empírico/a in 30 Seconds
- Empírico/a means 'empirical'. It describes things based on real-world observation and experience rather than just abstract theories or logical guesses.
- It is a formal adjective commonly used in science, medicine, law, and philosophy to denote facts that can be verified through the senses.
- The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (empírico, empírica, empíricos, empíricas).
- It is often contrasted with 'teórico' (theoretical) and is the root of 'el método científico' (the scientific method).
The Spanish word empírico (masculine) or empírica (feminine) is a powerful adjective used to describe anything that is derived from, guided by, or based on observation and experiment rather than theory or pure logic. In the realm of Spanish linguistics and daily intellectual discourse, it serves as the bridge between the abstract world of ideas and the concrete world of physical reality. When you call a study, a method, or a piece of evidence empírico, you are asserting that it has been tested against the world and found to be true through the five senses and rigorous measurement.
- Scientific Context
- In scientific research, the term refers to the data collected during an experiment. It is the gold standard for validation. Without evidencia empírica, a hypothesis remains merely a guess.
- Philosophical Context
- It relates to Empiricism, the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. This philosophical movement, championed by figures like John Locke and David Hume, is frequently discussed in Spanish academic settings using this specific terminology.
- Practical Application
- In everyday life, it can describe a person who has learned a trade through practice rather than formal schooling. An arquitecto empírico might be someone who knows how to build houses because they have spent twenty years on construction sites, even if they never attended a university lecture.
El científico presentó datos empíricos para respaldar su nueva teoría sobre el cambio climático.
Understanding the word requires a grasp of its Latin and Greek roots, which point toward 'experience.' In Spanish, it is a high-frequency word in academic, medical, and legal settings. If a lawyer argues that there is no prueba empírica of a crime, they are saying there is no physical, observable evidence linking the suspect to the act. It is a word that demands respect because it implies a foundation in reality.
Su conocimiento de la herbolaria es puramente empírico, transmitido por generaciones de su familia.
Furthermore, the term is often contrasted with teórico (theoretical). While a theoretical physicist might work with complex mathematical equations on a chalkboard, an experimental physicist seeks the empirical confirmation of those equations in a particle accelerator. This distinction is vital for intermediate learners moving into professional Spanish environments.
Necesitamos realizar más pruebas empíricas antes de lanzar el producto al mercado.
Using empírico/a correctly involves placing it after the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Spanish that distinguish or categorize a noun. Because it is a formal, specific word, its placement is almost always post-nominal. You will find it most frequently paired with nouns like método, estudio, evidencia, base, and conocimiento.
- Modifying a Masculine Noun
- When modifying words like 'estudio' (study) or 'enfoque' (approach), use the '-o' ending. Example: 'Un enfoque empírico es esencial para la psicología moderna.'
- Modifying a Feminine Noun
- When modifying words like 'investigación' (research) or 'prueba' (proof), use the '-a' ending. Example: 'La investigación empírica demostró que la medicina era efectiva.'
Buscamos un resultado empírico que no deje lugar a dudas sobre la seguridad del puente.
In plural forms, the rules follow standard Spanish grammar. For a group of masculine or mixed-gender nouns, use empíricos. For a group of strictly feminine nouns, use empíricas. This is particularly common in academic bibliographies or methodology sections where multiple studies or trials are being referenced.
Las leyes empíricas de la física se basan en siglos de observación estelar.
It is also useful to note that the word can be used as a noun in certain contexts, particularly in history or philosophy, to refer to a person who follows the doctrine of empiricism. However, for B1 learners, focusing on its use as an adjective is the most practical path forward. Whether you are writing an essay for a Spanish class or reading a news article about a medical breakthrough, recognizing this word will help you identify the level of certainty and the source of the information being discussed.
Su método de enseñanza es empírico; prefiere que los estudiantes experimenten en el laboratorio.
While empírico might sound like a word reserved for dusty libraries or sterile laboratories, it appears surprisingly often in Spanish-language media, professional environments, and formal debates. If you watch the news in Spanish (like RTVE or CNN en Español), you will hear journalists use it when discussing economic trends or the efficacy of public policies. They might say, 'No hay sustento empírico para estas medidas económicas,' meaning there is no observed evidence that these measures actually work.
- In the University (La Universidad)
- Professors in the social sciences (sociology, psychology, economics) use it constantly. They distinguish between 'teoría pura' and 'investigación empírica'. If you are a student, you'll be asked to provide datos empíricos in your thesis.
- In Medicine (La Medicina)
- Doctors often talk about 'tratamiento empírico'. This refers to a treatment initiated based on experience and clinical observation before a definitive diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests. It's a very common medical term in Spanish-speaking hospitals.
El doctor decidió comenzar un tratamiento empírico con antibióticos mientras esperábamos los cultivos.
In legal settings, the term is frequently used to describe the nature of evidence. A judge might dismiss a witness's testimony if it lacks an análisis empírico of the facts. Similarly, in the business world, a manager might ask for an estudio empírico of the market before investing millions in a new venture. It is a word that signals professionalism and a commitment to facts over feelings.
You will also encounter it in high-level documentaries and podcasts (like 'Radio Ambulante' or science-focused shows). When experts discuss complex topics like climate change or sociology, empírico is the word they use to separate fact-based science from political rhetoric. It is a linguistic marker of credibility.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using empírico is confusing it with the English word 'imperial' because of the visual similarity between 'emp-' and 'imp-'. However, imperial in Spanish refers to an empire (like 'el palacio imperial'), while empírico refers to experience. This can lead to some very confusing sentences if not careful!
- Gender and Number Agreement
- Students often forget to change the ending to match the noun. Saying 'la evidencia empírico' is a common B1 error. It must be 'la evidencia empírica'. Always check the gender of the noun first.
- Confusing with 'Práctico'
- While they are related, they are not identical. 'Práctico' means useful or functional. 'Empírico' means based on observation. You can have a practical solution that isn't based on empirical research, and vice versa.
Incorrecto: El estudio imperial demostró los resultados.
Correcto: El estudio empírico demostró los resultados.
Another mistake is the pronunciation of the accent mark. In Spanish, the word is an esdrújula, meaning the stress is on the third-to-last syllable: em-PÍ-ri-co. Many learners mistakenly stress the second-to-last syllable (em-pi-RI-co), which sounds unnatural to native speakers. Always hit that 'í' with a bit of extra force.
Lastly, avoid overusing it. Because it is a formal word, using it in very casual conversation can make you sound a bit overly academic or pretentious. Use it when discussing facts, science, or professional methodology, but stick to 'de la experiencia' or 'práctico' for casual chats about your weekend hobbies.
To truly master empírico, it helps to understand the words that surround it in the Spanish vocabulary ecosystem. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might choose a different term. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ from our target word.
- Empírico vs. Experimental
- 'Experimental' implies a controlled test with variables. 'Empírico' is broader; it includes experiments but also includes naturalistic observation where the researcher doesn't interfere. All experimental data is empirical, but not all empirical data comes from an experiment.
- Empírico vs. Fáctico
- 'Fáctico' comes from 'facto' (fact). It refers to things that are true in fact. While 'empírico' describes the method of gaining knowledge, 'fáctico' describes the nature of the knowledge itself. They are often interchangeable in academic writing.
- Empírico vs. Pragmático
- 'Pragmático' means practical or oriented toward results. An empirical approach cares about what is observable; a pragmatic approach cares about what works. A doctor might be pragmatic by using a medicine that works, even if there isn't yet an empirical study explaining why it works.
Aunque no tenemos un estudio empírico, tenemos evidencia fáctica de que el sistema falló.
Other useful synonyms include comprobable (verifiable), observable (observable), and positivo (in the sense of logical positivism). In less formal contexts, you might hear basado en la realidad or de campo (as in 'trabajo de campo' or fieldwork). Choosing the right word demonstrates a high level of linguistic precision.
Es un conocimiento comprobable mediante la observación directa.
By learning these distinctions, you move from simply translating 'empirical' to truly thinking in Spanish, understanding the subtle shades of meaning that define academic and professional communication in the Hispanic world.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word originally had a slightly negative connotation in some circles, implying someone who practiced medicine without proper theoretical training (like a 'quack'), but it evolved to become the foundation of modern science.
Pronunciation Guide
- Stressing the second-to-last syllable (em-pi-RI-co).
- Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
- Mumbling the final 'o' or 'a'.
- Confusing the 'p' sound with a 'b'.
- Forgetting the written accent on the 'í'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize because it is a cognate, but common in complex texts.
Requires correct gender/number agreement and placement after the noun.
The accent on the third-to-last syllable (esdrújula) can be tricky for English speakers.
Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'imperial' if heard quickly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
La prueba (f) es empírica (f).
Adjective Placement
Un estudio empírico (Adjective follows noun).
Esdrújula Accents
Words stressed on the 3rd-to-last syllable always have an accent: em-PÍ-ri-co.
Neuter Article 'Lo'
Lo empírico es lo que importa (The empirical [thing] is what matters).
Pluralization of Adjectives
Los datos empíricos (Both noun and adjective pluralize).
Examples by Level
Yo veo el sol; es un hecho empírico.
I see the sun; it's an empirical fact.
Simple adjective use after a noun.
Mi abuela tiene un saber empírico de las plantas.
My grandmother has empirical knowledge of plants.
Matching 'saber' (masculine) with 'empírico'.
Es una observación empírica: el agua está fría.
It's an empirical observation: the water is cold.
Matching 'observación' (feminine) with 'empírica'.
No es magia, es algo empírico.
It's not magic, it's something empirical.
Using 'algo' as a neutral pronoun.
Aprendí a usar la radio de forma empírica.
I learned to use the radio in an empirical way.
Adverbial phrase 'de forma empírica'.
El color del cielo es un dato empírico.
The color of the sky is an empirical datum.
Using 'dato' (fact/data point).
Tengo una prueba empírica de que llovió.
I have empirical proof that it rained.
Feminine agreement.
Él es un trabajador empírico.
He is an empirical worker (learned by doing).
Describing a person's skill source.
Necesitamos un enfoque empírico para este problema.
We need an empirical approach for this problem.
Enfoque (approach) is masculine.
Ella prefiere los resultados empíricos a las teorías.
She prefers empirical results over theories.
Plural masculine agreement.
La ciencia usa el método empírico.
Science uses the empirical method.
The standard term for scientific method.
Sus estudios son empíricos y muy claros.
His studies are empirical and very clear.
Plural agreement with 'estudios'.
No creo en eso sin una base empírica.
I don't believe in that without an empirical basis.
Base (basis) is feminine.
Es una verdad empírica que el fuego quema.
It is an empirical truth that fire burns.
Verdad (truth) is feminine.
Buscamos una solución empírica, no solo ideas.
We are looking for an empirical solution, not just ideas.
Solución is feminine.
Los datos empíricos muestran que el clima cambia.
Empirical data show that the climate is changing.
Plural masculine 'datos'.
El investigador recolectó evidencia empírica durante meses.
The researcher collected empirical evidence for months.
Evidencia is feminine singular.
Para validar la hipótesis, requerimos un análisis empírico.
To validate the hypothesis, we require an empirical analysis.
Análisis is masculine singular.
Muchos artesanos tienen un conocimiento empírico admirable.
Many artisans have admirable empirical knowledge.
Conocimiento is masculine singular.
La psicología moderna se apoya en leyes empíricas.
Modern psychology relies on empirical laws.
Leyes is feminine plural.
No podemos ignorar los hechos empíricos del caso.
We cannot ignore the empirical facts of the case.
Hechos is masculine plural.
Este tratamiento médico tiene un origen empírico.
This medical treatment has an empirical origin.
Origen is masculine singular.
Realizamos una verificación empírica de los resultados.
We performed an empirical verification of the results.
Verificación is feminine singular.
Su argumento carece de sustento empírico.
His argument lacks empirical support.
Sustento is masculine singular.
La validez del estudio depende de su rigor empírico.
The validity of the study depends on its empirical rigor.
Rigor is masculine.
Existen diversas investigaciones empíricas sobre el tema.
There are various empirical investigations on the subject.
Investigaciones is feminine plural.
El filósofo defendía el valor de la experiencia empírica.
The philosopher defended the value of empirical experience.
Experiencia is feminine.
Es necesario distinguir entre lo teórico y lo empírico.
It is necessary to distinguish between the theoretical and the empirical.
Using 'lo' to create abstract nouns.
Los hallazgos empíricos contradicen la teoría anterior.
The empirical findings contradict the previous theory.
Hallazgos is masculine plural.
La empresa realizó un sondeo empírico del mercado.
The company conducted an empirical market survey.
Sondeo is masculine.
La demostración empírica fue la clave del éxito.
The empirical demonstration was the key to success.
Demostración is feminine.
Aplicamos un criterio empírico para seleccionar los datos.
We applied an empirical criterion to select the data.
Criterio is masculine.
La epistemología contemporánea cuestiona el alcance de lo empírico.
Contemporary epistemology questions the scope of the empirical.
Abstract usage with 'lo'.
Se requiere una contrastación empírica exhaustiva de la tesis.
An exhaustive empirical testing of the thesis is required.
Contrastación is a high-level academic term.
El modelo econométrico carece de una base empírica sólida.
The econometric model lacks a solid empirical base.
Econométrico is specialized vocabulary.
Las ciencias sociales han girado hacia un paradigma más empírico.
Social sciences have turned toward a more empirical paradigm.
Paradigma is masculine.
La observación empírica es el pilar fundamental del positivismo.
Empirical observation is the fundamental pillar of positivism.
Pilar (pillar) is a metaphor.
Sus conclusiones se derivan de una metodología empírico-analítica.
His conclusions are derived from an empirical-analytical methodology.
Compound adjective.
La realidad empírica a menudo desafía nuestras preconcepciones.
Empirical reality often challenges our preconceptions.
Reality is feminine.
El jurado exigió pruebas empíricas irrefutables.
The jury demanded irrefutable empirical evidence.
Irrefutable adds C1 level complexity.
La fenomenología busca trascender la mera descripción empírica del fenómeno.
Phenomenology seeks to transcend the mere empirical description of the phenomenon.
Mera (mere) is a sophisticated modifier.
Se debate si la estética puede ser objeto de un estudio empírico.
It is debated whether aesthetics can be the object of an empirical study.
Complex passive structure 'Se debate'.
La correlación no implica causalidad, a pesar de la evidencia empírica.
Correlation does not imply causation, despite empirical evidence.
Advanced logical phrasing.
La ontología del objeto se ve supeditada a su validación empírica.
The ontology of the object is subordinated to its empirical validation.
Supeditada is a very formal verb.
La dialéctica entre lo teórico y lo empírico nutre el progreso científico.
The dialectic between the theoretical and the empirical nurtures scientific progress.
Dialéctica is a high-level conceptual term.
Resulta imperativo corroborar estos hallazgos mediante praxis empírica.
It is imperative to corroborate these findings through empirical praxis.
Praxis is a formal term for practice/action.
La supuesta objetividad empírica es a menudo un constructo social.
The supposed empirical objectivity is often a social construct.
Constructo is academic terminology.
El empirismo radical postula que no hay nada en el intelecto que no haya pasado por los sentidos.
Radical empiricism postulates that there is nothing in the intellect that has not passed through the senses.
Complex subjunctive clause 'que no haya pasado'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Doing something based on experience rather than rules.
Aprendió a tocar la guitarra de forma empírica.
— Evidence or support based on observation.
Su tesis tiene un gran sustento empírico.
— The world as it is observed, not as it is imagined.
Debemos aceptar la realidad empírica.
— Rules derived from observing patterns in nature.
Las leyes empíricas de Kepler son famosas.
— An approach focused on data and observation.
Adoptamos un enfoque empírico para el proyecto.
— The actual findings of a study.
Los resultados empíricos fueron sorprendentes.
— Proving something is true through testing.
La validación empírica es obligatoria.
— The act of watching and recording facts.
La observación empírica requiere paciencia.
— A formula based on observed ratios (common in chemistry).
Calculamos la fórmula empírica del compuesto.
Often Confused With
Refers to an empire or royalty. Visual similarity causes confusion.
Means heavenly or related to the highest heaven. Rare but sounds similar.
In history, a specific type of ancient doctor or philosopher.
Idioms & Expressions
— To be an expert in something without formal schooling.
Mi abuelo es un maestro empírico de la mecánica.
Informal/Respectful— Doing something by sight/experience rather than measuring.
Lo hizo a puro ojo, de manera empírica.
Colloquial— A sudden realization of facts over theories.
La crisis fue un golpe de realidad empírica.
Journalistic— To speak with empirical proof (idiomatic).
Hablo con los pelos en la mano; tengo los datos empíricos.
Colloquial— To need empirical evidence to believe something.
Como buen científico, su lema es ver para creer.
Common— Proverb emphasizing that knowledge comes from empirical experience.
No estudió, pero sabe mucho; la experiencia es la madre de la ciencia.
Proverb— Doing empirical work in the field.
Los datos se recogen en el terreno.
Professional— Caught in the act (empirical proof of an action).
Lo atraparon con las manos en la masa; evidencia empírica total.
Informal— When facts (empirical reality) make something obvious.
La verdad cae por su propio peso.
CommonEasily Confused
Both relate to doing things rather than thinking.
'Práctico' is about utility and efficiency; 'empírico' is about observation and evidence.
Es un martillo práctico, pero su diseño no es empírico.
Both are used in science.
'Experimental' requires a controlled test; 'empírico' can just be watching something happen naturally.
La observación astronómica es empírica pero no siempre experimental.
Both relate to specialized knowledge.
'Técnico' relates to a specific skill or machine; 'empírico' relates to the source of the knowledge (experience).
El servicio técnico es bueno, basado en conocimiento empírico.
Both deal with facts.
'Fáctico' focuses on the fact itself; 'empírico' focuses on how we know the fact (through the senses).
Es un hecho fáctico que el sol sale, comprobado por observación empírica.
Both deal with reality.
'Realista' is a personality trait or an art style; 'empírico' is a scientific/philosophical method.
Soy realista y por eso solo confío en datos empíricos.
Sentence Patterns
Es un/una [sustantivo] empírico/a.
Es una prueba empírica.
Necesitamos [sustantivo] empírico/a para [verbo].
Necesitamos evidencia empírica para ganar.
Aprendí [algo] de forma empírica.
Aprendí a cocinar de forma empírica.
El estudio se basa en datos empíricos.
El estudio se basa en datos empíricos del año pasado.
No hay sustento empírico para [idea].
No hay sustento empírico para esa teoría.
Dada la naturaleza empírica de [sustantivo]...
Dada la naturaleza empírica de la investigación...
Se requiere una validación empírica de...
Se requiere una validación empírica de los resultados.
Lo empírico se contrapone a lo puramente especulativo.
Lo empírico se contrapone a lo puramente especulativo en este caso.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in academic and professional Spanish; Medium in daily conversation.
-
La evidencia empírico
→
La evidencia empírica
Adjectives must match the feminine gender of 'evidencia'.
-
Un estudio imperial
→
Un estudio empírico
Confusing 'empirical' with 'imperial'.
-
Empirico (no accent)
→
Empírico
All esdrújula words in Spanish require a written accent.
-
El método empirico
→
El método empírico
Incorrect stress on the 'ri' instead of the 'pí'.
-
Conocimiento empírical
→
Conocimiento empírico
Trying to make it look like the English word by adding 'al'.
Tips
Check the Noun Gender
Always look at the noun before writing the adjective. 'Evidencia' is feminine, 'Método' is masculine. This is the #1 mistake learners make.
The Stress Test
Say 'EM-pí-ri-co'. If you don't feel a little jump on the 'PÍ', you're saying it wrong. It's a sharp, high note.
Cognate Advantage
Use this word! It sounds exactly like 'empirical', so you already know the meaning. It's an easy way to boost your Spanish level.
Science vs. Life
In a lab, use it for data. In a workshop, use it for a master craftsman. Both are correct uses of 'empírico'.
Essay Power
Replace 'real' or 'verdadero' with 'empírico' in your Spanish essays to get higher marks for vocabulary range.
News Watch
Listen for this word during weather reports or economic segments on Spanish news. It's a favorite of journalists.
The 'Maestro' Respect
In many Latin American countries, calling someone a 'maestro empírico' is a huge compliment to their life experience.
The Opposite
If you can't remember 'empírico', think 'not theoretical'. It will help your brain find the Spanish word faster.
Don't forget the 'C'
Unlike English 'empirical', the Spanish 'empírico' ends in '-co'. Don't accidentally add an 'l' at the end.
Medical Context
If a doctor says 'tratamiento empírico', don't panic. It just means they are treating the most likely cause based on their experience.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Empire of the Senses'. An 'empírico' approach relies on the empire of what you can sense (see, touch, hear).
Visual Association
Imagine a scientist looking through a microscope. What they see is 'empírico'. Imagine a person reading a book of magic spells. That is 'teórico'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three things in your room right now and describe them using an empirical observation (e.g., 'The chair is wooden'). This is 'conocimiento empírico'.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'empeirikos', meaning 'experienced'. This came from 'empeiria' (experience), which is derived from 'en-' (in) + 'peira' (trial, experiment).
Original meaning: In ancient Greece, it referred to a sect of physicians who based their practice on experience rather than philosophical theory.
Indo-European -> Greek -> Latin (empiricus) -> Spanish.Cultural Context
Be careful not to use 'empírico' to dismiss someone's education. While 'maestro empírico' is respectful, calling a professional 'un empírico' might imply they lack formal credentials, which could be sensitive in certain hierarchies.
The word is a direct cognate with 'empirical', making it easier for English speakers to understand the concept, though the Spanish usage in medicine ('tratamiento empírico') is more common in daily professional speech.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Science Lab
- Recoger datos empíricos
- Método empírico
- Evidencia empírica
- Resultados empíricos
University Thesis
- Investigación empírica
- Base empírica
- Análisis empírico
- Estudio empírico
Medical Clinic
- Tratamiento empírico
- Diagnóstico empírico
- Observación clínica empírica
- Práctica empírica
Construction/Trade
- Conocimiento empírico
- Maestro empírico
- Aprendizaje empírico
- De forma empírica
Legal Debate
- Pruebas empíricas
- Hechos empíricos
- Sustento empírico
- Demostración empírica
Conversation Starters
"¿Crees que el conocimiento empírico es más valioso que el teórico?"
"¿Has aprendido alguna habilidad de forma puramente empírica?"
"¿Qué importancia tiene la evidencia empírica en las noticias de hoy?"
"¿Conoces a algún 'maestro empírico' en tu familia o comunidad?"
"¿Es posible amar de manera empírica, o es algo puramente emocional?"
Journal Prompts
Describe una vez que tuviste que cambiar tu opinión debido a una prueba empírica.
Escribe sobre una habilidad que aprendiste por experiencia (empíricamente) y no en la escuela.
¿Qué papel juega el método empírico en tu carrera o estudios actuales?
Imagina un mundo sin ciencia empírica. ¿Cómo sería la vida diaria?
Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre lo que crees y lo que puedes demostrar empíricamente.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsEs un médico que basa su práctica en la experiencia clínica y observación directa de los pacientes, a veces antes de tener resultados de laboratorio. Históricamente, también se refería a médicos sin título formal.
Sí, siempre lleva tilde en la 'í' porque es una palabra esdrújula (el acento cae en la antepenúltima sílaba).
Generalmente no. Se usa para cosas externas que se pueden observar. Los sentimientos son subjetivos, no empíricos, a menos que hables de sus efectos físicos medibles.
El femenino es 'empírica'. Por ejemplo: 'evidencia empírica'.
No exactamente. El método científico es empírico, pero puedes tener conocimiento empírico (como saber cocinar) sin ser científico.
Se dice 'empíricamente'.
Es el conocimiento que adquirimos a través de la experiencia directa con el mundo, como aprender que el fuego quema al tocarlo.
No es muy común en conversaciones casuales; es más frecuente en contextos educativos, profesionales o en las noticias.
El antónimo más común es 'teórico'.
Sí, significa un hombre que ha aprendido cosas por su cuenta y a través de la práctica.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Traduce: 'We need empirical evidence.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase con 'método empírico'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduce: 'He is an empirical builder.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase sobre aprender algo por experiencia usando 'empírico'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduce: 'The empirical data is clear.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre empírico y teórico? (En español)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase usando 'investigación empírica'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduce: 'There is no empirical basis for that.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase sobre un médico y un tratamiento empírico.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduce: 'Empirical laws of physics.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe el 'método empírico' en una oración.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase con 'sustento empírico'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduce: 'Empirical reality contradicts him.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase con 'análisis empírico'.
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Traduce: 'I learned it empirically.'
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Escribe una frase sobre un 'maestro empírico'.
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Traduce: 'The study is purely empirical.'
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Escribe una frase con 'resultados empíricos'.
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Traduce: 'Observation is an empirical tool.'
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Escribe una frase con 'validación empírica'.
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Pronuncia: 'Empírico'. (Asegúrate de acentuar la 'pí')
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Di: 'Necesitamos evidencia empírica'.
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Explica en español qué es un 'estudio empírico'.
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Di: 'El método empírico es la base de la ciencia'.
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Pronuncia el plural: 'Datos empíricos'.
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Di: 'Lo aprendí de forma empírica'.
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Di: 'No hay sustento empírico para eso'.
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Pronuncia: 'Empíricamente'.
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Di: 'La realidad empírica es clara'.
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Explica la diferencia entre 'empírico' y 'teórico'.
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Di: 'Es una investigación empírica muy larga'.
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Di: 'Los resultados empíricos son positivos'.
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Di: 'Él es un maestro empírico'.
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Di: 'Buscamos pruebas empíricas'.
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Di: 'El análisis empírico tomó tiempo'.
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Di: 'Es un enfoque empírico'.
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Di: 'La base empírica es sólida'.
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Di: 'Leyes empíricas de la física'.
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Di: 'Criterio empírico riguroso'.
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Di: 'Contrastación empírica de la tesis'.
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¿Qué palabra oyes? (Audio: empírico)
¿Es masculino o femenino? (Audio: empírica)
¿Es plural o singular? (Audio: empíricos)
¿Qué sustantivo acompaña? (Audio: método empírico)
¿Qué sustantivo acompaña? (Audio: evidencia empírica)
¿Cuál es el adjetivo? (Audio: datos empíricos)
Completa la frase: (Audio: Es un hecho...) empírico.
Completa la frase: (Audio: Necesitamos pruebas...) empíricas.
¿Cuántas sílabas oyes? (Audio: empírico)
¿Dónde está el acento? (Audio: empírico)
Traduce lo que oyes: (Audio: Conocimiento empírico)
Traduce lo que oyes: (Audio: De forma empírica)
Identifica el error: (Audio: La evidencia empírico)
¿Es una pregunta o afirmación? (Audio: ¿Es empírico?)
Completa: (Audio: El empirismo es...) una filosofía.
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Summary
The word 'empírico/a' is your 'reality check' word in Spanish. Use it whenever you want to emphasize that something is proven by facts, data, or hands-on experience. For example: 'Necesitamos evidencia empírica' (We need empirical evidence).
- Empírico/a means 'empirical'. It describes things based on real-world observation and experience rather than just abstract theories or logical guesses.
- It is a formal adjective commonly used in science, medicine, law, and philosophy to denote facts that can be verified through the senses.
- The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (empírico, empírica, empíricos, empíricas).
- It is often contrasted with 'teórico' (theoretical) and is the root of 'el método científico' (the scientific method).
Check the Noun Gender
Always look at the noun before writing the adjective. 'Evidencia' is feminine, 'Método' is masculine. This is the #1 mistake learners make.
The Stress Test
Say 'EM-pí-ri-co'. If you don't feel a little jump on the 'PÍ', you're saying it wrong. It's a sharp, high note.
Cognate Advantage
Use this word! It sounds exactly like 'empirical', so you already know the meaning. It's an easy way to boost your Spanish level.
Science vs. Life
In a lab, use it for data. In a workshop, use it for a master craftsman. Both are correct uses of 'empírico'.
Related Content
More academic words
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.
