extenso/a in 30 Seconds
- Extenso means vast, broad, or detailed in scope.
- It changes to 'extensa' for feminine nouns and adds 's' for plural.
- Commonly used for geography, documents, and time periods.
- More formal and specific than the word 'grande' (big).
The Spanish adjective extenso (and its feminine form extensa) is a versatile term primarily used to describe something that covers a large area, possesses a great range, or lasts for a significant duration. While it is frequently translated as 'extensive' or 'vast', its application in Spanish spans across physical dimensions, temporal spans, and the depth of information or content. At its core, the word suggests a sense of breadth and reach that exceeds the ordinary, making it an essential term for describing landscapes, academic works, and historical periods.
- Physical Space
- When referring to geography or architecture, 'extenso' denotes a vast territory or a building with a large footprint. It implies that the area is not just big, but spread out. For example, 'el extenso desierto' highlights the seemingly endless nature of the sand.
- Content and Information
- In academic or professional contexts, it describes reports, books, or speeches that are detailed and lengthy. An 'informe extenso' is one that covers every possible detail, leaving no stone unturned.
- Temporal Duration
- Though 'largo' is more common for simple time, 'extenso' is used for periods that feel significant or comprehensive, such as 'un extenso periodo de paz' (an extensive period of peace).
Sudamérica tiene un territorio muy extenso con diversos climas.
El profesor nos entregó una lista extensa de libros recomendados.
One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is using 'largo' (long) when they actually mean 'extenso'. While 'largo' refers to linear length, 'extenso' refers to the total volume or coverage of an area or topic. If you are describing a curriculum or a field of flowers, 'extenso' is your best friend. It conveys a sense of richness and completeness that simpler adjectives lack. In a business meeting, referring to an 'extenso análisis' suggests that the work was thorough and professional, whereas 'un análisis largo' might imply that it was simply boring or took too much time.
La novela es tan extensa que me tomó tres meses terminarla.
El parque nacional es extenso y requiere varios días de exploración.
Using extenso correctly requires an understanding of gender and number agreement, as well as its typical position in a sentence. As an adjective, it must match the noun it modifies. For instance, a masculine singular noun like 'bosque' uses 'extenso', while a feminine plural noun like 'explicaciones' uses 'extensas'. Generally, 'extenso' follows the noun in standard descriptive Spanish, though placing it before the noun can add a poetic or emphatic quality common in literature.
- Agreement Rules
- Singular Masculine: El campo extenso. Singular Feminine: La pradera extensa. Plural Masculine: Los campos extensos. Plural Feminine: Las praderas extensas.
- Placement Nuance
- Standard: 'Un libro extenso' (A long book). Emphatic: 'El extenso libro de historia' (The vast history book). The latter emphasizes the vastness as an inherent quality.
Ella tiene un extenso conocimiento sobre la cultura maya.
In professional settings, you will often find 'extenso' paired with nouns like 'currículum', 'experiencia', or 'informe'. It suggests a level of professionalism and thoroughness. For example, 'Su currículum es muy extenso' implies the person has many qualifications. In geographic descriptions, it is almost always the preferred word over 'grande' when you want to describe the horizontal reach of a place, such as a valley or a coastline.
Las playas de México son extensas y hermosas.
El autor escribió un extenso prólogo para su nueva obra.
You are most likely to encounter extenso in formal and semi-formal environments. It is a staple of news broadcasts, academic lectures, and literary works. If you listen to a news report about a wildfire, the reporter might say, 'El fuego ha afectado una zona extensa' (The fire has affected an extensive area). In a university setting, a professor might warn students about an 'examen extenso' that covers several chapters of material.
El reportaje ofrece un extenso análisis de la economía actual.
In everyday casual conversation, people might use 'largo' or 'grande' more frequently, but 'extenso' is used when someone wants to emphasize the scale or the effort involved in something. For instance, if a friend tells you about a long trip across a country, they might use 'extenso' to describe the vast distances they traveled. It is also common in real estate listings to describe 'terrenos extensos' (large plots of land).
Buscamos una casa con un jardín extenso para los niños.
La red de transporte es muy extensa en esta ciudad.
The most frequent pitfall for learners is the confusion between extenso and largo. While English often uses 'long' for both distance and time, Spanish is more specific. 'Largo' refers to length in one dimension (like a rope or a street), whereas 'extenso' refers to area or comprehensiveness. Using 'largo' to describe a field might sound like you are only talking about its length, whereas 'extenso' covers the whole space.
- Extenso vs. Largo
- Use 'largo' for: A tall person (alto), a long line (fila larga), a long time (mucho tiempo). Use 'extenso' for: A vast plain, a detailed document, a wide range of topics.
- False Cognate Warning
- Some learners confuse 'extenso' with 'tenso' (tense). While they sound similar, 'extenso' is about size/scope, and 'tenso' is about emotional or physical tension. 'La situación es extensa' makes no sense if you mean the situation is stressful.
Incorrecto: El camino es muy extenso. (Unless the road is very wide/vast, use 'largo').
Another mistake is forgetting the feminine form. Because many adjectives in English are gender-neutral, students often say 'la lista extenso' instead of the correct 'la lista extensa'. Always check the gender of the noun. Furthermore, avoid using 'extenso' for people. You wouldn't say a person is 'extensa' to mean they are tall or large; that would sound very strange and potentially offensive or nonsensical.
Correcto: El territorio es extenso.
Spanish is rich with synonyms for 'extenso', each carrying its own specific shade of meaning. Choosing the right one can elevate your Spanish from functional to fluent. Depending on whether you are talking about a physical space, a period of time, or the level of detail in a text, you might choose one of the following alternatives.
- Vasto / Vasta
- Very similar to 'extenso', but often carries a more poetic or grandiose tone. 'El vasto océano' sounds more majestic than 'el extenso océano'.
- Amplio / Amplia
- Focuses more on width or roominess. Use this for rooms, offices, or a 'broad' range of options. 'Un catálogo amplio' means there are many choices.
- Prolijo / Prolija
- Specifically used for texts or speeches that are very detailed, sometimes to a fault. If a story is 'prolija', it includes every tiny detail.
- Dilatado / Dilatada
- Often used for time or careers. 'Una dilatada trayectoria' means a long and distinguished career.
El desierto es vasto e imponente.
When deciding between these, consider the 'vibe'. 'Extenso' is the most objective and standard. 'Vasto' is for beauty and scale. 'Amplio' is for utility and space. 'Prolijo' is for detail. By mastering these distinctions, you can describe the world around you with much greater precision and flair.
Tenemos una amplia gama de productos disponibles.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root 'tendere' (to stretch) is also the origin of English words like 'tension', 'tendon', and 'tent'. When you use 'extenso', you are literally saying something has been 'stretched out' to its full size.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'x' like a 'j' (h-sound). It should be 'ks'.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
- Changing the 'o' to 'a' when the noun is masculine.
- Forgetting to pronounce the 'n' clearly.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'estense' (a different word).
Difficulty Rating
Common in books and news, easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'extensive'.
Requires correct gender/number agreement and knowing when to choose it over 'largo'.
The 'x' sound and stress placement are key for sounding natural.
Usually clear in formal speech, though 'x' might be softened in some dialects.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
El informe es extenso / La lista es extensa.
Placement for Emphasis
El extenso desierto (emphasizes the vastness).
Using 'Ser' for inherent qualities
El mar es extenso (it is always vast).
Comparison of Adjectives
Este libro es más extenso que el otro.
Adverbial formation with -mente
Habló extensamente sobre el tema.
Examples by Level
El jardín de mi abuelo es muy extenso.
My grandfather's garden is very extensive.
Adjective follows the noun 'jardín' (masculine singular).
Rusia es un país extenso.
Russia is an extensive country.
Describes a permanent geographic quality.
Hay un bosque extenso cerca de aquí.
There is an extensive forest near here.
Used with 'hay' to describe existence.
La playa es muy extensa y bonita.
The beach is very extensive and pretty.
Feminine agreement with 'la playa'.
Mi casa no es extensa, es pequeña.
My house is not extensive, it is small.
Contrast between 'extensa' and 'pequeña'.
El patio de la escuela es extenso.
The school courtyard is extensive.
Masculine singular agreement.
Veo un campo extenso desde mi ventana.
I see an extensive field from my window.
Standard adjective placement.
Los parques de esta ciudad son extensos.
The parks in this city are extensive.
Masculine plural agreement.
Tenemos una lista extensa de tareas.
We have an extensive list of tasks.
Feminine singular agreement with 'lista'.
El examen tiene un temario extenso.
The exam has an extensive syllabus.
Refers to the scope of information.
Ella escribió una carta extensa a su madre.
She wrote an extensive letter to her mother.
Feminine singular agreement.
El menú del restaurante es muy extenso.
The restaurant menu is very extensive.
Refers to variety and length.
Vimos campos extensos de girasoles.
We saw extensive fields of sunflowers.
Masculine plural agreement.
El profesor dio una explicación extensa.
The teacher gave an extensive explanation.
Feminine singular agreement.
Este libro tiene un glosario extenso.
This book has an extensive glossary.
Refers to a specific section of a book.
Caminamos por un pasillo extenso.
We walked through an extensive hallway.
Physical length/breadth.
El autor tiene una extensa bibliografía.
The author has an extensive bibliography.
Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.
Necesitamos un informe más extenso sobre el tema.
We need a more extensive report on the topic.
Comparative structure 'más... que'.
El terreno es tan extenso que se pierde de vista.
The land is so extensive that it is lost from sight.
Consecutive clause with 'tan... que'.
Ella posee un extenso conocimiento de medicina.
She possesses extensive knowledge of medicine.
Abstract usage of 'extenso'.
El viaje por la Patagonia fue extenso y cansado.
The trip through Patagonia was extensive and tiring.
Refers to both distance and time.
La empresa tiene una extensa red de distribución.
The company has an extensive distribution network.
Refers to organizational reach.
Fue un discurso extenso pero muy interesante.
It was an extensive but very interesting speech.
Refers to the length of spoken content.
Hay extensas zonas protegidas en este país.
There are extensive protected zones in this country.
Plural feminine agreement.
El artículo ofrece un extenso resumen de la ley.
The article offers an extensive summary of the law.
Professional context.
La investigación fue extensa y duró varios años.
The investigation was extensive and lasted several years.
Refers to the scale of the work.
El catálogo de la biblioteca es bastante extenso.
The library catalog is quite extensive.
Used with the adverb 'bastante'.
El valle es extenso y fértil para la agricultura.
The valley is extensive and fertile for agriculture.
Geographic description.
Recibimos una extensa formación antes de empezar.
We received extensive training before starting.
Refers to educational scope.
Sus extensas propiedades incluyen varios viñedos.
His extensive properties include several vineyards.
Possessive adjective 'sus' + 'extensas'.
El debate fue extenso y generó mucha polémica.
The debate was extensive and generated much controversy.
Refers to the duration and depth of discussion.
La novela narra una extensa saga familiar.
The novel narrates an extensive family saga.
Literary context.
El impacto de la crisis fue más extenso de lo previsto.
The impact of the crisis was more extensive than expected.
Refers to the scope of consequences.
Dada la extensa documentación, el juicio se retrasó.
Given the extensive documentation, the trial was delayed.
Causal construction with 'Dada la'.
El filósofo desarrolló un extenso sistema de pensamiento.
The philosopher developed an extensive system of thought.
Abstract and intellectual scope.
La llanura se extendía en un horizonte extenso y vacío.
The plain stretched out in an extensive and empty horizon.
Redundant use for literary effect.
Posee una extensa colección de arte precolombino.
He possesses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
High-level vocabulary for collections.
El contrato contiene cláusulas extensas y complejas.
The contract contains extensive and complex clauses.
Technical and legal register.
Su extensa carrera en el cine le valió un Oscar.
His extensive career in cinema earned him an Oscar.
Temporal and professional scope.
La región sufrió extensas inundaciones el mes pasado.
The region suffered extensive flooding last month.
Describes the scale of a natural disaster.
La exégesis del texto resultó ser sumamente extensa.
The exegesis of the text turned out to be extremely extensive.
Use of 'exégesis' and 'sumamente' (academic).
Se requiere un extenso peritaje para determinar la causa.
An extensive expert assessment is required to determine the cause.
Technical term 'peritaje'.
La obra de Proust es famosa por su prosa extensa.
Proust's work is famous for its extensive prose.
Stylistic analysis.
El imperio alcanzó su etapa más extensa bajo Trajano.
The empire reached its most extensive stage under Trajan.
Historical and geopolitical context.
Abordó el problema desde una perspectiva extensa y holística.
He approached the problem from an extensive and holistic perspective.
Abstract philosophical usage.
La extensa planicie castellana inspiró a muchos poetas.
The extensive Castilian plain inspired many poets.
Literary and cultural reference.
El software permite un extenso grado de personalización.
The software allows for an extensive degree of customization.
Technological scope.
Tras un extenso periplo, finalmente regresó a su hogar.
After an extensive journey, he finally returned home.
Use of the high-level word 'periplo'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Along the length or throughout the extent of something. It is a more formal way of saying 'throughout'.
Hay monumentos a lo extenso de la avenida.
— In an extensive manner; thoroughly or in great detail. Used as an adverbial phrase.
Hablamos del problema de manera extensa.
— To be very long or vast. This is the most common way to use the adjective with a linking verb.
El temario del examen suele ser muy extenso.
— To become long or drawn out. Often used when a meeting or speech takes longer than expected.
La reunión se hizo extensa y terminamos tarde.
— Extensive and detailed. A very common pair of adjectives in professional contexts.
El manual es extenso y detallado.
— As extensive as possible. Used when requesting a thorough job.
Escribe un resumen lo más extenso posible.
— A long resume. Used to describe someone with a lot of experience.
El candidato tiene un extenso currículum.
— Vast plains. A classic descriptive phrase for landscapes.
Las extensas llanuras de la Pampa son famosas.
— In full; in detail. Often used in the context of writing out names or numbers.
Escriba su nombre por extenso en el documento.
— Extensive mastery or control over a subject or territory.
Tiene un extenso dominio del idioma francés.
Often Confused With
Largo is for linear length; extenso is for area or comprehensive content.
Tenso means tense or stressed; it sounds similar but is unrelated.
Extranjero means foreign; don't confuse the 'ext-' prefix.
Idioms & Expressions
— To write something out in full, without abbreviations. Very common in legal and formal forms.
Por favor, firme con su nombre por extenso.
Formal— To speak for a long time and in great detail about something. It emphasizes the thoroughness of the conversation.
Ayer hablamos largo y extenso sobre nuestro futuro.
Neutral— To give the 'long version' of a story, including all the details that might usually be skipped.
Si tienes tiempo, te daré la versión extensa de lo que pasó.
Informal— A simile used to describe something that seems to have no end or is incredibly vast.
Su amor era extenso como el mar.
Literary— To go on for too long. Sometimes used when someone realizes they are boring their audience.
Creo que me he quedado un poco extenso con mi explicación.
Neutral— In its broadest sense. Used when defining a word or concept in its most inclusive way.
La libertad, en su acepción más extensa, incluye muchos derechos.
Academic— To have a very large number of children or descendants.
Mi bisabuelo tuvo una extensa prole de doce hijos.
Formal— To report or repeat something in great detail. Often used in journalism.
La prensa se hizo eco por extenso de la noticia.
Journalistic— Broad-minded. (Note: 'De miras amplias' is more common, but this is a variant).
Es un hombre extenso de miras y muy tolerante.
Formal— Across the whole width or extent. Similar to 'a lo largo y ancho'.
La alfombra cubría la sala a todo lo extenso.
NeutralEasily Confused
They look and sound almost identical.
Extenso describes the size/scope now. Extensivo describes something that has the power to extend or is used in technical terms like 'agricultura extensiva'.
El informe es extenso. La técnica es extensiva.
Both mean large or extensive.
Vasto is more poetic and suggests an immense, often empty, space. Extenso is more objective and can refer to detail.
El vasto mar. El extenso contrato.
General word for big.
Grande is generic. Extenso implies breadth, depth, or duration specifically.
Una casa grande. Un territorio extenso.
Both relate to width.
Ancho specifically means wide (the opposite of narrow). Extenso means covering a large total area.
Una calle ancha. Un campo extenso.
Both can refer to time.
Prolongado means something that has been made longer than usual. Extenso just means it is long.
Un aplauso prolongado. Un periodo extenso.
Sentence Patterns
[Noun] es muy extenso.
El campo es muy extenso.
Tengo una [Noun] extensa.
Tengo una lista extensa.
Es un [Noun] más extenso que...
Es un informe más extenso que el de ayer.
Dada la naturaleza extensa de [Noun]...
Dada la naturaleza extensa de la investigación...
A lo extenso de [Noun]...
A lo extenso de su carrera...
Resulta ser sumamente extenso...
Resulta ser sumamente extenso el análisis.
Poseer un extenso [Noun] de...
Poseer un extenso conocimiento de historia.
Un catálogo tan extenso como...
Un catálogo tan extenso como el de Amazon.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very common in written Spanish and formal spoken Spanish.
-
Using 'extenso' for a person's height.
→
Mi hermano es muy alto.
'Extenso' is for area or scope, not vertical height in humans.
-
Saying 'la libro extenso'.
→
El libro extenso.
Gender disagreement. 'Libro' is masculine.
-
Using 'extenso' when you mean 'expensive'.
→
El coche es muy caro.
Confusing 'extenso' with 'caro'. They are not related.
-
Using 'largo' for a vast territory.
→
El desierto es extenso.
While 'largo' isn't always wrong, 'extenso' is much more accurate for area.
-
Pronouncing it as 'es-tenso'.
→
Ex-tenso (eks-tenso).
Failing to pronounce the 'k' sound in the 'x'.
Tips
Gender Match
Always check the noun before you speak. 'La zona' is feminine, so it must be 'la zona extensa'. This is the #1 mistake learners make.
Use for Reports
When talking about work or school projects, use 'extenso' to describe your research. It makes you sound more diligent and thorough.
The 'X' Sound
The 'x' in 'extenso' is like the 'x' in 'taxi'. Make sure you don't skip it, or it will sound like 'etenso', which isn't a word.
Avoid Repetition
If you've already used 'grande' in a paragraph, switch to 'extenso' for the next description to vary your vocabulary.
Geography
Use 'extenso' when describing your own country's size to Spanish speakers. It’s the standard way to talk about national territory.
Extenso vs. Largo
Remember: A rope is 'larga' (long), but a field is 'extenso' (vast). Linear vs. Area.
Resumes
If someone has a lot of experience, describe their 'trayectoria' as 'extensa'. It’s a very common and positive professional compliment.
Look for it in News
You'll see 'extensas áreas' in news about forests or urban development. It’s a key word for understanding news reports.
Cognate Help
Since it looks like 'extensive', use that connection! It’s one of the easier B2 words to remember the meaning of.
Formal Contexts
When you hear 'extenso' in a speech, prepare for a lot of details to follow. It’s a sign that the speaker is going into depth.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of an 'EXTENded' 'SOlo'. If a musician plays an extended solo, it is 'extenso' – it goes on for a long time and covers a lot of musical ground.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant map of Texas being unrolled. The map is 'extenso' (extensive) and it sounds a bit like 'Texas' at the start (Ex-ten...).
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences: one about a large country, one about a long book, and one about a detailed speech, all using the word 'extenso' or 'extensa'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'extensus', which is the past participle of 'extendere'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'tendere' means 'to stretch'.
Original meaning: Literally 'stretched out'.
Romance (Latin origin).Cultural Context
There are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe people's bodies, as it is not the standard way to describe size.
English speakers often use 'vast' for land and 'extensive' for research. Spanish uses 'extenso' for both, which can simplify things once you learn it.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Geography
- Territorio extenso
- Región extensa
- Costa extensa
- Valle extenso
Documents/Writing
- Libro extenso
- Informe extenso
- Capítulo extenso
- Artículo extenso
Time
- Periodo extenso
- Plazo extenso
- Horario extenso
- Trayectoria extensa
Education
- Programa extenso
- Temario extenso
- Curso extenso
- Bibliografía extensa
Business
- Catálogo extenso
- Currículum extenso
- Red extensa
- Experiencia extensa
Conversation Starters
"¿Has leído algún libro muy extenso últimamente?"
"¿Cuál es el país más extenso que has visitado?"
"¿Prefieres un examen corto o uno más extenso y detallado?"
"¿Tienes un jardín extenso en tu casa o prefieres algo pequeño?"
"¿Crees que el programa de este curso es demasiado extenso?"
Journal Prompts
Describe un viaje extenso que hayas realizado y qué lugares visitaste.
Escribe sobre una persona que tenga un conocimiento extenso sobre un tema que te interese.
¿Cuáles son las ventajas y desventajas de vivir en un país con un territorio tan extenso?
Reflexiona sobre un libro extenso que cambió tu forma de pensar.
Describe tu día ideal en un parque extenso y natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'extenso' means vast or extensive. The word for 'expensive' in Spanish is 'caro'. This is a common confusion for beginners because they both start with similar sounds in English, but they are completely different.
You use 'extensa' when the noun it describes is feminine. For example, 'la playa' is feminine, so you say 'la playa extensa'. 'El libro' is masculine, so you say 'el libro extenso'. Always match the gender!
Generally, no. If you want to say someone is tall, use 'alto'. If you want to say they are large, use 'grande'. Using 'extenso' for a person would sound like you are describing them as a geographical territory, which is nonsensical.
Yes, 'extenso' is often perceived as more formal or professional. While 'un libro largo' is perfectly correct, 'un libro extenso' sounds more academic and suggests the book is comprehensive.
Simply add an 's' to the end. For masculine plural nouns, use 'extensos' (los campos extensos). For feminine plural nouns, use 'extensas' (las listas extensas).
Yes, it can be used to describe periods of time that are long and significant, such as 'un extenso periodo de tiempo' or 'una extensa jornada de trabajo'.
Yes, the verb is 'extender', which means 'to extend' or 'to spread'. For example, 'extender la alfombra' (to spread the carpet).
The most common opposites are 'breve' (brief), 'corto' (short), or 'reducido' (limited/small).
Yes, 'muy extenso' is very common and means 'very extensive'. You can also use 'sumamente extenso' for 'extremely extensive'.
Yes, it is a standard Spanish word used across Spain and Latin America in both written and spoken contexts.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence describing a large country using 'extenso'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a long book using 'extensa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 'largo' and 'extenso' in Spanish.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe your educational background using 'extenso' or 'extensa'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about a company's network.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The report provides an extensive analysis'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'extensas' to describe plains (llanuras).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a detailed speech.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'por extenso' in a sentence about a signature.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a vast desert using 'extenso'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a long-term period of peace.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'She has extensive knowledge of history'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a large library catalog.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'extensos' to describe fields (campos).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about an extensive list of chores.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The park is vast and beautiful'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a detailed investigation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'extensas' to describe beaches.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a broad range of products.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Given the extensive nature of the project...'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronuncia: 'Extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronuncia: 'Extensa'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronuncia: 'Extensas llanuras'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'El país es muy extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Tengo una lista extensa'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Un informe extenso y detallado'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Extenso conocimiento de historia'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'La red de metro es extensa'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Escriba su nombre por extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Un extenso periodo de tiempo'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Explique en español qué es un 'territorio extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'La investigación fue muy extensa'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Dada la extensa documentación...'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'El desierto es vasto y extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Su currículum es realmente extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Extensamente'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Las playas son extensas'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Un catálogo extenso de productos'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Hablamos largo y extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'El imperio más extenso'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Identify the adjective: 'El terreno es extenso'.
Identify the gender: 'Una lista extensa'.
Is it singular or plural: 'Los campos extensos'?
Listen and write: 'extenso'.
Listen and write: 'extensa'.
Identify the noun: 'Un informe extenso'.
Listen and write: 'extensas playas'.
Identify the stress: 'ex-TEN-so'. Which syllable?
Listen and write: 'por extenso'.
Identify the synonym used: 'El vasto territorio'.
Listen and write: 'extensamente'.
Identify the number of syllables in 'extenso'.
Listen and write: 'un temario extenso'.
Identify the antonym: 'Un discurso breve'.
Listen and write: 'extensa bibliografía'.
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'extenso' is your go-to adjective for describing anything with a large scale or deep detail, from a vast desert ('un desierto extenso') to a long, thorough book ('un libro extenso'). It adds a level of precision and professionalism to your Spanish descriptions.
- Extenso means vast, broad, or detailed in scope.
- It changes to 'extensa' for feminine nouns and adds 's' for plural.
- Commonly used for geography, documents, and time periods.
- More formal and specific than the word 'grande' (big).
Gender Match
Always check the noun before you speak. 'La zona' is feminine, so it must be 'la zona extensa'. This is the #1 mistake learners make.
Use for Reports
When talking about work or school projects, use 'extenso' to describe your research. It makes you sound more diligent and thorough.
The 'X' Sound
The 'x' in 'extenso' is like the 'x' in 'taxi'. Make sure you don't skip it, or it will sound like 'etenso', which isn't a word.
Avoid Repetition
If you've already used 'grande' in a paragraph, switch to 'extenso' for the next description to vary your vocabulary.
Related Content
More general words
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
