Delgado is the neutral, standard term for thin, applied to both people and objects.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a person with little body fat.
- Refers to objects with small thickness or width.
- Commonly used with verbs ser and estar.
Overview
'Delgado' es un adjetivo fundamental en español que denota falta de volumen, ya sea en el cuerpo humano o en objetos inanimados. Es el término estándar y neutro para describir a alguien que no es corpulento. 2) Usage Patterns: Se usa frecuentemente con el verbo 'ser' para describir una característica permanente de una persona (ej. 'Él es delgado') y con el verbo 'estar' para indicar un estado o cambio reciente (ej. 'Estás más delgado, ¿has hecho dieta?'). También funciona para objetos, como 'un libro delgado' o 'un hilo delgado'. 3) Common Contexts: Es muy común en contextos médicos, descripciones físicas cotidianas y al hablar de objetos cotidianos. A diferencia de otros términos más específicos, es el término más seguro y menos ofensivo para referirse a la delgadez. 4) Similar Words comparison: 'Flaco' es un sinónimo muy común, pero puede sonar un poco más informal o incluso despectivo dependiendo del tono. 'Esbelto' implica una delgadez elegante y estéticamente agradable, mientras que 'delgado' es puramente descriptivo y objetivo. 'Fino' se reserva casi exclusivamente para objetos o texturas, no para personas.
Examples
Él es un hombre muy delgado.
everydayHe is a very thin man.
El documento es bastante delgado.
formalThe document is quite thin.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
estar delgado
to be thin
Often Confused With
Flaco is more informal and can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being too thin or weak.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Delgado is the most versatile term for thin. Use it in professional and social settings without worry. Avoid using it to describe textures where 'fino' is more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
Students often use 'delgado' for everything thin. Remember to use 'fino' for materials, papers, or textures. Do not confuse gender agreement with the noun it modifies.
Tips
Use with ser and estar
Use 'ser delgado' for a permanent trait and 'estar delgado' to note a change in appearance.
Avoid confusing with objects
While delgado works for thin people, use 'fino' for thin objects like paper or fabric.
Politeness in descriptions
In Spanish culture, be careful when commenting on someone's weight as it can be perceived as personal or intrusive.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'delicatus', which originally meant delicate or fine. It evolved to describe physical thinness over time.
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, being thin is often associated with health, but commenting on body weight is considered a private matter.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'delicate' person to remember 'delgado'. It starts with the same letters and implies a light, thin frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAmbos significan lo mismo, pero 'delgado' es un término más neutral y educado. 'Flaco' puede sonar un poco más informal o incluso negativo en algunos contextos.
No, para objetos se prefiere usar 'fina' o 'estrecha'. 'Delgado' se aplica principalmente a personas, animales o elementos lineales como hilos o cables.
No, es un adjetivo descriptivo estándar. Sin embargo, el contexto y el tono siempre influyen en cómo se recibe el comentario.
El opuesto de delgado es 'gordo' o 'grueso'. 'Gordo' se usa para personas y 'grueso' para objetos.
Test Yourself
Mi hermano es muy ___ porque hace mucho deporte.
El sujeto 'mi hermano' es masculino singular, por lo tanto usamos el adjetivo en masculino singular.
Score: /1
Summary
Delgado is the neutral, standard term for thin, applied to both people and objects.
- Describes a person with little body fat.
- Refers to objects with small thickness or width.
- Commonly used with verbs ser and estar.
Use with ser and estar
Use 'ser delgado' for a permanent trait and 'estar delgado' to note a change in appearance.
Avoid confusing with objects
While delgado works for thin people, use 'fino' for thin objects like paper or fabric.
Politeness in descriptions
In Spanish culture, be careful when commenting on someone's weight as it can be perceived as personal or intrusive.
Examples
2 of 2Él es un hombre muy delgado.
He is a very thin man.
El documento es bastante delgado.
The document is quite thin.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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A1Down, downstairs, below.
abandonar
B1To leave a place or person, often permanently.
abierta
A1Open (female); not closed or restricted.
abierto
A1Open.
abierto/a
A2Not closed or sealed; open.
Abrir
A1To open
absolutamente
A2Completely, totally, or without qualification.
abstención
B2Abstention, the act of refraining from voting or participation.
abstenerse
B2To abstain, refrain, or hold oneself back from doing something.
Abundancia
B2A large quantity or ample supply of something; plentifulness.
