This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #6,000 most common 11 min read

despejado

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips despejado in 30 Seconds

Explanation despejado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'despejado' primarily as a weather word. It means 'clear' when you are talking about the sky. If there are no clouds, the sky is 'despejado.' It is an important word for basic conversations about the weather. You will usually use it with the verb 'está.' For example, 'Hoy el cielo está despejado.' It helps you describe a beautiful sunny day. Remember that if you are talking about the sky (el cielo), which is masculine, the word ends in '-o.' If you were talking about something feminine, it would end in '-a,' but at this level, focusing on the sky is the most useful way to start. It is a helpful word to know when planning a trip or a walk outside. You might also hear it in very simple traffic reports if the road has no cars. Just think of it as the opposite of 'nublado' (cloudy).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'despejado' for more than just the sky. You can use it to describe physical spaces that are not crowded. For example, a room with very little furniture is 'despejada.' You can also use it for roads. If there is no traffic, you can say 'La carretera está despejada.' This is very useful for giving directions or talking about your commute. You should also start noticing that it comes from the verb 'despejar' (to clear). At this level, you should be comfortable changing the ending from '-o' to '-a' or adding '-s' for plural, depending on what you are describing. For example, 'Las calles están despejadas.' It is a great word to use when you want to describe a sense of openness and lack of obstacles in your daily life.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'despejado' in a figurative sense, especially regarding the mind and thoughts. If you feel alert and ready to study after a nap, you can say 'Estoy despejado' or 'Tengo la mente despejada.' This is a very common way to describe your mental state in Spanish. You will also encounter this word in more formal contexts, like news reports about the weather or traffic. You should understand that it implies the 'removal' of something that was blocking the way. For example, 'despejar una duda' means to clear up a doubt. At this level, you should be able to choose between 'despejado,' 'claro,' and 'limpio' based on the context. You should also know the noun 'despeje' and the verb 'despejar,' which are part of the same word family. This will help you understand sports commentary or mathematical instructions.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'despejado.' You can use it to describe a person's character—someone who is naturally bright or quick-witted ('un chico muy despejado'). You should also be familiar with its use in professional and technical settings. For instance, in a business context, a 'panorama despejado' means that the future looks promising and free of major problems. You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Una vez que el horizonte se hubo despejado, decidimos zarpar.' You should also recognize its use in idioms and more sophisticated descriptions of space and atmosphere. At this level, you should feel confident using 'despejado' to describe abstract concepts like clarity of purpose or the resolution of a complex situation. It becomes a tool for expressing precise states of being and environment.

At the C1 level, 'despejado' becomes a word you use to add precision and flavor to your descriptions. You might use it to describe the 'frente despejada' (high forehead) of a character in a story to imply intelligence. You will understand the subtle differences between 'despejado,' 'sereno,' and 'diáfano.' You can use it in literary or academic writing to describe a 'discurso despejado' (a clear and well-organized speech). You are expected to use the word in all its metaphorical glory, describing not just the absence of physical clouds but the absence of intellectual or emotional 'fog.' You should be able to discuss the etymology of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'space' (espacio). Your usage should be flawless in terms of agreement and verb choice (ser vs. estar), and you should be able to use it to convey a specific mood or tone in your speaking and writing.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'despejado.' You can use it in its most obscure or specialized senses, such as in legal or highly technical documents. You might use it to describe a 'situación despejada de gravámenes' (a situation free of encumbrances or taxes) in a financial context. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can appreciate its use in classical Spanish literature. You can play with the word in poetry or creative writing, using it to evoke specific imagery of openness, purity, and intellectual power. You can effortlessly switch between its literal and figurative meanings, often using both in the same sentence for rhetorical effect. Your mastery includes knowing all related words, synonyms, and even rare regional variations in how the word is applied across the Spanish-speaking world. For you, 'despejado' is not just a vocabulary word but a versatile instrument for expression.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

despejado in 30 Seconds

Despejado means 'clear' in Spanish, used for weather, traffic, and mental alertness.
It comes from 'despejar' (to clear) and implies removing obstacles.
Use it with 'estar' for temporary states like the sky or your current mood.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

The Spanish adjective despejado is a multifaceted word that English speakers primarily translate as 'clear.' However, its application goes far beyond just the absence of clouds in the sky. To truly master this word, one must understand its roots and the various dimensions of 'clarity' it represents in the Hispanic world. At its core, despejado describes a state where obstacles, obstructions, or obscurities have been removed, leaving a space, a mind, or a horizon open and accessible.

Meteorological Clarity: This is the most common use. When a Spaniard or Latin American looks up and sees a vibrant blue sky without a single cloud, they describe it as 'un cielo despejado.' It implies that the 'peaje' or the 'obstruction' of the clouds has vanished. It is the opposite of 'nublado' (cloudy).

Después de la tormenta, el cielo quedó completamente despejado y pudimos ver las estrellas.

After the storm, the sky became completely clear and we could see the stars.

Mental Sharpness: When referring to the human mind, despejado indicates alertness, lack of fatigue, and cognitive readiness. If you have just woken up from a refreshing nap or finished a strong cup of coffee, your mind is 'despejada.' You are ready to process information without the 'fog' of sleepiness.

In physical spaces, despejado refers to areas that are wide, airy, and free of furniture or clutter. A room with very few objects is 'despejada.' This extends to logistics; a highway without traffic is 'una carretera despejada.' In all these contexts, the word conveys a sense of relief and ease of movement. It is a positive attribute, suggesting that the path forward—literally or figuratively—is free of interference.

Necesito un área despejada para poder organizar todos estos documentos.

The Social Register: In formal writing, such as weather reports or academic descriptions of geography, it is the standard term. In informal speech, it is used to describe how one feels after a hangover or a long day: 'Ya me siento más despejado' (I feel more clear-headed now).

Historically, the word comes from the verb 'despejar,' which relates to 'espacio' (space). To 'despejar' is to create space. Therefore, being despejado is the state of having that space created. In mathematics, we use the verb 'despejar la X' (to isolate X), which reinforces the idea of removing everything else to see the core clearly.

Mastering the usage of despejado requires an understanding of the verbs ser and estar. Because despejado often describes a state resulting from a change (like clouds moving away), it is most frequently paired with estar. However, it can also be used as a permanent adjective with ser when describing the inherent quality of a place or a person's character.

Using 'Estar' for States: We use 'estar' when the clarity is temporary. 'El cielo está despejado' implies it might have been cloudy earlier or could become cloudy later. Similarly, 'Estoy despejado' means I am currently alert, perhaps after a nap.

El horizonte está despejado, así que el vuelo saldrá a tiempo.

The horizon is clear, so the flight will leave on time.

When describing a physical space that is designed to be open, ser is appropriate. 'Es una habitación muy despejada' suggests the room is minimalist by design. When describing a person who is naturally quick-witted or has a 'clear' way of thinking, you might say 'Es un chico muy despejado.'

Agreement in Gender and Number: As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. Masculine singular: despejado. Feminine singular: despejada. Masculine plural: despejados. Feminine plural: despejadas.

In the context of traffic and roads, despejado is the word of choice for GPS systems and radio announcers. If a road is 'libre de obstáculos,' it is despejada. This is essential for travelers to know. If you ask a local '¿Cómo está la carretera?', and they answer 'Está despejada,' you can expect a smooth trip without delays.

Las calles están despejadas a esta hora de la madrugada.

Isolating Variables: In technical or mathematical contexts, though usually used as a verb (despejar), the result is a 'variable despejada.' This refers to the letter in an equation that stands alone on one side of the equals sign.

Finally, consider the emotional use. If you have a 'panorama despejado' regarding a problem, it means you see the solution clearly. There are no doubts or 'clouds' of uncertainty hanging over your decision-making process. It is a powerful word to describe the feeling of resolution.

If you are traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, the most likely place you will encounter despejado is during the daily weather forecast (el pronóstico del tiempo). Meterologists use it as a technical term to describe a sky with 0 to 2 octas of cloud cover. You will hear phrases like 'cielos mayormente despejados' (mostly clear skies) or 'un día despejado y caluroso.'

On the Radio and News: Traffic reports are the second most common source. Reporters will say: 'El tráfico en la autopista central está despejado,' meaning there are no accidents or heavy congestion. It is the news you always want to hear before a commute.

Sintonice la radio para saber si el camino está despejado hacia la costa.

Tune in to the radio to find out if the road is clear towards the coast.

In a medical or first-aid context, emergency responders might use it to describe a patient's airway or mental state. 'Vías respiratorias despejadas' means the person can breathe freely. 'El paciente está despejado' suggests they are conscious and coherent, not suffering from confusion or 'niebla mental' (brain fog).

In Sports Commentary: In soccer (fútbol), when a defender kicks the ball far away from the goal to remove the danger, it is called a 'despeje.' While the adjective isn't used as much here, the concept of 'clearing' the area is central to the action.

In literature and film, despejado often sets a mood. A 'mañana despejada' suggests hope and new beginnings, whereas a 'mente despejada' is often the turning point in a mystery novel where the detective finally understands the clues. It represents the moment of epiphany where the truth is no longer hidden by the 'clouds' of deception.

Tenía la mirada despejada, como si hubiera tomado una gran decisión.

In the Workplace: A boss might ask you to keep your 'escritorio despejado' (desk clear) to maintain a professional environment. In project management, a 'camino despejado' refers to a project phase that has no more blockers or pending approvals.

Lastly, in the kitchen, a chef might want the 'encimera despejada' (countertop clear) before starting a complex recipe. In all these instances, the word is synonymous with preparedness and the removal of chaos. Hearing despejado usually brings a sense of calm or readiness.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using despejado is confusing it with the word limpio (clean). While both can imply an absence of unwanted things, limpio refers to the absence of dirt, while despejado refers to the absence of obstacles or clouds. You wouldn't say the sky is 'limpio' unless you were talking about air pollution; for weather, always use despejado.

The 'Ser' vs 'Estar' Trap: As mentioned, using 'ser' when you mean 'estar' changes the meaning. 'El cielo es despejado' sounds like a philosophical statement about the permanent nature of the sky, which is incorrect. Use 'está' for the current weather. Conversely, saying 'Mi mente está despejada' is correct for 'I feel clear-headed now,' but 'Soy despejado' would mean 'I am a naturally bright/clear-thinking person.'

Incorrecto: El cielo es despejado hoy.
Correcto: El cielo está despejado hoy.

Another mistake is overusing claro. While claro means clear, it often implies 'light-colored' or 'transparent.' If you say 'la carretera está clara,' a Spanish speaker might think you are talking about the color of the pavement or that the light is hitting it in a certain way. To say there is no traffic, despejada is the precise term.

Misunderstanding 'Despejar' vs 'Limpiar': In the context of clearing a table, 'limpiar la mesa' means to wipe it with a cloth. 'Despejar la mesa' means to take all the plates and glasses off it so you have space to work. Using the wrong one can lead to confusing instructions.

Agreement errors are also common. Remember that despejado must change to despejada if the noun is feminine. Since 'mente' (mind) and 'carretera' (road) are feminine, you must say 'mente despejada' and 'carretera despejada.' Beginners often stick to the masculine '-o' ending regardless of the noun.

Error común: Tengo la mente despejado.
Forma correcta: Tengo la mente despejada.

The 'De-' Prefix: Sometimes learners forget the 'des-' prefix and try to use 'pejado,' which is not a word. The 'des-' is essential as it indicates the removal of the 'peaje' (obstruction) or the opening up of the 'espacio'.

Finally, don't confuse despejado with despierto (awake). While you need to be awake to be despejado, being despejado is a higher level of alertness. You can be despierto (awake) but still feel 'dormido' (sleepy) or 'atontado' (groggy). Despejado is the state where the grogginess has left you.

While despejado is the most versatile word for 'clear,' Spanish offers several synonyms that are more specific to certain contexts. Understanding these nuances will make your Spanish sound more natural and sophisticated.

Claro vs. Despejado: Claro refers to luminosity or transparency. Use 'claro' for light-colored eyes or water you can see through. Use despejado for a sky without clouds or a mind without confusion. A 'claro' day is sunny; a 'despejado' day is cloudless.

El agua está clara (transparent), pero el camino está despejado (unobstructed).

Libre vs. Despejado: Libre means free. While a 'camino despejado' and a 'camino libre' both mean a clear road, 'libre' suggests the absence of a toll or a restriction, while despejado focuses on the physical absence of traffic or obstacles.

For mental clarity, you might use lucido (lucid) or atento (attentive). However, lucido is often reserved for more intense or intellectual clarity, often in medical or elderly contexts, whereas despejado is used for everyday alertness. If you are 'despejado,' you are simply not tired or confused.

Vacío vs. Despejado: Vacío means empty. A 'habitación vacía' has nothing in it—no people, no furniture. A 'habitación despejada' might have furniture, but it is arranged in a way that leaves plenty of open space. Despejado is usually a compliment; vacío can be neutral or negative.

Prefiero un diseño despejado que uno totalmente vacío.

Nítido vs. Despejado: Nítido means sharp or high-definition. It is used for images, sounds, or memories. While a 'vista despejada' allows you to see far, a 'vista nítida' means you can see the details very clearly. You would use 'nítido' for a photo and despejado for the weather that allowed you to take the photo.

In the context of clearing doubts, you can use resuelto (resolved) or aclarado (clarified). 'Duda despejada' is very common, but 'duda aclarada' is perhaps more frequent when someone has explained something to you. Use despejado when you have done the work yourself to clear your mind.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is related to 'peaje' (toll). Originally, it meant removing the 'toll' or the 'cost' of an obstruction to make a space free.

Pronunciation Guide

UK des.pe.'xa.ðo

US des.pe.'ha.ðo

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'ja'.

Rhymes With

enojado cansado pintado dibujado lado estado pasado dado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'j' like an English 'j' (as in 'jump').
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially weather.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct 'j' pronunciation and 'ser/estar' choice.

Listening 2/5

Common in news and weather reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cielo claro estar ser nube

Learn Next

nublado tormenta pronóstico obstrucción lucidez

Advanced

diáfano sereno exégesis gravamen elocuencia

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La calle (f) está despejada (f).

Estar for weather states

El cielo está despejado.

Ser for inherent qualities

Es un chico muy despejado.

Past Participles as Adjectives

El camino ha sido despejado.

Subjunctive after expressions of hope

Espero que el cielo esté despejado.

Examples by Level

Hoy el cielo está despejado.

Today the sky is clear.

Use 'está' because weather is a state.

El día está muy despejado.

The day is very clear.

'Día' is masculine, so use 'despejado'.

¿Está despejado el cielo?

Is the sky clear?

Question structure with 'estar'.

No hay nubes, está despejado.

There are no clouds, it is clear.

'Despejado' is the opposite of 'nublado'.

Me gusta el cielo despejado.

I like the clear sky.

Adjective following the noun.

El camino está despejado.

The path is clear.

Physical space usage.

Mira, el horizonte está despejado.

Look, the horizon is clear.

'Horizonte' is masculine.

¡Qué cielo tan despejado!

What a clear sky!

Exclamatory sentence.

La carretera está despejada hoy.

The highway is clear today.

'Carretera' is feminine, so use 'despejada'.

La habitación se ve muy despejada.

The room looks very clear/uncluttered.

'Habitación' is feminine.

Prefiero caminar por calles despejadas.

I prefer to walk through clear streets.

Plural feminine agreement.

El pasillo debe estar despejado.

The hallway must be clear.

Modal verb 'debe' + 'estar'.

¿Está despejada la entrada?

Is the entrance clear?

Asking about physical obstruction.

Después de limpiar, todo quedó despejado.

After cleaning, everything became clear.

'Quedar' used to describe a resulting state.

Los campos están despejados de nieve.

The fields are clear of snow.

'Despejado de' indicates what was removed.

Necesitamos un espacio despejado para jugar.

We need a clear space to play.

'Espacio' is masculine.

Después de la siesta, me siento más despejado.

After the nap, I feel more clear-headed.

Mental state usage with 'sentirse'.

Tengo la mente despejada para estudiar.

I have a clear mind for studying.

'Mente' is feminine.

El informe del tiempo dice que estará despejado.

The weather report says it will be clear.

Future tense 'estará'.

Espero que el tráfico esté despejado mañana.

I hope the traffic is clear tomorrow.

Subjunctive 'esté' after 'espero que'.

¿Ya estás más despejado después del café?

Are you more clear-headed now after the coffee?

Asking about mental alertness.

La duda quedó despejada tras su explicación.

The doubt was cleared after his explanation.

Figurative use for removing doubts.

Buscamos un sitio despejado de árboles para acampar.

We are looking for a spot clear of trees to camp.

'Despejado de' meaning 'free of'.

Su voz sonaba clara y despejada.

His voice sounded clear and unobstructed.

Describing sound quality.

Es un joven muy despejado y aprende rápido.

He is a very bright young man and learns quickly.

Using 'ser' to describe intelligence.

Con el panorama despejado, la empresa invertirá más.

With a clear outlook, the company will invest more.

'Panorama despejado' as a business metaphor.

Mantenga los accesos despejados en caso de emergencia.

Keep the access points clear in case of emergency.

Formal command 'mantenga'.

Tras la crisis, el futuro parece más despejado.

After the crisis, the future seems clearer.

Metaphorical use for future prospects.

Tiene una frente despejada que le da un aire noble.

He has a high forehead that gives him a noble air.

Specific physical description idiom.

La zona de aterrizaje ya está despejada.

The landing zone is already clear.

Technical/operational usage.

Necesito que me despejes el camino para avanzar.

I need you to clear the path for me to move forward.

Verb 'despejar' in subjunctive.

Su razonamiento fue despejado y lógico.

His reasoning was clear and logical.

Describing intellectual clarity.

La prosa del autor es despejada y carece de adornos innecesarios.

The author's prose is clear and lacks unnecessary ornaments.

Literary criticism context.

Una vez despejada la incógnita, el problema se resolvió solo.

Once the unknown variable was cleared, the problem solved itself.

Mathematical metaphor.

El general exigió que el campo de batalla estuviera despejado.

The general demanded that the battlefield be clear.

Historical/military context.

Su mirada despejada revelaba una paz interior profunda.

Her clear gaze revealed a deep inner peace.

Describing emotional/spiritual state.

El decreto dejó el camino despejado para la reforma agraria.

The decree left the path clear for the land reform.

Political/legal metaphor.

Es imperativo mantener el espíritu despejado ante la adversidad.

It is imperative to keep a clear spirit in the face of adversity.

Philosophical advice.

La atmósfera despejada de la montaña permitía ver a kilómetros.

The mountain's clear atmosphere allowed seeing for kilometers.

Describing air quality and visibility.

A pesar de la confusión general, ella se mantuvo despejada.

Despite the general confusion, she remained clear-headed.

Contrasting states of mind.

La exégesis del texto resultó en una interpretación despejada de dogmas.

The exegesis of the text resulted in an interpretation clear of dogmas.

Academic/theological context.

Se requiere un intelecto despejado para desentrañar tal complejidad.

A clear intellect is required to unravel such complexity.

High-level intellectual description.

El terreno, ahora despejado de gravámenes, puede ser edificado.

The land, now clear of liens, can be built upon.

Legal/real estate terminology.

Su elocuencia despejada cautivó a la audiencia más exigente.

His clear eloquence captivated the most demanding audience.

Describing quality of speech.

La vacuidad del desierto ofrecía un horizonte infinitamente despejado.

The emptiness of the desert offered an infinitely clear horizon.

Poetic/descriptive usage.

Tras años de litigio, el panorama legal por fin se halla despejado.

After years of litigation, the legal outlook is finally clear.

Formal legal state.

Buscaba una existencia despejada de las ataduras del materialismo.

He sought an existence clear of the ties of materialism.

Philosophical/existential usage.

La nitidez de su memoria le permitía un recuerdo despejado del suceso.

The sharpness of his memory allowed him a clear recollection of the event.

Describing cognitive precision.

Synonyms

claro sereno libre limpio diáfano atento vacío nítido

Antonyms

nublado obstruido confuso atascado

Common Collocations

cielo despejado

mente despejada

carretera despejada

horizonte despejado

camino despejado

frente despejada

duda despejada

vista despejada

área despejada

mañana despejada

Common Phrases

estar despejado

— To be clear-headed or for the sky to be cloudless.

¿Ya estás despejado?

quedar despejado

— To become clear after an action or event.

El cielo quedó despejado tras la lluvia.

mantener despejado

— To keep an area free of obstacles.

Mantén el pasillo despejado.

amanecer despejado

— For the day to start with a clear sky.

Hoy amaneció despejado.

sentirse despejado

— To feel alert and mentally sharp.

Me siento muy despejado hoy.

dejar despejado

— To leave something clear or unobstructed.

Dejó el escritorio despejado antes de irse.

encontrar despejado

— To find a place or path without obstacles.

Encontramos el tráfico despejado.

parecer despejado

— To appear clear or unobstructed.

El futuro parece despejado.

ver despejado

— To see clearly (literally or figuratively).

Ahora lo veo todo más despejado.

estar más despejado

— To be clearer than before.

Ahora el asunto está más despejado.

Often Confused With

despejado vs limpio

Limpio is for lack of dirt; despejado is for lack of obstacles or clouds.

despejado vs claro

Claro is for light or transparency; despejado is for openness.

despejado vs despierto

Despierto is just being awake; despejado is being alert and clear-headed.

Idioms & Expressions

"tener la mente despejada"

— To be able to think clearly without distractions or fatigue.

Para tomar decisiones importantes, hay que tener la mente despejada.

neutral

"despejar las dudas"

— To resolve uncertainties or clarify a situation.

Sus palabras sirvieron para despejar las dudas del equipo.

neutral

"a cielo despejado"

— Under a clear sky, often used to describe outdoor activities.

Cenamos a cielo despejado viendo las estrellas.

neutral

"despejar el camino"

— To remove obstacles to progress.

La nueva inversión va a despejar el camino para la expansión.

neutral

"despejar la incógnita"

— To solve a mystery or find a missing piece of information.

Por fin despejamos la incógnita de quién era el culpable.

neutral

"despejar la X"

— Literally to solve for X in math, but used figuratively to find the key to a problem.

Tenemos que despejar la X en este conflicto familiar.

neutral

"tener la frente despejada"

— To have a high forehead, often associated with intelligence.

Es un niño muy listo, tiene la frente despejada.

neutral

"despejar balones"

— In soccer, to clear the ball; figuratively, to avoid answering a question directly.

El político se dedicó a despejar balones durante la entrevista.

informal/metaphorical

"vía despejada"

— A clear path or green light to do something.

Tenemos vía despejada para empezar el proyecto.

neutral

"despejar la mesa"

— To clear the table of items.

Despeja la mesa para que podamos poner el mapa.

neutral

Easily Confused

despejado vs nublado

Opposite of despejado.

Nublado means cloudy; despejado means clear.

Hoy no está despejado, está nublado.

despejado vs atestado

Opposite in traffic contexts.

Atestado means crowded/packed; despejado means empty/clear.

El metro está atestado, pero la calle está despejada.

despejado vs borroso

Opposite of mental clarity.

Borroso means blurry; despejado means clear-headed.

Mi recuerdo es borroso, no estoy despejado.

despejado vs obstruido

Physical opposite.

Obstruido means blocked; despejado means open.

El canal está obstruido, hay que despejarlo.

despejado vs atontado

Mental opposite.

Atontado means groggy/dazed; despejado means alert.

Me siento atontado, necesito estar más despejado.

Sentence Patterns

El [noun] está despejado.

El cielo está despejado.

La [noun] está despejada.

La carretera está despejada.

Tengo la mente [adjective].

Tengo la mente despejada.

Me siento [adverb] despejado.

Me siento muy despejado.

Es un/una [noun] muy despejado/a.

Es una niña muy despejada.

Una vez [past participle]..., [action].

Una vez despejado el camino, avanzamos.

[Noun] despejado de [noun].

Un terreno despejado de maleza.

[Abstract Noun] despejada de [abstract noun].

Una interpretación despejada de prejuicios.

Word Family

Nouns

despeje (clearing)

espacio (space)

Verbs

despejar (to clear, to solve)

Adjectives

despejado (clear)

espacioso

claro

claridad

limpieza

despejo

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in weather and traffic; high in daily conversation about mental states.

Common Mistakes

El cielo es despejado. → El cielo está despejado.
Weather is a temporary state, so 'estar' is required.
Tengo la mente despejado. → Tengo la mente despejada.
'Mente' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must end in '-a'.
La carretera está limpia (meaning no traffic). → La carretera está despejada.
'Limpia' means clean/no dirt. 'Despejada' means no traffic.
Estoy claro (meaning clear-headed). → Estoy despejado.
'Estoy claro' is used in some regions to mean 'I understand,' but 'despejado' specifically means alert/not tired.
Despejado sky. → Cielo despejado.
In Spanish, adjectives usually come after the noun.

Tips

Agreement

Always match 'despejado' to the noun. 'Cielo' (m) -> 'despejado'. 'Mente' (f) -> 'despejada'.

Weather

In weather reports, 'despejado' is the standard term. 'Soleado' (sunny) is also used, but 'despejado' specifically means no clouds.

The 'J' Sound

Don't be afraid to make the 'j' sound a bit raspy. It helps you sound more native.

Mental Clarity

Use 'estar despejado' to express that you are finally ready to focus after being tired.

Traffic

If you are using a GPS in Spanish, it might say 'vía despejada' to indicate no traffic.

Etymology

Remember 'espacio' (space). 'Despejar' is to make space. 'Despejado' is the result.

Synonyms

In creative writing, use 'sereno' for a clear night sky to add a poetic touch.

Regional use

The word is understood and used the same way in all Spanish-speaking countries.

Math tip

'Despejar la X' is a common phrase. If you are taking a math class in Spanish, you'll hear this a lot.

Signs

Look for signs like 'Mantenga despejada la salida' (Keep the exit clear) in public buildings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Des-Pej-Ado' as 'De-Page-Ad' - like clearing a page of ads to see the content clearly.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand sweeping clouds away from a blue sky.

Word Web

cielo mente carretera duda espacio aire vista futuro

Challenge

Try to use 'despejado' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for your feelings, and once for a physical object.

Word Origin

Derived from the Spanish verb 'despejar'.

Original meaning: To clear a space or remove obstacles.

Romance (Latin root 'spatium' for space).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a very neutral and positive word.

English speakers often just say 'clear,' but Spanish speakers have a specific emotional attachment to the word 'despejado' as a sign of relief.

'Cielo Despejado' is a common title for Spanish poems and songs. Weather segments on Univision or RTVE.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Cielo despejado
Mañana despejada
Mayormente despejado
Estará despejado

Traffic

Carretera despejada
Tráfico despejado
Vía despejada
Camino despejado

Mental State

Mente despejada
Estar despejado
Sentirse despejado
Despertar despejado

Physical Space

Habitación despejada
Área despejada
Mesa despejada
Escritorio despejado

Abstract/Problem Solving

Duda despejada
Panorama despejado
Futuro despejado
Incógnita despejada

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que el cielo estará despejado para la fiesta de mañana?"

"¿Qué haces tú para tener la mente despejada antes de un examen?"

"¿Cómo estaba la carretera? ¿Estaba despejada o había mucho tráfico?"

"¿Prefieres una habitación minimalista y despejada o una con muchas cosas?"

"¿Ya te sientes más despejado después de ese café tan fuerte?"

Journal Prompts

Describe tu lugar favorito cuando el cielo está totalmente despejado.

Escribe sobre un momento en el que lograste despejar una gran duda de tu vida.

¿Cómo organizas tu espacio de trabajo para mantenerlo despejado y productivo?

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de tener la mente despejada para tomar decisiones.

Imagina un futuro donde todos tus problemas están despejados. ¿Cómo se ve?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. If the room is tidy and has space, you say it is 'despejada.' If it is free of dust and dirt, you say it is 'limpia.' Use 'despejada' to emphasize the open space.

No, it is very common for roads (no traffic) and the mind (no fatigue). You can also use it for math (isolating a variable).

'Claro' focuses on light or transparency (a clear glass). 'Despejado' focuses on the absence of things that block (a clear sky).

You can say 'estar despejado' or 'tener la mente despejada.'

Yes, but only to describe a permanent trait, like a person who is naturally smart ('es muy despejado') or a room design.

Yes, as a noun ('despeje') when a player clears the ball away from the goal.

No, that is a false friend. 'Desperate' is 'desesperado.'

It is like a breathy 'h' sound, similar to the 'h' in 'house' but stronger, produced in the back of the throat.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it every day on the news or in casual conversation about how someone feels.

Usually, we use 'cristalina' or 'clara' for water. 'Despejada' would only be used if you were talking about a surface free of obstacles like lily pads.