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comentario

B1 noun 10 min read

comentario

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips comentario in 30 Seconds

Explanation comentario in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'comentario' means 'comment'. You will mostly see it on social media buttons or hear it in very simple sentences. For example, 'Un comentario bueno' (A good comment). At this stage, you should focus on the fact that it is a masculine noun ('el comentario') and that it is very similar to the English word, which makes it an easy 'cognate' to remember. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just know that if you see it on a screen, it's where people write their thoughts. You might also learn the basic phrase 'Sin comentarios' as a fun way to say 'No comment' when you don't want to answer a question.

By A2, you should start using 'comentario' with basic verbs like 'hacer' (to make) and 'escribir' (to write). You should be able to describe a comment using simple adjectives like 'bonito' (pretty/nice), 'malo' (bad), or 'interesante' (interesting). You will also encounter the plural 'comentarios' more frequently. You should understand that 'hacer un comentario' is the standard way to say 'to make a comment'. You might also start seeing it in context of school, like a teacher saying 'Leí tu comentario' (I read your comment). It is important to start noticing that we use the preposition 'sobre' to say what the comment is about.

At B1, you are expected to use 'comentario' in a variety of contexts, including professional and academic settings. You should be comfortable with phrases like 'comentario de texto' (text analysis) and understand that the word can imply more than just a quick remark. You should use more precise adjectives like 'constructivo' (constructive), 'apropiado' (appropriate), or 'sarcástico' (sarcastic). You should also be able to use the word in the subjunctive or past tenses, such as 'Me molestó que hiciera ese comentario' (It bothered me that he made that comment). At this level, you understand the difference between a casual 'comentario' and a more formal 'opinión' or 'observación'.

At the B2 level, you should be aware of the nuances of 'comentario'. You understand how it can be used for social commentary, literary analysis, or even legal notes. You should be able to use idiomatic expressions or more complex collocations like 'comentario mordaz' (biting remark) or 'comentario al margen' (side note). You are also expected to recognize the word in media contexts, such as 'el comentario editorial' (editorial commentary). Your ability to use the word should feel natural, and you should rarely make the mistake of using 'decir' instead of 'hacer'. You also understand the cultural weight of certain comments in different Spanish-speaking regions.

At C1, you use 'comentario' with total precision. You can distinguish it from 'glosa', 'acotación', or 'escolio'. You use it to discuss complex topics, such as 'el comentario social en la literatura del siglo XIX'. You are aware of its historical usage, such as in the 'Comentarios Reales'. You can use the word to describe subtle social interactions, like 'un comentario velado' (a veiled remark). You also understand how the word functions in different registers, from the highly formal academic 'comentario crítico' to the informal 'comentario de pasillo' (hallway gossip/talk). Your vocabulary is rich enough to replace 'comentario' with more specific terms when necessary.

At the C2 level, 'comentario' is a tool you wield with absolute mastery. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved in the Spanish language. You can engage in deep literary analysis, providing a 'comentario filológico' of a text. You understand the philosophical implications of 'commentary' as a genre. You can navigate any professional or legal document where 'comentarios' might refer to specific clauses or observations. You are also sensitive to the most subtle tones—irony, double entendre, or cultural references—contained within a single 'comentario'. You could write a thesis on the evolution of 'el comentario' in digital spaces and its impact on modern Spanish syntax.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

comentario in 30 Seconds

A masculine noun meaning 'comment', 'remark', or 'feedback'.
Used with the verb 'hacer' (to make) rather than 'decir' (to say).
Essential for social media (comment sections) and academic analysis.
Can be neutral, positive (constructivo), or negative (mordaz).

The Spanish word comentario is a versatile masculine noun that translates primarily to 'comment' or 'remark' in English. At its core, it represents an expression of an opinion, a reaction, or an observation regarding a specific subject. Whether you are scrolling through social media, participating in a business meeting, or analyzing a piece of literature, the word comentario will inevitably surface as the primary vehicle for human feedback. In the digital age, its usage has exploded; every 'comment section' on the internet is known as the sección de comentarios. However, its reach extends far beyond the digital realm. It encompasses everything from a casual, off-hand remark made between friends to a formal, scholarly critique written by an academic expert.

Everyday Interaction: In daily life, a comentario is simply something someone says in response to a situation. If you tell a friend their new haircut looks great, that is a comentario positivo. If someone complains about the weather, that is a comentario negativo. It is the fundamental unit of social feedback.
Academic and Literary Context: In schools and universities, the comentario de texto is a specific exercise where students analyze a passage of writing. This is not just a 'comment' in the casual sense but a detailed commentary or analysis. Here, the word takes on a more rigorous, analytical tone, requiring the speaker to dissect themes, style, and intent.
Media and Journalism: When a spokesperson or a politician says 'No comment,' the Spanish equivalent is sin comentarios. In sports, the person narrating the game provides the comentarios técnicos or comentarios en vivo. In this context, it refers to the ongoing narrative or expert opinion provided during an event.

"No me gustó el comentario que hizo sobre mi trabajo durante la reunión."
— Translation: I didn't like the remark he made about my work during the meeting.

Understanding comentario also involves understanding its social implications. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, directness varies, but a comentario can be a tool for subtle social maneuvering. A 'comentario al aire' is a remark made 'to the air'—essentially a passive-aggressive way of saying something to someone without addressing them directly. This highlights how the word isn't just about the linguistic content, but the intent and social context behind the delivery. Furthermore, the word is inherently tied to the verb comentar, which means to discuss or to post a comment. When you 'comment' on a photo, you are creating a comentario. The word is deeply embedded in the way modern Spanish speakers interact with information and each other.

"El profesor dejó un comentario muy útil en el margen de mi ensayo."

Common Collocations

Hacer un comentario: To make a comment.
Comentario fuera de lugar: An inappropriate or out-of-place remark.
Caja de comentarios: Comment box/section.

Mastering the use of comentario requires understanding its grammatical behavior and the prepositions that typically accompany it. As a masculine noun, it is always used with el, un, estos, or aquellos. The most common verb used to introduce a comment is hacer (to make). You don't 'say' a comment in the same way you do in English; you 'make' it: hacer un comentario. When you want to specify what the comment is about, you use the prepositions sobre (about) or acerca de (concerning).

"¿Puedo hacer un comentario sobre el plan de marketing?"
— Translation: Can I make a comment about the marketing plan?

In plural form, comentarios often refers to feedback or a collection of opinions. For instance, after a presentation, a speaker might ask, "¿Hay preguntas o comentarios?" (Are there any questions or comments?). This usage is standard across all levels of formality. When dealing with adjectives, comentario follows the standard Spanish rule of placement after the noun. A 'sarcastic comment' becomes un comentario sarcástico, and a 'brief comment' is un comentario breve.

Degree of Intensity: You can modify the intensity of the noun by using adjectives like simple (mere/simple), mordaz (biting), or acertado (appropriate/correct). For example: "Fue un simple comentario, no te lo tomes a pecho" (It was a mere remark, don't take it to heart).
Syntactic Patterns: The word often appears in the structure: [Sujeto] + [Verbo] + [Comentario] + [Preposición] + [Objeto]. Example: "Ella escribió un comentario en mi muro" (She wrote a comment on my wall).

"Tus comentarios siempre son bienvenidos en esta clase."

In more advanced contexts, you might see comentario used to describe a whole genre of literature or academic work, such as Comentarios Reales de los Incas by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. In this sense, it functions as 'commentary' or 'chronicle.' When using it this way, it often implies a series of interconnected remarks or a systematic explanation of a text or historical event. In legal or bureaucratic Spanish, a comentario might refer to an official observation or a note added to a file. Regardless of the setting, the word maintains its core meaning of 'added thought' or 'expressed view.'

"El director hizo un comentario al margen sobre el presupuesto."

If you are alive and interacting with the world in the 21st century, you are hearing or seeing the word comentario dozens of times a day. Its most prevalent home is the digital landscape. From YouTube to Instagram to news websites, the sección de comentarios is where the public discourse happens. You will hear influencers say, "Dejen sus comentarios abajo" (Leave your comments below) or "He leído todos sus comentarios" (I have read all your comments). This digital context has made the word one of the most frequently used nouns in modern Spanish.

In the Office: In a professional setting, comentario is the polite way to offer feedback. During a performance review, a boss might say, "Tengo algunos comentarios sobre tu desempeño este trimestre." It is less harsh than using words like 'crítica' (criticism) and more specific than 'opinión.'
In the News: News anchors often invite experts to provide comentarios on current events. "Vamos a escuchar el comentario de nuestro analista político." Here, it refers to a professional analysis or editorial piece rather than just a casual remark.

"El video tiene miles de comentarios, pero la mayoría son spam."

In social circles, the word is often used to describe gossip or rumors, though usually in a slightly more formal way. If someone says, "Hay muchos comentarios sobre su divorcio," they mean there is a lot of talk or many remarks circulating. It carries a slightly different weight than 'chisme' (gossip), as comentarios sounds a bit more objective or detached. You will also hear it in the phrase "¡Qué comentario tan oportuno!" (What a timely remark!), used when someone says exactly the right thing at the right moment. Whether in a high-stakes political debate or a casual chat at a cafe, comentario is the go-to word for any expressed thought.

"Escuché un comentario en el pasillo que me preocupó un poco."

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with comentario is using the wrong verb. In English, we often say we 'said a comment.' In Spanish, saying "Dije un comentario" sounds awkward and unnatural to native ears. The correct verb is almost always hacer (to make). You must train yourself to think of 'making a comment' rather than 'saying' one. Another frequent error is confusing comentario with crítica. While a comentario can be a crítica, the latter is specifically negative or evaluative, whereas a comentario is neutral until an adjective is added.

Mistake 1: The 'Say' vs 'Make' Trap: Incorrect: "Él dijo un comentario gracioso."
Correct: "Él hizo un comentario gracioso." (He made a funny remark.)
Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion: Learners often try to use 'de' when they should use 'sobre' or 'acerca de'. While "comentario de" is used for 'comment of' (possession), "comentario sobre" is used for 'comment about' (topic).
Example: "Un comentario sobre la película" (A comment about the movie).

"No hagas ese tipo de comentarios en público; es de mala educación."

Furthermore, students often forget that comentario is masculine. Because many nouns ending in '-o' are masculine, this is usually an easy rule, but in the heat of conversation, learners sometimes slip up and say "una comentario." Always pair it with masculine articles and adjectives: un comentario breve, el comentario irónico. Lastly, avoid overusing comentario when you actually mean 'feedback.' In a professional context, while comentario works, the word retroalimentación is the technical term for 'feedback,' though it is much more formal and less common in casual speech.

"Evita los comentarios personales en el trabajo."

Spanish is a synonym-rich language, and while comentario is the most common term, several alternatives can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Spanish from B1 to C1. For instance, if a comment is particularly insightful or observant, you might use observación. If it is a short note written in a book, anotación or apunte might be more appropriate. If it is a critical evaluation, crítica or juicio are stronger choices.

Comentario vs. Observación: Comentario: General, can be an opinion or reaction. (e.g., "Buen comentario").
Observación: Implies something noticed or a more objective point. (e.g., "Hizo una observación sobre el clima").
Comentario vs. Apunte: Comentario: Usually verbal or a digital post.
Apunte: Usually a written note or a quick jotting down of an idea. (e.g., "Tengo unos apuntes sobre la reunión").
Comentario vs. Glosa: Glosa: A very formal, often scholarly, explanatory note or commentary on a difficult text. You won't hear this in the street, but you'll see it in literature classes.

"Su observación fue mucho más profunda que un simple comentario."

Other words like acotación are used specifically in theater to refer to stage directions (which are essentially comments by the author to the actors). Mención (mention) is used when something is brought up briefly. Using these alternatives correctly depends on your intent: are you just reacting (comentario), are you noticing something specific (observación), or are you providing a formal critique (crítica)? By differentiating these, you show a much higher level of linguistic competence. Remember, comentario is your safe, all-purpose 'utility' word, but these alternatives are the 'precision tools' of the Spanish language.

"Esa acotación en el guion aclara el tono del comentario."

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, 'Commentarii' were official records or diaries of events, such as Julius Caesar's 'Commentarii de Bello Gallico' (Commentaries on the Gallic War).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ko.men.ˈta.ɾjo/

US /ko.men.ˈta.ɾjo/

Penultimate syllable (ta).

Rhymes With

adversario calendario diario escenario horario inventario necesario salario

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' and 'o' as two separate syllables (it's a diphthong: -rio).
Stressing the first or last syllable.
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a flick of the tongue).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a close cognate to 'commentary' or 'comment'.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but remember it's masculine and ends in '-io'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice to use the verb 'hacer' instead of 'decir' naturally.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

decir hablar cosa opinión escribir

Learn Next

comentar observación crítica anotación retroalimentación

Advanced

exégesis escolio glosa apostilla acotación

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -io are usually masculine.

El comentario, el edificio, el radio.

The verb 'hacer' is used with 'comentario' to mean 'to make a comment'.

Él hizo un comentario (He made a comment).

Prepositions 'sobre' or 'acerca de' follow 'comentario' to indicate the topic.

Un comentario sobre el arte.

Pluralization follows the standard rule of adding -s to nouns ending in a vowel.

Comentario -> Comentarios.

Adjectives follow the noun and must agree in gender and number.

Comentarios interesantes.

Examples by Level

Me gusta tu comentario.

I like your comment.

Uses 'me gusta' with a singular masculine noun.

Es un comentario muy corto.

It is a very short comment.

Masculine adjective 'corto' matches 'comentario'.

¿Dónde está el comentario?

Where is the comment?

Standard question structure with 'dónde'.

Escribe un comentario aquí.

Write a comment here.

Imperative form of 'escribir' for A1 instructions.

No hay comentarios hoy.

There are no comments today.

Plural form 'comentarios' with 'no hay'.

Gracias por el comentario.

Thanks for the comment.

Preposition 'por' used for gratitude.

Es un comentario bonito.

It is a nice comment.

Simple adjective 'bonito'.

Sin comentarios.

No comment.

Common idiomatic phrase.

Ella hizo un comentario sobre mi ropa.

She made a comment about my clothes.

Uses 'hacer' in the preterite tense.

Leí muchos comentarios en Facebook.

I read many comments on Facebook.

Plural noun with 'muchos'.

Tu comentario fue muy útil.

Your comment was very useful.

Preterite of 'ser' (fue).

No quiero hacer ningún comentario.

I don't want to make any comment.

Negative 'ningún' with singular noun.

Él siempre hace comentarios graciosos.

He always makes funny comments.

Present tense of 'hacer' (hace).

Vi tu comentario en el blog.

I saw your comment on the blog.

Preterite of 'ver' (vi).

El comentario del profesor fue largo.

The teacher's comment was long.

Possession with 'del' (de + el).

¿Puedes borrar ese comentario?

Can you delete that comment?

Modal verb 'poder' followed by infinitive.

Tenemos que hacer un comentario de texto para la clase.

We have to do a text analysis for class.

'Comentario de texto' is a specific academic term.

Fue un comentario fuera de lugar.

It was an out-of-place (inappropriate) remark.

Idiomatic expression 'fuera de lugar'.

Agradezco tus comentarios constructivos.

I appreciate your constructive comments.

Use of the verb 'agradecer' (to appreciate/thank).

No me gustó el comentario que hiciste ayer.

I didn't like the remark you made yesterday.

Relative clause 'que hiciste'.

Hay una sección de comentarios al final del artículo.

There is a comments section at the end of the article.

Compound noun 'sección de comentarios'.

Me pareció un comentario muy acertado.

I thought it was a very appropriate/correct remark.

Verb 'parecer' used for opinions.

Ella suele evitar los comentarios políticos.

She usually avoids political comments.

Verb 'soler' (to be in the habit of).

Ese comentario causó mucha polémica.

That comment caused a lot of controversy.

Verb 'causar' (to cause).

El analista hizo un comentario mordaz sobre la situación.

The analyst made a biting remark about the situation.

Adjective 'mordaz' (biting/incisive).

Sus comentarios siempre están cargados de ironía.

His comments are always loaded with irony.

Expression 'cargado de' (loaded with).

No deberías tomarte ese comentario como algo personal.

You shouldn't take that comment personally.

Pronominal verb 'tomarse'.

El libro incluye un extenso comentario crítico.

The book includes an extensive critical commentary.

Academic collocation 'comentario crítico'.

Hizo un comentario al margen que nadie escuchó.

He made a side remark that no one heard.

Expression 'al margen' (on the side/margin).

La noticia generó una oleada de comentarios negativos.

The news generated a wave of negative comments.

Metaphorical use of 'oleada' (wave).

Es mejor ignorar los comentarios malintencionados.

It's better to ignore malicious comments.

Compound adjective 'malintencionado'.

El autor responde a los comentarios de sus lectores.

The author responds to his readers' comments.

Verb 'responder' with 'a'.

Su comentario destilaba un profundo conocimiento del tema.

His remark exuded a deep knowledge of the subject.

Literary verb 'destilar' (to exude/distill).

Fue un comentario velado que pocos supieron interpretar.

It was a veiled remark that few knew how to interpret.

Adjective 'velado' (hidden/veiled).

La obra se presenta acompañada de un comentario filológico.

The work is presented accompanied by a philological commentary.

Highly technical academic term 'filológico'.

No fue más que un comentario de pasada, sin mayor trascendencia.

It was nothing more than a passing remark, without much significance.

Expression 'de pasada' (in passing).

Sus comentarios suelen ser lapidarios y directos.

His comments tend to be concise and direct (lapidary).

Adjective 'lapidario' (concise/monumental).

El texto carece de comentarios aclaratorios.

The text lacks explanatory comments.

Verb 'carecer de' (to lack).

Se abstuvo de hacer comentarios para no comprometer su posición.

He refrained from making comments so as not to jeopardize his position.

Reflexive verb 'abstenerse de'.

El comentario rezuma sarcasmo por los cuatro costados.

The comment oozes sarcasm from every side.

Idiomatic expression 'por los cuatro costados'.

La exégesis del texto requiere un comentario pormenorizado.

The exegesis of the text requires a detailed commentary.

High-level vocabulary: 'exégesis', 'pormenorizado'.

Sus comentarios, aunque parcos, eran de una lucidez asombrosa.

His comments, though sparse, were of an amazing lucidity.

Adjective 'parco' (frugal/sparse).

Se deslizó un comentario insidioso en medio de la conversación.

An insidious remark slipped into the middle of the conversation.

Verb 'deslizarse' used metaphorically.

El comentario de texto es una piedra angular de la filología hispánica.

Textual analysis is a cornerstone of Hispanic philology.

Metaphorical 'piedra angular'.

Sus comentarios solían ser la comidilla de toda la oficina.

His comments used to be the talk of the whole office.

Idiomatic noun 'comidilla' (talk/gossip).

La sutileza de su comentario escapó a la mayoría de los presentes.

The subtlety of his remark escaped most of those present.

Abstract noun 'sutileza'.

Es un comentario que raya en lo ofensivo.

It's a comment that borders on being offensive.

Verb 'rayar en' (to border on).

El comentario editorial fue tildado de tendencioso.

The editorial commentary was branded as biased.

Verb 'tildar de' (to brand/label).

Common Collocations

Hacer un comentario

Comentario constructivo

Comentario mordaz

Sin comentarios

Sección de comentarios

Comentario de texto

Comentario fuera de lugar

Breve comentario

Comentario irónico

Intercambiar comentarios

Common Phrases

¡Qué comentario!

— Used to express surprise or shock at what someone said. Can be positive or negative.

¡Qué comentario tan valiente hizo ella!

Ahorrarse el comentario

— To keep a comment to oneself, usually because it's unnecessary or rude.

Mejor ahórrate el comentario, no ayuda en nada.

Lleno de comentarios

— Something that has many remarks or reactions.

El post está lleno de comentarios de odio.

Comentario al aire

— A remark made generally, without addressing a specific person, often passive-aggressive.

Fue solo un comentario al aire, no te sientas aludido.

Pedir un comentario

— To ask for someone's opinion or feedback.

La prensa le pidió un comentario al presidente.

Comentario de pasillo

— Rumors or informal talk in an office or institution.

Según los comentarios de pasillo, va a haber despidos.

Un simple comentario

— Used to downplay the importance of what was said.

No te enfades, fue un simple comentario.

Comentario acertado

— A very appropriate or correct remark.

Ese fue un comentario muy acertado por tu parte.

Borrar un comentario

— To remove a written remark, usually online.

Tuve que borrar su comentario porque era ofensivo.

Comentario de la prensa

— Media coverage or remarks from journalists.

El comentario de la prensa fue unánime.

Often Confused With

comentario vs Comentarista

A 'comentarista' is the person who makes the comments (a commentator), whereas 'comentario' is the comment itself.

comentario vs Crítica

A 'crítica' is usually evaluative or negative, while 'comentario' can be completely neutral.

comentario vs Opinión

An 'opinión' is what you think; a 'comentario' is the expression of that thought.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sin comentarios"

— Used when someone refuses to speak about a topic or when something is so obvious/bad it needs no words.

—¿Qué te pareció la comida? —Sin comentarios.

Informal/Neutral

"Hacer un comentario de pasada"

— To mention something briefly without going into detail.

Hizo un comentario de pasada sobre su nuevo novio.

Neutral

"Estar en boca de todos (por sus comentarios)"

— To be the subject of everyone's talk due to what one said.

Él está en boca de todos por su comentario sexista.

Informal

"Soltar un comentario"

— To blurt out or release a remark, often unexpectedly or rudely.

Soltó un comentario muy borde en mitad de la cena.

Informal

"Comentario de mal gusto"

— A remark that is offensive, crude, or inappropriate.

Ese fue un comentario de muy mal gusto.

Neutral

"No venir a cuento (un comentario)"

— When a remark is irrelevant to the current conversation.

Tu comentario no viene a cuento ahora mismo.

Informal

"Poner un comentario"

— Digital slang for posting a comment.

Voy a poner un comentario en su foto de Instagram.

Informal

"Comentario lapidario"

— A very short, definitive, and often harsh remark.

Su respuesta fue un comentario lapidario: 'Se acabó'.

Literary/Formal

"Comentario ponzoñoso"

— A poisonous or very malicious remark.

Lanzó un comentario ponzoñoso para herir sus sentimientos.

Literary

"Ser objeto de comentarios"

— To be the target of people's remarks or gossip.

Su extraña conducta fue objeto de comentarios durante semanas.

Formal

Easily Confused

comentario vs Comentario vs. Crónica

Both can refer to media content.

A 'comentario' is an opinion or reaction; a 'crónica' is a chronological narrative of an event.

Escribió una crónica del partido y luego hizo un comentario sobre el árbitro.

comentario vs Comentario vs. Reseña

Both are types of feedback on a work.

A 'reseña' is a full review (like a movie review); a 'comentario' is just a single remark or note.

Leí la reseña completa, pero solo me importó el comentario final.

comentario vs Comentario vs. Glosa

Both are notes on a text.

A 'glosa' is highly formal and explanatory; a 'comentario' is more general.

La glosa explicaba el latín, mientras que el comentario daba una opinión.

comentario vs Comentario vs. Acotación

Both are 'added' text.

An 'acotación' is specifically a stage direction in a script.

La acotación decía que el actor debía llorar después del comentario.

comentario vs Comentario vs. Noticia

Both appear in newspapers.

A 'noticia' is factual news; a 'comentario' is an editorial or opinion piece.

La noticia informó del robo, pero el comentario criticó la seguridad.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujeto] + [ser] + un comentario + [adjetivo].

Es un comentario bueno.

[Sujeto] + [hacer] + un comentario.

Yo hice un comentario.

Hacer un comentario + sobre + [sustantivo].

Hizo un comentario sobre el libro.

Me gusta el comentario + que + [verbo].

Me gusta el comentario que escribiste.

Un comentario + [adjetivo avanzado].

Un comentario mordaz.

Sin + comentarios + [frase hecha].

Sin comentarios, por favor.

El comentario + [verbo de flujo] + [sustantivo].

El comentario rezuma ironía.

Un comentario + pormenorizado + de + [texto].

Un comentario pormenorizado de la obra.

Word Family

Nouns

comentarista (commentator)

comentariol (rare/archaic note)

Verbs

comentar (to comment/discuss)

Adjectives

comentado (much-discussed)

comento

comentador

comentario de texto

comentarismo

comentable

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Dije un comentario. → Hice un comentario.
In Spanish, comments are 'made' (hacer), not 'said' (decir). Using 'decir' sounds like a direct translation from English and is unnatural.
La comentario es largo. → El comentario es largo.
Comentario is a masculine noun. It must always take masculine articles and adjectives.
Un comentario de la clima. → Un comentario sobre el clima.
Use the preposition 'sobre' (about) to indicate the topic of the comment. 'De' indicates possession or origin.
Hacer una crítica constructiva (when meaning a simple remark). → Hacer un comentario constructivo.
'Crítica' implies a full evaluation or judgment. If it's just a small point, 'comentario' is better.
Sin comentario. → Sin comentarios.
The idiomatic phrase 'No comment' is almost always plural in Spanish: 'Sin comentarios'.

Tips

Verb Pairing

Always pair 'comentario' with 'hacer'. Thinking of it as 'making a comment' will prevent you from using 'decir' (to say), which is a common mistake for English speakers.

Academic Usage

If you are studying Spanish in school, learn the structure of a 'comentario de texto'. It is a specific skill that involves introduction, analysis, and conclusion.

Internet Slang

On social media, 'comentar' is the action, but 'comentario' is the object. If you want to say 'Comment below', say 'Comenta abajo'.

Positive vs. Negative

To make a comment sound better, add 'constructivo' (constructive). To warn someone a comment was mean, use 'mordaz' (biting) or 'de mal gusto' (bad taste).

Latin Roots

Remembering the Latin 'commentarium' (notebook) can help you remember that a 'comentario' can also be a written note or analysis, not just a spoken word.

Formal Alternatives

In professional settings, use 'observación' or 'sugerencia' if you want to sound more precise than just using the general word 'comentario'.

Refusing to Speak

Use 'Sin comentarios' to end a conversation you don't want to have. It is polite but firm.

Diphthong Practice

Listen for the 'rio' sound at the end. It's fast and smooth. If you hear it as two syllables, you might be misidentifying the word.

Marginalia

When you write notes in the margins of a book, you are making 'comentarios al margen'. This is a common phrase in literary studies.

Regional Variations

While 'comentario' is universal, some regions might use 'comento' in very specific archaic or literary contexts. Stick to 'comentario' for 99% of situations.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Common Terry' (Comen-tary). Terry is very common and always has something to say—always making a comment!

Visual Association

Imagine a speech bubble coming out of a computer screen with the word 'COMENTARIO' written inside it in bright neon letters.

Word Web

Opinión Hacer Texto Internet Redes sociales Feedback Crítica Observación

Challenge

Try to leave a 'comentario' on a Spanish-language YouTube video today. Even if it's just 'Buen video', it counts!

Word Origin

From the Latin 'commentarium', which refers to a notebook, memoir, or a series of notes.

Original meaning: A collection of notes or a notebook for keeping records.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'comentarios personales' or 'comentarios sobre el físico' (remarks about appearance), as they can be seen as rude, though cultures vary in their directness.

The usage is nearly identical to English, but 'comentario' is more frequently used for 'remark' than 'commentary' (which often implies a whole broadcast).

Comentarios Reales de los Incas (Inca Garcilaso de la Vega) Comentarios a la Guerra de las Galias (Julius Caesar, translated) Sin Comentarios (A common phrase in Spanish media/politics)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Media

Deja tu comentario
Responder al comentario
Me gusta tu comentario
Borrar el comentario

Academic

Comentario de texto
Comentario crítico
Hacer un comentario analítico
Anotar un comentario

Professional

Comentario constructivo
Pedir comentarios
Comentarios sobre el proyecto
Sin comentarios

Casual Conversation

Hacer un comentario gracioso
Un simple comentario
Comentario fuera de lugar
Escuchar comentarios

News/Journalism

Comentario editorial
El comentario de la prensa
Sin comentarios del gobierno
Comentario técnico

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué te pareció el comentario que hizo el profesor hoy?"

"¿Sueles leer la sección de comentarios en las noticias?"

"¿Cuál ha sido el comentario más gracioso que has leído hoy?"

"¿Te molesta cuando alguien hace un comentario fuera de lugar?"

"¿Preferirías recibir un comentario positivo o uno constructivo?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre un comentario que alguien te hizo y que nunca olvidarás.

¿Crees que la sección de comentarios de internet es tóxica o útil? ¿Por qué?

Describe un momento en el que hiciste un comentario del que te arrepentiste.

¿Cómo reaccionas cuando recibes un comentario negativo sobre tu trabajo?

Escribe un breve comentario de texto sobre tu canción favorita.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'comentario' is a masculine noun. You should always use 'el', 'un', 'los', or 'unos'. For example, 'El comentario' is correct, while 'La comentario' is never used.

While people might understand you, it is much more natural and correct to say 'hacer un comentario'. Native speakers almost exclusively use the verb 'hacer' with this noun.

It is a standard academic exercise in Spanish-speaking schools where students analyze a passage of literature, focusing on its themes, structure, and style. It's more like an 'analytical essay' than a simple comment.

The most common way is 'Sin comentarios'. It is used in the same contexts as in English, such as when a politician refuses to answer a question or when something is so bad it's not worth talking about.

Not entirely, but they are used differently. 'Comentario' is usually a single 'comment'. In English, 'commentary' often refers to a continuous stream of comments (like in sports). In Spanish, for sports commentary, we usually use 'la narración' or 'los comentarios' (plural).

It is called 'la sección de comentarios' or sometimes 'la caja de comentarios'. You will see this at the bottom of blog posts and news articles.

It means a comment that is 'out of place', which is to say it is inappropriate, rude, or irrelevant to the current situation or conversation.

Indirectly, yes. Phrases like 'Hay muchos comentarios' can imply that people are talking or gossiping about a certain topic, though 'chisme' is the more direct word for gossip.

Yes, the verb is 'comentar', which means to comment, to discuss, or to mention. For example, 'Ella comentó que llegaría tarde' (She mentioned she would arrive late).

You might say, 'Quedo a la espera de sus comentarios' (I look forward to your comments/feedback) or 'Adjunto mis comentarios al documento' (I attach my comments to the document).