Sucio is the primary Spanish word for dirty, used for both physical cleanliness and moral integrity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something covered in dirt or lacking cleanliness.
- Used for both physical objects and metaphorical situations.
- Has feminine and plural forms based on the noun.
Visión general
'Sucio' es un adjetivo fundamental en español que indica la ausencia de higiene. Su forma femenina es 'sucia' y su plural es 'sucios' o 'sucias'. Es una palabra de uso cotidiano que sirve para describir el estado de cualquier superficie u objeto que requiere limpieza. 2) Patrones de uso: Se emplea típicamente con el verbo 'estar' cuando se describe un estado temporal (ej. 'la mesa está sucia'), aunque también puede usarse con 'ser' si la suciedad es una característica intrínseca o permanente de algo. 3) Contextos comunes: Es muy común en el hogar (ropa sucia, platos sucios), en el entorno urbano (calles sucias) y en descripciones personales (manos sucias). Además, en un sentido figurado, puede referirse a dinero obtenido ilegalmente ('dinero sucio') o a una jugada deshonesta en el deporte ('juego sucio'). 4) Comparación con palabras similares: A diferencia de 'manchado', que implica una marca específica, 'sucio' es un estado general de falta de limpieza. Mientras que 'mugriento' es un aumentativo que sugiere una suciedad extrema o desagradable, 'sucio' es un término neutro y directo.
Examples
Tengo la ropa sucia.
everydayI have dirty clothes.
El agua del río está muy sucia.
formalThe river water is very dirty.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
lavar los trapos sucios
to air one's dirty laundry
dinero sucio
dirty money
Often Confused With
Desordenado refers to lack of order or clutter, while sucio refers to lack of hygiene.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Sucio is a high-frequency adjective suitable for all registers. In formal contexts, it is used to describe pollution or lack of sanitation. In informal settings, it is commonly used to criticize appearance or hygiene.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to match the gender and number of the adjective with the noun. Another mistake is using 'ser' instead of 'estar' for temporary states of dirtiness. Remember that being dirty is usually a temporary condition.
Tips
Use with estar for temporary states
Always use 'estar' when describing something that is currently dirty. For example, 'Mis zapatos están sucios' describes their current condition.
Do not confuse with messy
While 'sucio' means dirty, 'desordenado' means messy or cluttered. A room can be clean (limpio) but still messy (desordenado).
Figurative use in politics and crime
In Spanish, the term 'dinero sucio' refers to laundered or illegal money. Similarly, 'juego sucio' describes unfair play in sports.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'succidus', meaning juicy or moist, which evolved to describe things that are soiled or stained. It shares roots with terms related to biological waste.
Cultural Context
In many Hispanic cultures, maintaining a clean home is a point of pride. Calling someone 'sucio' can be a strong insult regarding their character or personal hygiene.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'sue' (like a person) getting 'see-oh' (dirty). Sue is dirty, so she is 'sucio'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSucio indica un estado general de falta de higiene en toda una superficie. Manchado se refiere específicamente a una marca o señal de algo que ha caído sobre una superficie limpia.
El antónimo principal es 'limpio'. Es importante recordar que ambos deben concordar en género y número con el sustantivo al que acompañan.
Sí, se usa para describir a alguien que no se ha bañado o tiene la ropa manchada. También se usa en sentido figurado para hablar de alguien con intenciones deshonestas.
Test Yourself
Después de jugar en el parque, mis pantalones están ___.
Pantalones es un sustantivo masculino plural, por lo tanto el adjetivo debe ser masculino plural.
Score: /1
Summary
Sucio is the primary Spanish word for dirty, used for both physical cleanliness and moral integrity.
- Describes something covered in dirt or lacking cleanliness.
- Used for both physical objects and metaphorical situations.
- Has feminine and plural forms based on the noun.
Use with estar for temporary states
Always use 'estar' when describing something that is currently dirty. For example, 'Mis zapatos están sucios' describes their current condition.
Do not confuse with messy
While 'sucio' means dirty, 'desordenado' means messy or cluttered. A room can be clean (limpio) but still messy (desordenado).
Figurative use in politics and crime
In Spanish, the term 'dinero sucio' refers to laundered or illegal money. Similarly, 'juego sucio' describes unfair play in sports.
Examples
2 of 2Tengo la ropa sucia.
I have dirty clothes.
El agua del río está muy sucia.
The river water is very dirty.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More home words
abono
B1Fertilizer; a chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility.
acogedor
B1Cozy or welcoming, providing a feeling of comfort.
acomodar
B1To make comfortable or suitable; to adjust or arrange.
adosado
B1Townhouse, a house that is part of a row of similar houses joined by side walls.
aguja
A1A very thin, pointed piece of metal with a hole, used for sewing.
aire acondicionado
A2Air conditioning, a system for cooling indoor air.
aislado
B1Far away from other places, buildings, or people; solitary.
alarma
B1A warning sound or device, often indicating danger or intrusion.
albañil
B1A person who builds with stone or brick; a construction worker.
alcoba
A1Bedroom. A room used for sleeping.
