ending.
- Definition
- Causing great and irreparable damage or harm.
§ Where you actually hear this word
You'll encounter 'destructivo/a' in a variety of contexts, especially when talking about events, behaviors, or even policies that have a negative impact. Let's look at some common scenarios.
§ In the news
News reports often use 'destructivo/a' to describe natural disasters, conflicts, or economic downturns. It’s a strong word that conveys the severity of the situation.
El huracán fue destructivo para la costa. (The hurricane was destructive for the coast.)
Las políticas económicas resultaron ser destructivas para el empleo. (The economic policies turned out to be destructive for employment.)
§ In psychology and behavior
When discussing human behavior, 'destructivo/a' is often used to describe actions or patterns that harm oneself or others. This could be in a psychological context, or just in everyday conversation about bad habits.
Self-destructive behavior: conducta autodestructiva
Destructive criticism: crítica destructiva
Su hábito de mentir es muy destructivo para sus relaciones. (His habit of lying is very destructive for his relationships.)
Evita la crítica destructiva en el trabajo. (Avoid destructive criticism at work.)
§ In everyday conversation
Even in less formal settings, you'll hear 'destructivo/a' to describe anything that causes significant problems or breakdowns.
Ese tipo de comentarios es destructivo para la moral del equipo. (That kind of comment is destructive to team morale.)
Fue un incendio muy destructivo en el bosque. (It was a very destructive fire in the forest.)
§ Key takeaways for 'destructivo/a'
To sum it up, 'destructivo/a' is a versatile adjective you'll hear and use frequently:
- It means 'destructive' and implies significant, often irreparable, damage.
- Remember to match the ending ('-o' or '-a') to the gender of the noun.
- It's common in news, psychology, and general conversations about negative impacts.
By paying attention to these common uses, you'll start to recognize and confidently use 'destructivo/a' in your Spanish conversations and comprehension.
§ Understanding Gender Agreement
One of the most common mistakes when using "destructivo/a" is forgetting about gender agreement. In Spanish, adjectives must match the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun they describe. "Destructivo" is for masculine singular nouns, and "destructiva" is for feminine singular nouns.
- Correct Use - Masculine Singular
- El huracán fue destructivo.
The hurricane was destructive.
- Correct Use - Feminine Singular
- La tormenta fue destructiva.
The storm was destructive.
§ Plural Forms
The same rule applies to plural forms. If you're describing multiple masculine nouns, you'll use "destructivos." For multiple feminine nouns, use "destructivas."
- Correct Use - Masculine Plural
- Los fuegos fueron muy destructivos.
The fires were very destructive.
- Correct Use - Feminine Plural
- Las inundaciones fueron destructivas.
The floods were destructive.
§ Overusing the Word
While "destructivo/a" is a strong word, it's important not to overuse it. Sometimes, other words might be more appropriate depending on the intensity of the damage or harm. For example, if the damage isn't "irreparable," you might choose a less absolute term.
- Alternative - Dañino/a (Harmful)
- Fumar es dañino para la salud.
Smoking is harmful to health.
- Alternative - Nocivo/a (Noxious/Pernicious)
- Esas sustancias son nocivas para el medio ambiente.
Those substances are noxious to the environment.
§ Confusing with "Destrozado/a"
Sometimes learners confuse "destructivo/a" (an adjective describing something that causes destruction) with "destrozado/a" (a past participle used as an adjective meaning 'destroyed' or 'shattered'). While related, they are used differently.
- Destructivo/a (adjective - causing destruction)
- Su crítica fue muy destructiva.
His criticism was very destructive.
- Destrozado/a (past participle - destroyed/shattered)
- El coche quedó destrozado después del accidente.
The car was destroyed after the accident.
- It's easy to mix these up because they come from the same root verb, destruir (to destroy).
- Focus on what each word emphasizes: the *cause* of destruction versus the *result* of destruction.
§ Placement of the Adjective
In Spanish, adjectives often come after the noun they describe, especially when they provide a distinguishing characteristic. While not always a 'mistake' to place it before, placing "destructivo/a" after the noun is generally more natural and common.
- Typical Placement
- Fue un incendio destructivo.
It was a destructive fire.
Le savais-tu ?
The root 'struere' means 'to build' in Latin, so 'de-struere' literally means 'to un-build'.
Niveau de difficulté
short and similar to English
short and similar to English
short and similar to English
short and similar to English
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Spanish adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. For 'destructivo/a', this means using 'destructivo' for masculine singular nouns and 'destructiva' for feminine singular nouns. For plural nouns, it would be 'destructivos' (masculine) or 'destructivas' (feminine).
El huracán fue muy destructivo. (The hurricane was very destructive.) La política es destructiva. (The policy is destructive.)
Adjectives typically come after the noun in Spanish, especially descriptive adjectives like 'destructivo/a'.
Fue una fuerza destructiva. (It was a destructive force.)
'Muy' is used before adjectives to intensify them, meaning 'very'.
Sus palabras fueron muy destructivas. (His words were very destructive.)
The verb 'ser' (to be) is used with adjectives to describe inherent qualities or characteristics. 'Destructivo/a' describes a quality, so 'ser' is appropriate.
El fuego es destructivo. (Fire is destructive.)
To express 'more destructive' or 'less destructive', use 'más destructivo/a que' or 'menos destructivo/a que'.
El terremoto fue más destructivo que la tormenta. (The earthquake was more destructive than the storm.)
Exemples par niveau
El fuego fue muy destructivo.
The fire was very destructive.
Here 'destructivo' agrees with 'fuego' (masculine singular).
Sus palabras fueron destructivas para su amistad.
Her words were destructive to their friendship.
'Destructivas' agrees with 'palabras' (feminine plural).
Es una fuerza destructiva de la naturaleza.
It is a destructive force of nature.
'Destructiva' agrees with 'fuerza' (feminine singular).
No seas tan destructivo con tus juguetes.
Don't be so destructive with your toys.
'Destructivo' agrees with 'tú' (masculine singular implied for the person being addressed).
El terremoto causó un daño destructivo.
The earthquake caused destructive damage.
'Destructivo' agrees with 'daño' (masculine singular).
Evita los pensamientos destructivos.
Avoid destructive thoughts.
'Destructivos' agrees with 'pensamientos' (masculine plural).
La tormenta fue destructiva para los cultivos.
The storm was destructive to the crops.
'Destructiva' agrees with 'tormenta' (feminine singular).
Este comportamiento es destructivo.
This behavior is destructive.
'Destructivo' agrees with 'comportamiento' (masculine singular).
El fuego fue destructivo para la casa.
The fire was destructive to the house.
Sus palabras eran muy destructivas para mi confianza.
His words were very destructive to my confidence.
La tormenta fue destructiva, rompiendo muchos árboles.
The storm was destructive, breaking many trees.
Es un comportamiento destructivo para él mismo.
It is a destructive behavior for himself.
Las inundaciones fueron destructivas para los cultivos.
The floods were destructive to the crops.
Tiene una actitud muy destructiva a veces.
He has a very destructive attitude sometimes.
Ese tipo de crítica es destructiva, no útil.
That type of criticism is destructive, not helpful.
El huracán fue destructivo en toda la costa.
The hurricane was destructive along the entire coast.
La tormenta fue muy destructiva, dejando a su paso muchos hogares dañados.
The storm was very destructive, leaving many damaged homes in its wake.
Here, 'destructiva' agrees in gender and number with 'tormenta' (feminine, singular).
Sus comentarios destructivos afectaron la moral del equipo.
His destructive comments affected the team's morale.
'Destructivos' agrees with 'comentarios' (masculine, plural).
Es importante evitar patrones de pensamiento destructivos.
It's important to avoid destructive thought patterns.
'Destructivos' modifies 'patrones' (masculine, plural).
La deforestación tiene un efecto destructivo en el medio ambiente.
Deforestation has a destructive effect on the environment.
'Destructivo' agrees with 'efecto' (masculine, singular).
Su adicción al juego era destructiva para sus finanzas personales.
His gambling addiction was destructive to his personal finances.
'Destructiva' agrees with 'adicción' (feminine, singular).
La crítica constructiva es buena, pero la crítica destructiva no ayuda a nadie.
Constructive criticism is good, but destructive criticism helps no one.
'Destructiva' agrees with 'crítica' (feminine, singular).
Los niños a veces pueden ser destructivos sin intención.
Children can sometimes be destructive unintentionally.
'Destructivos' agrees with 'niños' (masculine, plural).
Una relación abusiva puede ser extremadamente destructiva para la salud mental.
An abusive relationship can be extremely destructive to mental health.
'Destructiva' agrees with 'relación' (feminine, singular).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Fue una fuerza destructiva que arrasó con todo.
It was a destructive force that swept away everything.
Sus comentarios fueron muy destructivos para mi autoestima.
His comments were very destructive to my self-esteem.
Tiene un patrón de comportamiento autodestructivo.
He has a self-destructive behavior pattern.
La crítica destructiva no ayuda a nadie a mejorar.
Destructive criticism doesn't help anyone improve.
Los incendios forestales son cada vez más destructivos.
Forest fires are increasingly destructive.
Su relación era tóxica y destructiva.
Their relationship was toxic and destructive.
El terremoto causó daños destructivos en la ciudad.
The earthquake caused destructive damage in the city.
No dejes que los pensamientos destructivos controlen tu mente.
Don't let destructive thoughts control your mind.
La plaga fue destructiva para las cosechas.
The plague was destructive to the crops.
Evita los hábitos destructivos que dañan tu salud.
Avoid destructive habits that harm your health.
Souvent confondu avec
While 'destrozar' means to destroy or smash, it's a verb and 'destructivo/a' is an adjective. They are related but different parts of speech. 'Destrozar' refers to the action of causing destruction.
'Ruinoso/a' means ruinous or dilapidated, often referring to a state of decay or being in ruins. 'Destructivo/a' describes the agent or action that causes this state, rather than the state itself.
'Perder' means to lose, which can imply something is gone or damaged. However, 'perder' focuses on the act of losing possession or something ceasing to exist, while 'destructivo/a' emphasizes the active causing of damage or ruin.
Modèles grammaticaux
Expressions idiomatiques
"ser un arma de doble filo"
To be a double-edged sword
El éxito sin humildad puede ser un arma de doble filo. (Success without humility can be a double-edged sword.)
neutral"cortar de raíz"
To nip in the bud / to cut off at the root
Tenemos que cortar de raíz este problema antes de que sea más grande. (We have to nip this problem in the bud before it gets bigger.)
neutral"echar a perder"
To spoil / to ruin
No quiero echar a perder la sorpresa. (I don't want to spoil the surprise.)
neutral"irse al traste"
To go to rack and ruin / to fall apart
Todos sus planes se fueron al traste. (All his plans fell apart.)
informal"hacer estragos"
To wreak havoc
La tormenta hizo estragos en la costa. (The storm wreaked havoc on the coast.)
formal"ser la ruina de alguien"
To be someone's ruin
Su adicción al juego fue su ruina. (His gambling addiction was his ruin.)
neutral"poner todo patas arriba"
To turn everything upside down / to mess everything up
Los niños pusieron todo patas arriba en la casa. (The kids turned everything upside down in the house.)
informal"causar daños irreparables"
To cause irreparable damage
Las inundaciones causaron daños irreparables en la infraestructura. (The floods caused irreparable damage to the infrastructure.)
formal"destrozar los sueños de alguien"
To shatter someone's dreams
La noticia destrozó los sueños de la joven. (The news shattered the young woman's dreams.)
neutral"ir cuesta abajo sin frenos"
To go downhill fast (literally, 'without brakes')
Desde que perdió su trabajo, su vida ha ido cuesta abajo sin frenos. (Since he lost his job, his life has been going downhill fast.)
informalFacile à confondre
Both 'destructivo/a' and 'dañino/a' describe something that causes harm. However, 'dañino/a' is broader and can refer to any degree of harm, while 'destructivo/a' implies severe and often irreparable damage.
'Dañino/a' (harmful) implies any degree of negative impact, from slight to severe. 'Destructivo/a' (destructive) specifically means causing significant, often irreversible, damage.
Fumar es dañino para la salud. (Smoking is harmful to health.) La deforestación es destructiva para el medio ambiente. (Deforestation is destructive to the environment.)
Similar to 'dañino/a', 'perjudicial' means detrimental or harmful. The confusion arises because both can describe negative effects. 'Perjudicial' often focuses on the negative consequences to a person or entity, while 'destructivo/a' emphasizes the act of destruction itself.
'Perjudicial' (detrimental) often refers to something that is disadvantageous or damaging to well-being, reputation, or interests. 'Destructivo/a' focuses on physical or structural destruction.
El chisme es perjudicial para las relaciones. (Gossip is detrimental to relationships.) Un incendio puede ser destructivo para un edificio. (A fire can be destructive to a building.)
Like 'dañino/a' and 'perjudicial', 'nocivo/a' also means harmful or noxious. The nuance lies in 'nocivo/a' often referring to something inherently toxic or injurious, particularly in a chemical or biological sense.
'Nocivo/a' (noxious/harmful) often implies something inherently toxic, poisonous, or injurious, especially in a health or environmental context. 'Destructivo/a' focuses on the act of causing ruin or widespread damage.
Las sustancias químicas nocivas deben manejarse con cuidado. (Noxious chemicals must be handled with care.) La guerra fue destructiva para la ciudad. (The war was destructive for the city.)
Both words describe severe damage. However, 'devastador/a' (devastating) often implies a wider, more overwhelming impact, often emotionally or environmentally, whereas 'destructivo/a' can be more narrowly focused on the physical act of destruction.
'Devastador/a' (devastating) suggests an overwhelming and widespread destructive effect, often implying a sense of desolation or ruin over a large area or emotionally. 'Destructivo/a' focuses on the action of destroying or causing severe damage.
El terremoto fue devastador para la región. (The earthquake was devastating for the region.) Las termitas son destructivas para la madera. (Termites are destructive to wood.)
'Aniquilador/a' (annihilating) and 'destructivo/a' both suggest complete obliteration. The key difference is that 'aniquilador/a' almost always implies total eradication or complete destruction, leaving nothing behind, while 'destructivo/a' can describe severe damage without necessarily implying total annihilation.
'Aniquilador/a' (annihilating) means utterly destroying, wiping out completely. 'Destructivo/a' means causing great damage, which can lead to ruin but doesn't always imply complete eradication.
La explosión tuvo un efecto aniquilador en todo lo que la rodeaba. (The explosion had an annihilating effect on everything around it.) La crítica fue destructiva para su autoestima. (The criticism was destructive to his self-esteem.)
Structures de phrases
Ser [destructivo/a]
El perro es destructivo. (The dog is destructive.)
Tener un efecto [destructivo/a] en [noun]
La guerra tuvo un efecto destructivo en la ciudad. (The war had a destructive effect on the city.)
Comportarse de manera [destructivo/a]
Se comporta de manera destructiva cuando está enojado. (He behaves destructively when he's angry.)
[noun] es [adverb] [destructivo/a]
El impacto fue increíblemente destructivo. (The impact was incredibly destructive.)
Ser propenso/a a ser [destructivo/a]
Es propenso a ser destructivo con sus juguetes. (He is prone to being destructive with his toys.)
[verb] de forma [destructivo/a]
Destruyeron el edificio de forma destructiva. (They destructively destroyed the building.)
La naturaleza [destructivo/a] de [noun]
La naturaleza destructiva del fuego es innegable. (The destructive nature of fire is undeniable.)
Atribuir [comportamiento] a una actitud [destructivo/a]
Atribuyen su mal comportamiento a una actitud destructiva. (They attribute his bad behavior to a destructive attitude.)
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'destroyer' ship, which is very 'destructive'. The Spanish word sounds similar to 'destroyer'.
Association visuelle
Picture a wrecking ball smashing into a building. The building is being 'destructivo/a'.
Word Web
Défi
Describe three things that can be 'destructivo/a' in nature, using full Spanish sentences. For example, 'El terremoto fue muy destructivo.'
Origine du mot
Latin 'destructivus'
Sens originel : that which destroys or pulls down
Indo-European (Italic branch)Contexte culturel
When describing a person, 'destructivo/a' in Spanish often implies more than just physical damage. It can refer to someone who is self-destructive or whose actions harm relationships or personal well-being. It's a strong word, so use it carefully.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Destructivo' is an adjective describing something that causes destruction, like a 'comentario destructivo' (a destructive comment). 'Destrozado' is the past participle of 'destrozar' (to destroy completely) and often means something is in a state of being destroyed or ruined, like 'la casa está destrozada' (the house is destroyed).
Both refer to harm. 'Destructivo' implies a more severe, often irreparable, type of damage or harm. Think 'total devastation.' 'Dañino' is more general and can refer to any kind of harm, even minor. For example, 'el sol es dañino para la piel' (the sun is harmful to the skin) – it's harmful, but not necessarily 'destructive' in the same way an earthquake is.
Absolutely. You can talk about a 'relación destructiva' (a destructive relationship) or 'pensamientos destructivos' (destructive thoughts). It's very common in this context to describe something that seriously damages a person's well-being.
The feminine form is 'destructiva'. Remember that Spanish adjectives often change their ending to match the gender of the noun they describe. For example, 'un comportamiento destructivo' (a destructive behavior) but 'una fuerza destructiva' (a destructive force).
Good question! You'll often hear it with words like:
- crítica destructiva (destructive criticism)
- comportamiento destructivo (destructive behavior)
- fuerza destructiva (destructive force)
- efecto destructivo (destructive effect)
- hábito destructivo (destructive habit)
- guerra destructiva (destructive war)
'Destructivo' almost always carries a negative connotation because it implies causing severe harm or damage. There isn't really a positive or neutral usage for it.
You would say 'autodestructivo/a'. It follows the same pattern as English. For example, 'un comportamiento autodestructivo' (a self-destructive behavior).
Yes, the main verb is 'destruir' (to destroy). From 'destruir' you get 'destructivo/a' (the adjective) and 'destrucción' (the noun, meaning destruction). They all come from the same root.
Some good synonyms, depending on the context, are 'devastador/a' (devastating), 'ruinoso/a' (ruinous), or 'aniquilador/a' (annihilating). 'Devastador' is probably the closest in meaning when referring to widespread, severe damage.
Yes, it can. If you describe a person as 'destructivo/a', it means their actions or personality tend to cause significant harm or ruin, often to themselves or others. For example, 'Él es una persona destructiva en las relaciones' (He is a destructive person in relationships).
Teste-toi 84 questions
El perro fue ___ y rompió los zapatos.
The dog was destructive and broke the shoes. 'Destructivo' fits the context of breaking things.
Esa tormenta fue muy ___, causó muchos daños.
That storm was very destructive, it caused a lot of damage. 'Destructiva' (feminine form for 'tormenta') fits the context of causing damage.
Los niños pueden ser ___ si no tienen juguetes.
Children can be destructive if they don't have toys. 'Destructivos' (plural masculine for 'niños') fits the context of causing damage.
El fuego fue ___ para la casa.
The fire was destructive for the house. 'Destructivo' fits the context of causing harm to the house.
No seas ___ con tus cosas, cuídalas.
Don't be destructive with your things, take care of them. 'Destructivo' fits the context of not taking care of things.
La actitud ___ de Juan causó problemas.
Juan's destructive attitude caused problems. 'Destructiva' (feminine for 'actitud') fits the context of causing problems.
Choose the word that means 'causing great and irreparable damage or harm'.
The word 'destructivo' means causing great and irreparable damage or harm.
Which word best completes the sentence: 'El fuego fue muy ____.' (The fire was very ____.)
A fire can cause great damage, so 'destructivo' is the best fit.
If something is 'destructivo', it causes a lot of:
'Destructivo' means causing damage or harm, which is 'daño' in Spanish.
Una persona destructiva es buena para construir cosas. (A destructive person is good at building things.)
A destructive person causes harm or damage, they are not good at building things.
El viento fuerte puede ser destructivo para los árboles. (Strong wind can be destructive to trees.)
Strong wind can cause great damage to trees.
Jugar con un gato es destructivo. (Playing with a cat is destructive.)
Playing with a cat is generally not considered destructive.
Greeting
Farewell
Thank you
Read this aloud:
Hola.
Focus: o-la
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Adiós.
Focus: a-dyos
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Gracias.
Focus: gra-syas
Tu as dit :
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Describe una situación donde las palabras pueden ser destructivas.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A veces, las palabras pueden ser muy destructivas. Si decimos cosas malas a nuestros amigos, podemos dañar sus sentimientos y destruir la amistad. Es mejor pensar antes de hablar.
Imagina que un niño está jugando de forma destructiva. ¿Qué hace?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El niño no cuida sus juguetes. Él los lanza y los rompe. Su juego es muy destructivo. Sus padres están tristes porque él no respeta sus cosas.
Escribe una frase sobre algo que es destructivo para el medio ambiente.
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Sample answer
La contaminación es muy destructiva para el medio ambiente. Los coches y las fábricas contaminan el aire y el agua, causando mucho daño a la naturaleza.
¿Qué puede ser destructivo en el bosque?
Read this passage:
El fuego es muy peligroso. Un fuego en el bosque puede ser destructivo y quemar muchos árboles. Los animales pierden sus casas y la naturaleza sufre mucho.
¿Qué puede ser destructivo en el bosque?
El pasaje dice que 'Un fuego en el bosque puede ser destructivo'.
El pasaje dice que 'Un fuego en el bosque puede ser destructivo'.
¿Qué tipo de daño puede causar una tormenta destructiva?
Read this passage:
Una tormenta fuerte puede ser destructiva. Puede derribar árboles y dañar casas. Después de la tormenta, hay mucho trabajo para reparar todo.
¿Qué tipo de daño puede causar una tormenta destructiva?
El pasaje menciona que la tormenta 'Puede derribar árboles y dañar casas'.
El pasaje menciona que la tormenta 'Puede derribar árboles y dañar casas'.
¿Qué puede ser destructivo para las relaciones?
Read this passage:
El mal humor constante puede ser destructivo para las relaciones. Si siempre estamos enojados o tristes, las personas no quieren estar cerca de nosotros. Es importante ser positivo.
¿Qué puede ser destructivo para las relaciones?
El pasaje dice que 'El mal humor constante puede ser destructivo para las relaciones'.
El pasaje dice que 'El mal humor constante puede ser destructivo para las relaciones'.
This sentence describes the destructive nature of the fire.
This sentence describes someone with a destructive attitude.
This sentence talks about very destructive winds.
Choose the best translation for 'destructivo/a'.
The Spanish word 'destructivo/a' directly translates to 'destructive' in English.
Which word is an antonym (opposite) of 'destructivo/a'?
'Constructivo/a' (constructive) is the opposite of 'destructivo/a' (destructive).
My cat is very _____; he breaks everything.
Since 'gato' (cat) is masculine singular, the adjective 'destructivo' (masculine singular) is correct.
The sentence 'El huracán fue muy destructivo para la ciudad' means 'The hurricane was very constructive for the city.'
The word 'destructivo' means destructive, not constructive. So, the sentence means 'The hurricane was very destructive for the city.'
If something is 'destructiva', it causes damage.
'Destructiva' means causing damage or harm.
The phrase 'una crítica destructiva' means 'a helpful criticism'.
'Una crítica destructiva' means 'a destructive criticism', implying it is not helpful but rather harmful.
The storm was very damaging.
His comments were harmful to the team.
The fire left a devastating landscape.
Read this aloud:
La sequía es muy destructiva para los cultivos.
Focus: des-truk-TEE-va
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Esa actitud puede ser destructiva para tu amistad.
Focus: des-truk-TEE-va
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Las inundaciones fueron destructivas en la región.
Focus: des-truk-TEE-vas
Tu as dit :
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Describe a situation where someone's actions could be considered 'destructivo/a'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La tormenta fue destructiva para las casas de la costa. (The storm was destructive to the houses on the coast.)
Imagine you are talking about a bad habit. How would you describe its 'destructive' nature?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Fumar es un hábito muy destructivo para la salud. (Smoking is a very destructive habit for health.)
Write a sentence using 'destructivo/a' to describe something that harms the environment.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La contaminación tiene un efecto destructivo en el medio ambiente. (Pollution has a destructive effect on the environment.)
¿Qué causó que los animales se quedaran sin hogar?
Read this passage:
El incendio en el bosque fue muy destructivo. Quemó muchos árboles y dejó a muchos animales sin hogar. La recuperación del área tomará mucho tiempo.
¿Qué causó que los animales se quedaran sin hogar?
El pasaje indica que 'El incendio en el bosque fue muy destructivo' y 'dejó a muchos animales sin hogar'. (The passage indicates that 'The forest fire was very destructive' and 'left many animals homeless.')
El pasaje indica que 'El incendio en el bosque fue muy destructivo' y 'dejó a muchos animales sin hogar'. (The passage indicates that 'The forest fire was very destructive' and 'left many animals homeless.')
¿Qué pueden dañar las palabras destructivas?
Read this passage:
A veces, las palabras pueden ser destructivas. Un comentario negativo puede dañar la autoestima de una persona. Es importante pensar antes de hablar.
¿Qué pueden dañar las palabras destructivas?
El pasaje menciona que 'Un comentario negativo puede dañar la autoestima de una persona'. (The passage mentions that 'A negative comment can damage a person's self-esteem.')
El pasaje menciona que 'Un comentario negativo puede dañar la autoestima de una persona'. (The passage mentions that 'A negative comment can damage a person's self-esteem.')
¿Qué sufrió daños severos debido al terremoto?
Read this passage:
El terremoto tuvo un impacto destructivo en la ciudad. Muchos edificios se derrumbaron y la infraestructura sufrió daños severos. La reconstrucción será un gran desafío.
¿Qué sufrió daños severos debido al terremoto?
El pasaje dice que 'la infraestructura sufrió daños severos'. (The passage states that 'the infrastructure suffered severe damage.')
El pasaje dice que 'la infraestructura sufrió daños severos'. (The passage states that 'the infrastructure suffered severe damage.')
The storm was very destructive.
His study habits are destructive.
Avoid destructive thoughts.
Read this aloud:
La deforestación tiene efectos destructivos en el medio ambiente.
Focus: des-truc-ti-vos
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Una crítica destructiva puede dañar la autoestima de una persona.
Focus: des-truc-ti-va
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Esas políticas económicas tuvieron un impacto destructivo en la economía local.
Focus: des-truc-ti-vo
Tu as dit :
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Las políticas económicas implementadas resultaron ser _____ para la estabilidad financiera del país. (The economic policies implemented turned out to be _____ for the country's financial stability.)
The context implies negative consequences for financial stability, making 'destructivas' the appropriate choice.
El debate interno en el partido fue tan _____ que amenazó con dividir a sus miembros. (The internal debate in the party was so _____ that it threatened to divide its members.)
A debate that threatens to divide members is clearly 'destructivo'.
La falta de comunicación puede ser _____ para cualquier relación interpersonal, erosionando la confianza. (Lack of communication can be _____ for any interpersonal relationship, eroding trust.)
While 'destructiva' would also fit, 'perjudicial' (harmful) is a strong synonym and often used in this context at C1.
Sus comentarios, aunque bien intencionados, tuvieron un efecto _____ en la moral del equipo. (His comments, though well-intentioned, had a _____ effect on the team's morale.)
A 'destructivo' effect on morale would be 'desmoralizador'.
El impacto del cambio climático en los ecosistemas costeros es profundamente _____, alterando sus ciclos naturales. (The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems is profoundly _____, altering their natural cycles.)
A 'destructivo' impact on ecosystems is 'catastrófico'.
La crítica constante, sin ofrecer soluciones, puede ser increíblemente _____ para la creatividad de un artista. (Constant criticism, without offering solutions, can be incredibly _____ for an artist's creativity.)
Something that destroys creativity is 'aniquiladora'.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a 'situación destructiva'?
A 'situación destructiva' involves significant, often irreparable, damage. A natural disaster fits this description perfectly.
If someone describes a policy as 'destructiva para la economía', what do they likely mean?
To be 'destructiva para la economía' means to cause substantial and damaging effects to it.
Which of these phrases is NOT a suitable synonym for 'destructivo/a' in most contexts?
'Beneficioso/a' is the opposite of 'destructivo/a', as it implies positive effects rather than negative ones.
A 'comportamiento destructivo' (destructive behavior) always leads to physical damage.
Destructive behavior can also lead to emotional, psychological, or relational damage, not just physical.
The use of 'destructivo/a' often implies a sense of permanence or severe difficulty in recovery.
The definition of 'destructivo/a' emphasizes 'irreparable damage or harm', implying lasting effects.
If a critique is described as 'constructiva' (constructive), it is the same as being 'destructiva'.
'Constructiva' implies building up or improving, while 'destructiva' implies tearing down or causing harm. They are antonyms.
The storm's impact on crops.
The effect of criticism on self-esteem.
The impact of flames on an old building.
Read this aloud:
El uso excesivo de ciertos productos químicos puede ser destructivo para el medio ambiente.
Focus: destructivo, medio ambiente
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
No quiero tener una relación destructiva; busco algo sano y positivo.
Focus: relación destructiva, sano y positivo
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
La falta de comunicación puede ser destructiva en cualquier equipo de trabajo.
Focus: falta de comunicación, destructiva, equipo de trabajo
Tu as dit :
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Choose the word that best completes the sentence: El comportamiento del joven era tan ___ que nadie quería acercarse a él.
The sentence implies a negative behavior that would make people avoid him, and 'destructivo' (destructive) fits this context perfectly.
Which of the following situations is most likely to be described as 'destructiva'?
'Destructiva' refers to something causing great damage, which a wildfire certainly does to a forest.
Selecciona la opción que NO es un sinónimo cercano de 'destructivo/a'.
'Beneficioso/a' means beneficial, which is the opposite of 'destructivo/a'. The other options are synonyms.
Es posible que una crítica constructiva sea en realidad destructiva si se entrega con malas intenciones.
While 'constructive criticism' is meant to be helpful, the intention and manner of delivery can turn it into something 'destructive' if it aims to harm rather than improve.
Una persona 'destructiva' siempre tiene la intención de causar daño físico.
A 'destructive' person can cause emotional, psychological, or social harm, not just physical damage.
El cambio climático tiene efectos destructivos en el medio ambiente.
Climate change is known to cause widespread and severe damage to ecosystems, weather patterns, and biodiversity, fitting the definition of 'destructivos'.
This sentence discusses how economic policies can have a profound negative impact on society, using 'destructivas' in a metaphorical sense.
This sentence highlights the severe negative consequences of misinformation on public trust and democratic stability.
This sentence addresses the environmental harm caused by the overuse of pesticides, applying 'destructivo' to ecological damage.
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
"Destructivo/a" describes anything that causes significant and unfixable harm.
- destructive
- damaging
- ruinous
Exemple
La falta de comunicación puede ser muy destructiva para una relación.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur academic
a fin de
B1In order to; with the aim of.
a mi parecer
B1In my opinion; to my mind.
a partir de
B1Starting from; based on; as of.
abordar
B2To address or tackle a topic, problem, or situation. In a literal sense, it can also mean to board a ship or approach someone to speak.
abstracción
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstractamente
B1In an abstract manner; in theory rather than in practice.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstracto/a
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
abstraer
B1To extract or remove (something); to form a general idea or quality.
académicamente
B2In an academic manner; in terms of academic performance or study.
