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B1 adjective #11 mais comum 10 min de leitura

maduro

Top 11

At the A1 level, you learn 'maduro' primarily as a way to describe food. Imagine you are at a market. You want to buy fruit that is good to eat today. You would look for 'fruta madura'. At this stage, you should focus on the basic physical meaning: a yellow banana is 'maduro', while a green one is 'verde'. You will mostly use it with the verb 'estar' because ripeness is a temporary state. For example: 'El plátano está maduro'. You don't need to worry about the complex psychological meanings yet. Just remember that it changes to 'madura' for feminine things like 'la manzana' and 'maduros' or 'maduras' for plural things. It is a very useful word for daily life and shopping. You can also use it to describe yourself or a friend in a very simple way, like 'Soy maduro' (I am mature), but usually, A1 students stick to describing objects and food. Focus on the sounds: ma-DU-ro. The stress is on the second-to-last syllable. This is a common pattern in Spanish. Practice saying it when you see fruit in your kitchen. If the fruit is ready to eat, say 'está maduro'. If it is not ready, say 'está verde'. This simple practice will help you remember the word and its most common use case.

At the A2 level, you start to expand the use of 'maduro' to describe people's behavior in simple contexts. You might say 'Mi hermano es muy maduro' to mean he is responsible and doesn't act like a baby. Here, you use the verb 'ser' because you are describing a personality trait, not a temporary state. You also learn that 'maduro' can be used for some specific foods like 'queso maduro' (aged cheese). You will notice that in some countries, 'maduros' is a dish you can order. This level is about understanding that 'maduro' isn't just about fruit; it's about anything that has finished growing or developing. You should also learn the opposite: 'inmaduro'. If a person acts like a child, they are 'inmaduro'. If a fruit is not ready, it is 'verde'. You can start using 'maduro' in short stories or descriptions of your family. For example, 'Mi padre es un hombre maduro y trabajador'. This shows you understand how to use the word as a character description. You should also be careful with the gender agreement. 'Una decisión madura' (a mature decision) uses the feminine form because 'decisión' is feminine. Practice making small sentences about your friends and the food you like to eat. This will solidify your understanding of when to use 'ser' and when to use 'estar' with this word.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'maduro' in both literal and figurative senses. You understand the nuance between 'estar maduro' (ripeness of fruit) and 'ser maduro' (maturity of character). At this level, you can use the word to describe abstract concepts like 'una idea madura' or 'un proyecto maduro'. This implies that the idea or project has been well-thought-out and is ready to be implemented. You also start to see the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Cuando seas más maduro, lo entenderás' (When you are more mature, you will understand). You should also be aware of the noun form 'madurez' (maturity). For example, 'La madurez es importante en el trabajo'. You might encounter 'maduro' in news articles or books describing social groups, like 'la población madura' (the mature/older population). This is a polite way to refer to people who are middle-aged. You should also learn common collocations like 'edad madura' or 'fruto maduro'. In your writing, you can use 'maduro' to add depth to your descriptions. Instead of just saying someone is 'bueno' (good), you can say they are 'maduro', which gives a much clearer picture of their personality. You are also starting to recognize that 'maduro' can have different connotations in different Spanish-speaking countries, such as its culinary use in the Caribbean.

At the B2 level, you use 'maduro' with precision and can distinguish it from similar words like 'sensato', 'juicioso', or 'experimentado'. You understand that 'maduro' implies a process of time and growth. You can use it in professional contexts to describe markets ('un mercado maduro') or technologies ('una tecnología madura'). This shows a high level of vocabulary control. You also understand more idiomatic or metaphorical uses, such as 'la situación está madura para un cambio' (the situation is ripe for a change). This means everything is ready for something new to happen. You can participate in debates about 'la madurez emocional' and use the word to describe complex characters in literature or film. You are also aware of the subtle difference between 'ser maduro' and 'actuar de forma madura'. Your pronunciation should be natural, and you should be able to use the word in various tenses and moods without hesitation. For example, 'Si hubieras sido más maduro, no habrías tenido ese problema'. This level requires you to understand the cultural weight of the word—how it conveys respect and reliability. You can also use the word to describe flavors in a sophisticated way, such as 'un vino con un carácter maduro y robusto'.

At the C1 level, your use of 'maduro' is nuanced and culturally informed. You can use it to discuss complex sociological or psychological topics, such as 'la crisis de la edad madura' or 'el desarrollo madurativo'. You are aware of the word's etymology and how it relates to other words in the 'maturus' family. You can use 'maduro' in formal, academic, or literary contexts with ease. For instance, you might describe a writer's 'estilo maduro', meaning their most developed and refined work. You also understand the political and historical connotations the word might have in specific countries, like Venezuela, and you can navigate those conversations with sensitivity. You use synonyms like 'sazonado' or 'curtido' to avoid repetition and to provide specific shades of meaning. You can also use the word in a sarcastic or ironic way if the context allows. Your mastery of 'ser' and 'estar' with 'maduro' is perfect, and you can explain these differences to others. You might use the word in phrases like 'caer de maduro', understanding its idiomatic meaning of being self-evident. At this level, 'maduro' is not just a word in your vocabulary; it is a tool you use to express subtle distinctions in growth, quality, and time.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'maduro'. You use it with total spontaneity and can appreciate its use in high-level literature, poetry, and technical discourse. You understand the finest nuances, such as the difference between 'un queso maduro' and 'un queso curado', and when one is more appropriate than the other. You can use the word to describe the 'madurez' of a civilization, a language, or a philosophical movement. You are comfortable with all derivative forms, including 'maduración', 'maduradero', and 'madurativo'. You can play with the word's meanings in creative writing or complex oratory. For you, 'maduro' is a rich, polysemic term that you can deploy to evoke specific textures, emotions, or stages of development. You understand how the word functions within the broader system of the Spanish language and how it compares to its equivalents in other languages you may know. You can use it to describe the 'madurez' of a wine's tannins or the 'madurez' of a legal system. Your understanding is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural, recognizing how the concept of 'ser maduro' varies across different Spanish-speaking societies. You use the word to convey authority, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the passage of time and its effects on the world.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

maduro em 30 segundos

Maduro means 'ripe' for food and 'mature' for people, indicating full development and readiness.
Use 'estar maduro' for fruits that are ready to eat and 'ser maduro' for responsible people.
It also applies to aged products like wine and cheese, or stable systems like a 'mature market'.
The opposite is 'verde' for underripe fruit and 'inmaduro' for someone acting childishly.

The Spanish adjective maduro is a multifaceted term that bridges the gap between the physical world of biology and the abstract world of human psychology. At its most fundamental level, it describes the state of biological readiness in plants. When a fruit or vegetable has reached its peak development, it is considered maduro. This implies that it is ready to be harvested, eaten, or processed. However, the utility of the word extends far beyond the kitchen or the farm. In the context of human development, maduro describes an individual who has attained a level of emotional and mental stability. It suggests that the person is no longer acting on impulse or childish whims but has instead developed a sense of responsibility, foresight, and wisdom. This duality makes it a cornerstone of Spanish vocabulary, essential for describing everything from the perfect avocado to a reliable business partner.

Biological Ripeness: Refers to the state of a fruit when it is sweet, soft, and ready for consumption. For example, a yellow banana with brown spots is perfectly maduro.

Emotional Maturity: Describes a person who shows good judgment and emotional control. It is the opposite of being impulsive or 'inmaduro'.

Culinary Aging: Used for products like cheese (queso maduro) or wine that have been aged to enhance their flavor profile and texture.

Este aguacate está perfectamente maduro para hacer el guacamole hoy mismo.

A pesar de su corta edad, Juan es un chico muy maduro y responsable.

Prefiero el queso maduro porque tiene un sabor mucho más intenso y complejo.

Es una decisión madura que requiere mucha reflexión previa.

El mercado ya es maduro, por lo que es difícil encontrar nuevos clientes.

In many Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean, 'maduro' is also a noun referring to fried sweet plantains. When you order 'maduros' at a restaurant, you are specifically asking for those delicious, caramelized slices of ripe plantain that accompany many traditional dishes. This usage highlights how the adjective has become so synonymous with the state of the fruit that it has transitioned into a noun in culinary contexts. Furthermore, in political contexts, the word might be associated with specific figures, but its primary linguistic function remains rooted in the concepts of growth and completion. Whether you are describing a 'vino maduro' (aged wine) or a 'reflexión madura' (mature reflection), the core idea is that time has allowed the subject to reach its optimal state. It is a word of appreciation for the process of aging and the quality that comes with it.

Using maduro correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical agreement and the nuances of the nouns it modifies. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. For instance, 'los frutos maduros' (the ripe fruits) or 'la mujer madura' (the mature woman). The placement of the adjective can also subtly change the emphasis, though it typically follows the noun in standard descriptions. When using it with the verb 'ser', you are describing a permanent characteristic: 'Él es maduro' (He is a mature person by nature). When using it with 'estar', you are describing a state: 'El plátano está maduro' (The banana is ripe right now). This distinction is vital for Spanish learners to master.

With Fruits (State): Use 'estar' to indicate that something has reached the point of ripeness. 'No comas esa pera, aún no está madura'.

With People (Character): Use 'ser' to describe a personality trait. 'Es una persona madura para su edad'.

Abstract Concepts: Apply it to ideas, plans, or markets. 'Es un plan maduro que hemos estudiado durante meses'.

¿Crees que el tomate ya está maduro?

Necesitamos un enfoque más maduro para resolver este conflicto familiar.

Los quesos maduros suelen ser más caros debido al tiempo de espera.

Ella demostró ser muy madura al aceptar sus errores sin excusas.

El proyecto no está lo suficientemente maduro para presentarlo a los inversores.

In technical or academic writing, 'maduro' can describe a system or a technology that has reached a stable phase of its lifecycle. For example, 'una tecnología madura' refers to something that is well-established and no longer undergoing rapid, experimental changes. In a literary sense, authors might use 'maduro' to describe the golden hour of a person's life or the rich, deep colors of an autumn landscape. The versatility of the word allows it to function in both mundane grocery lists and profound philosophical discussions about the nature of growth. Always consider if you are describing a physical state (ripeness) or a quality of character (maturity) to choose the right supporting verbs and context.

You will encounter maduro in a wide variety of daily situations across the Spanish-speaking world. In the bustling 'mercados' (markets) of Mexico, Spain, or Colombia, you'll hear vendors shouting about their 'fruta madura' or asking customers if they want their avocados 'para hoy' (ripe for today) or 'para la semana' (to ripen during the week). In these contexts, 'maduro' is a word of quality and immediate utility. It’s the difference between a delicious meal and a disappointing, hard fruit. Beyond the market, you’ll hear it in family settings. Parents might praise a child by saying 'estás actuando como un niño muy maduro', or friends might discuss a peer's life choices, noting that they have finally 'madurado' (matured, using the verb form).

In the Kitchen: Recipes often specify 'plátanos maduros' for sweet dishes or 'tomates bien maduros' for gazpacho or sauces.

In Professional Settings: Managers look for 'perfiles maduros', meaning candidates with experience and a steady temperament.

In Social Commentary: Discussions about 'la edad madura' refer to the period of life between youth and old age, often seen as a time of peak wisdom.

¡Lleve sus mangos maduros, dulces y baratos!

Buscamos a alguien con un criterio maduro para liderar el equipo de ventas.

El vino tinto maduro tiene notas de madera y vainilla.

Es un actor maduro que ha sabido elegir muy bien sus papeles.

La democracia en este país aún no es un sistema maduro.

In the media, 'maduro' is often used in headlines to describe political situations or economic markets. A 'mercado maduro' is one that is no longer growing rapidly but is stable and predictable. In film and television, you might hear characters described as 'un hombre maduro y atractivo' (a mature and attractive man), which is a common trope. The word also appears in the lyrics of many songs, often contrasting the 'verdor' (greenness/youth) of a first love with the 'madurez' (maturity) of a long-term relationship. It is a word that carries a sense of respect and completion, suggesting that the subject has gone through the necessary trials of time to reach its best version.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Spanish is the confusion between maduro and 'mayor' or 'viejo'. While all three can refer to age, they are not interchangeable. 'Viejo' is 'old' and can sometimes be seen as disrespectful when applied to people. 'Mayor' is 'older' or 'elderly' and is the standard way to talk about someone's age relative to others. 'Maduro', however, refers to the *quality* of being mature, not necessarily the number of years lived. A 20-year-old can be 'maduro' if they are responsible, while a 60-year-old might still be 'inmaduro'. Confusing these can lead to awkward social situations or unintended insults.

Maduro vs. Viejo: Use 'maduro' for maturity and 'viejo' for chronological age. Calling a fruit 'viejo' implies it is rotting, while 'maduro' implies it is perfect.

Ser vs. Estar: Using 'ser' with a fruit ('El plátano es maduro') sounds like a permanent definition of that species, which is incorrect. Use 'estar'.

False Cognates: Don't confuse 'maduro' with 'madero' (a piece of wood). They sound similar but have completely different meanings.

Incorrect: Mi abuelo es muy maduro (when you mean he is 90 years old). Correct: Mi abuelo es muy mayor.

Incorrect: La manzana es madura. Correct: La manzana está madura.

Incorrect: El queso está viejo (meaning aged). Correct: El queso es maduro.

Incorrect: Es un niño mayor (when you mean he is wise). Correct: Es un niño maduro.

Incorrect: Tengo una idea vieja (meaning well-developed). Correct: Tengo una idea madura.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of the opposite term. While 'inmaduro' is the direct antonym, in the context of fruit, we often use 'verde' (green) to say it isn't ripe yet. Saying 'la fruta es inmadura' sounds overly clinical or scientific; 'está verde' is much more natural. Conversely, calling a person 'verde' doesn't mean they are immature in the same way; it often means they are inexperienced or 'new' at a specific task. Understanding these collocations and the 'ser/estar' distinction will prevent you from sounding like a textbook and help you sound like a native speaker who understands the nuances of the Spanish language.

While maduro is a very common word, there are several alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about food, specifically something that has been seasoned or aged to perfection, you might use 'sazonado'. If you are describing a person who is not just mature but also very wise and prudent, 'juicioso' or 'sensato' might be better choices. For something that has fully developed, 'desarrollado' is a useful technical term. Exploring these synonyms allows you to vary your vocabulary and express yourself with greater nuance, whether you're writing a formal essay or chatting with friends at a dinner party.

Sazonado: Literally 'seasoned'. Used for food that has reached a peak of flavor, often through aging or preparation.

Sensato / Juicioso: These focus on the 'good judgment' aspect of maturity. A 'persona sensata' is someone who thinks before they act.

Curtido: Used for someone who is 'weathered' or 'hardened' by experience. It implies a maturity born from facing difficulties.

Es un hombre sensato que no toma riesgos innecesarios.

El proyecto está muy avanzado, casi listo para el lanzamiento.

Un soldado curtido en mil batallas sabe mantener la calma.

Buscamos un perfil experimentado para este puesto de gerencia.

La fruta está en su punto óptimo de dulzor.

In more poetic or formal Spanish, you might encounter 'estrellado' (referring to something that has reached its peak) or 'hecho' (literally 'done' or 'made', used for fruit that is ready). For example, 'la fruta ya está hecha' is a common way to say it's ripe in some regions. If you want to emphasize the negative side of being too ripe, you might use 'pasado' (overripe/spoiled). A 'fruta pasada' is one that has gone beyond its best and is starting to rot. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning will help you navigate everything from a grocery store to a deep conversation about personal growth with confidence and precision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"El mercado de valores se encuentra en una fase madura."

Neutro

"Es un chico muy maduro para su edad."

Informal

"¡Esos mangos están maduros y riquísimos!"

Child friendly

"El plátano está maduro, ¡ya podemos comerlo!"

Gíria

"Eso ya cae de maduro, tío."

Curiosidade

The Latin root 'maturus' is also related to 'manus' (morning), which is why we have 'madrugada' (early morning) in Spanish.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /məˈdjʊə.rəʊ/

US /məˈdʊ.roʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: ma-DU-ro.

Rima com

oscuro seguro muro puro duro conjuro futuro cianuro

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Stress on the first syllable (MA-du-ro).
Pronouncing the 'u' like 'uh' instead of 'oo'.
Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for feminine nouns.
Confusing it with 'madero' (wood).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'mature'.

Escrita 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement and the ser/estar distinction.

Expressão oral 2/5

Simple pronunciation with standard Spanish phonetics.

Audição 2/5

Clear sounds, though can be confused with 'madero' or 'madrugar' in fast speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

fruta comer ser estar viejo

Aprenda a seguir

madurez madurar sensato juicioso sazonado

Avançado

senescencia prerrogativa discernimiento ponderación

Gramática essencial

Adjective Agreement

El fruto maduro / La fruta madura.

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

Es maduro (personality) / Está maduro (state).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Los mangos maduros.

Position of Adjectives

Una persona madura (standard) / Una madura reflexión (literary).

Adverbs modifying Adjectives

Muy maduro, bastante maduro, poco maduro.

Exemplos por nível

El plátano está maduro.

The banana is ripe.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state of ripeness.

La manzana no está madura.

The apple is not ripe.

Feminine agreement with 'manzana'.

Quiero tomates maduros.

I want ripe tomatoes.

Plural masculine agreement.

Este aguacate está muy maduro.

This avocado is very ripe.

Adverb 'muy' modifies the adjective.

El mango está maduro y dulce.

The mango is ripe and sweet.

Two adjectives describing the same noun.

¿Está madura la pera?

Is the pear ripe?

Question structure with 'estar'.

Las uvas están maduras.

The grapes are ripe.

Plural feminine agreement.

No me gusta el plátano poco maduro.

I don't like the underripe banana.

'Poco maduro' means underripe.

Mi primo es un chico muy maduro.

My cousin is a very mature boy.

Uses 'ser' for a personality trait.

Compré un queso maduro en el mercado.

I bought an aged cheese at the market.

'Maduro' here means aged.

Ella es muy madura para su edad.

She is very mature for her age.

Common phrase 'para su edad'.

Los plátanos maduros son mejores para freír.

Ripe bananas are better for frying.

Plural agreement.

Necesitas ser más maduro con tus amigos.

You need to be more mature with your friends.

Comparative 'más maduro'.

Es una fruta madura y sabrosa.

It is a ripe and tasty fruit.

Feminine singular agreement.

Juan no es nada maduro.

Juan is not mature at all.

'Nada maduro' means not at all mature.

Me gusta el vino maduro.

I like aged wine.

Describing the quality of wine.

Tomó una decisión madura al renunciar.

He made a mature decision by resigning.

Describing an abstract noun 'decisión'.

El proyecto ya está maduro para empezar.

The project is now mature enough to start.

Metaphorical use for readiness.

Es un hombre maduro con mucha experiencia.

He is a mature man with a lot of experience.

Refers to both age and character.

La madurez se nota en su forma de hablar.

Maturity is noticeable in the way he speaks.

Uses the noun form 'madurez'.

Buscamos un mercado más maduro para invertir.

We are looking for a more mature market to invest in.

Economic context.

Ella demostró ser madura ante la crisis.

She proved to be mature in the face of the crisis.

Infinitive 'ser' after 'demostró'.

Esos tomates están demasiado maduros.

Those tomatoes are too ripe.

'Demasiado' indicates excess.

Un criterio maduro es esencial en este trabajo.

A mature judgment is essential in this job.

Describing 'criterio' (judgment).

La tecnología ya es madura y confiable.

The technology is already mature and reliable.

Refers to a stable phase of development.

Su estilo literario se ha vuelto más maduro.

His literary style has become more mature.

Describing artistic development.

Es un queso maduro con un sabor intenso.

It is an aged cheese with an intense flavor.

Specific culinary terminology.

Debemos actuar de una manera madura y responsable.

We must act in a mature and responsible manner.

Adverbial phrase 'de una manera'.

El plan está maduro, solo falta ejecutarlo.

The plan is mature; it just needs to be executed.

State of readiness.

Afrontó el problema con una actitud madura.

He faced the problem with a mature attitude.

Describing 'actitud'.

Es un mercado maduro con poca competencia nueva.

It is a mature market with little new competition.

Business terminology.

La relación ha llegado a un punto maduro.

The relationship has reached a mature point.

Describing the stage of a relationship.

Su reflexión madura sobre la vida nos sorprendió.

His mature reflection on life surprised us.

High-level abstract description.

El sistema democrático aún no es lo bastante maduro.

The democratic system is not yet mature enough.

Political/Sociological context.

Es un autor maduro que domina la técnica.

He is a mature author who masters the technique.

Refers to professional mastery.

La situación cayó por su propio peso, estaba madura.

The situation fell of its own weight; it was ripe.

Idiomatic use of 'madura'.

Se requiere un análisis maduro de las consecuencias.

A mature analysis of the consequences is required.

Formal academic tone.

El vino ha alcanzado su punto más maduro.

The wine has reached its most mature point.

Superlative 'más maduro'.

Su comportamiento fue maduro a pesar de la provocación.

His behavior was mature despite the provocation.

Contrastive structure 'a pesar de'.

Es una industria madura que busca la eficiencia.

It is a mature industry that seeks efficiency.

Economic/Industrial context.

La madurez de su prosa es evidente en cada párrafo.

The maturity of his prose is evident in every paragraph.

Noun 'madurez' used for literary quality.

Un planteamiento maduro evitaría estos errores triviales.

A mature approach would avoid these trivial errors.

Conditional 'evitaría'.

El fruto maduro de años de investigación es este libro.

The ripe fruit of years of research is this book.

Metaphorical 'fruto maduro'.

Su juicio maduro es muy valorado en el consejo.

His mature judgment is highly valued in the council.

Describing 'juicio' (judgment).

La civilización alcanzó un estado maduro de desarrollo.

The civilization reached a mature state of development.

Historical/Philosophical context.

Es un pensamiento maduro que trasciende lo inmediato.

It is a mature thought that transcends the immediate.

Highly abstract use.

La obra muestra una visión madura de la condición humana.

The work shows a mature vision of the human condition.

Artistic criticism.

El mercado inmobiliario se muestra maduro y estable.

The real estate market appears mature and stable.

Formal economic description.

Colocações comuns

fruta madura

edad madura

decisión madura

queso maduro

vino maduro

mercado maduro

hombre maduro

reflexión madura

criterio maduro

tecnología madura

Frases Comuns

caer de maduro

en su punto maduro

persona madura

plátano maduro

fruto maduro

actitud madura

pensamiento maduro

estilo maduro

juventud madura

maduro por fuera

Frequentemente confundido com

maduro vs madero

Madero means a piece of wood. It sounds similar but is unrelated.

maduro vs madrugada

Madrugada means early morning. While they share a Latin root, they are used differently.

maduro vs mayor

Mayor means older. Use 'maduro' for character and 'mayor' for age.

Expressões idiomáticas

"caer de maduro"

To be self-evident or extremely obvious. It comes from fruit falling when it's too ripe.

Su culpabilidad cae de maduro tras las pruebas.

informal

"estar verde"

To be immature or inexperienced. The opposite of being maduro.

Todavía está muy verde para ese puesto de jefe.

informal

"dar el fruto maduro"

To finally yield the expected results after a long wait.

La inversión por fin dio el fruto maduro.

neutral

"en la madurez de la vida"

In the middle or later stages of life, often implying wisdom.

En la madurez de la vida, uno valora más el tiempo.

formal

"no estar maduro"

To not be ready for a specific challenge or stage.

El equipo no está maduro para ganar la liga.

neutral

"maduro como un higo"

Very ripe (used for fruit) or very experienced (used for people).

El higo está maduro como un higo, ¡qué dulce!

colloquial

"pasar de maduro"

To become overripe or to have waited too long.

La oferta pasó de madura y ya no es válida.

neutral

"un golpe maduro"

A well-timed and decisive action.

Fue un golpe maduro que terminó la guerra.

literary

"maduro de juicio"

Having sound and stable judgment.

Es un juez maduro de juicio y muy respetado.

formal

"fruta madura en árbol ajeno"

Something desirable that belongs to someone else.

Ese contrato es fruta madura en árbol ajeno.

literary

Fácil de confundir

maduro vs viejo

Both can refer to age.

Viejo is 'old' (chronological), while maduro is 'mature' (quality/character).

Un hombre viejo (old man) vs. Un hombre maduro (mature man).

maduro vs verde

Both describe the state of fruit.

Verde is underripe; maduro is ripe.

La fruta está verde (not ready) vs. La fruta está madura (ready).

maduro vs adulto

Both refer to being grown up.

Adulto is a biological/legal status; maduro is an emotional/mental quality.

Es un adulto (he is 18+) vs. Es maduro (he acts wisely).

maduro vs antiguo

Both can mean 'aged'.

Antiguo is for objects/history; maduro is for biological things or character.

Un mueble antiguo (antique furniture) vs. Un queso maduro (aged cheese).

maduro vs pasado

Both describe ripeness.

Maduro is perfect; pasado is overripe or spoiled.

El plátano está maduro (good) vs. El plátano está pasado (rotten).

Padrões de frases

[Noun] está maduro.

El tomate está maduro.

[Person] es muy maduro.

Mi amigo es muy maduro.

Es una [Noun] madura.

Es una decisión madura.

Un [Noun] maduro para [Infinitive].

Un plan maduro para ejecutar.

Cae de maduro que [Clause].

Cae de maduro que ganarán.

La madurez de [Noun] es [Adjective].

La madurez de su obra es asombrosa.

No [Verb] el [Noun] maduro.

No como el plátano maduro.

Demostrar ser [Adjective].

Demostró ser maduro.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Erros comuns

El plátano es maduro. → El plátano está maduro.
Ripeness is a state, so use 'estar'.
Mi abuelo es maduro. → Mi abuelo es mayor.
Use 'mayor' for chronological age and 'maduro' for character.
La manzana está maduro. → La manzana está madura.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun.
Un queso viejo. → Un queso maduro.
For aged food, 'maduro' or 'curado' is better than 'viejo'.
Una persona inmadura (for fruit). → Una fruta verde.
Use 'verde' for underripe fruit, not 'inmadura'.

Dicas

Gender Agreement

Always match 'maduro' with the noun. 'Fruto maduro' but 'fruta madura'.

Fruit Ripeness

Use 'estar' for fruit. 'La piña está madura'.

Respectful Age

Use 'maduro' to describe older people politely.

Fried Plantains

In a restaurant, 'maduros' are fried sweet plantains.

Market Stability

Use 'mercado maduro' for a stable, non-growing market.

Complimenting Kids

Telling a child they are 'maduro' is a great way to praise good behavior.

Abstract Use

Apply 'maduro' to plans or ideas that are ready to go.

Ser vs Estar

Listen for 'ser' to know if they mean personality.

Stress

Don't forget the stress on the 'du' syllable.

English Cognate

Associate it with 'Mature' to remember the meaning easily.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Mature' person eating a 'Maduro' (ripe) banana. They both start with 'M' and mean the same thing!

Associação visual

Imagine a bright yellow banana with a few brown spots next to a wise old man with a grey beard. Both are 'maduro'.

Word Web

fruta tiempo sabiduría crecimiento responsabilidad queso vino adulto

Desafio

Try to use 'maduro' three times today: once for a fruit, once for a person, and once for an aged food like cheese.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin word 'maturus', which means 'timely', 'ripe', or 'early'. It shares the same root as the English word 'mature'.

Significado original: Originally referred to crops that were ready for harvest at the right time.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish.

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'maduro' is generally polite, but calling them 'viejo' (old) can be offensive. Always prefer 'maduro' or 'mayor'.

English speakers often use 'ripe' only for fruit and 'mature' for people. Spanish uses one word for both.

Nicolás Maduro (President of Venezuela) The song 'Plátano Maduro no vuelve a verde' (A ripe banana doesn't turn green again - a metaphor for aging). Literary descriptions of 'la edad madura' in Spanish classics.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Supermarket

¿Están maduros?
Busco fruta madura.
No están maduros todavía.
Demasiado maduro.

Job Interview

Soy una persona madura.
Tengo un criterio maduro.
Experiencia en mercados maduros.
Actitud madura ante el estrés.

Restaurant

¿Tienen maduros fritos?
Un vino maduro, por favor.
Queso maduro de oveja.
La carne está en su punto maduro.

Family

Tu hijo es muy maduro.
Tienes que ser más maduro.
Es una decisión madura.
Actúas como un inmaduro.

Business

Es una industria madura.
Plan de negocio maduro.
Tecnología madura y estable.
Inversión en activos maduros.

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Prefieres la fruta muy madura o un poco verde?"

"¿Crees que los jóvenes de hoy son más maduros que antes?"

"¿Cuál es tu queso maduro favorito?"

"¿A qué edad crees que una persona llega a ser realmente madura?"

"¿Qué opinas de los plátanos maduros fritos?"

Temas para diário

Describe un momento en el que tuviste que tomar una decisión madura y difícil.

Escribe sobre tu fruta favorita y cómo sabes cuándo está perfectamente madura.

¿Qué significa para ti ser una persona madura en el mundo actual?

Compara a una persona madura con una persona inmadura que conozcas.

Describe cómo ha cambiado tu nivel de madurez en los últimos cinco años.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'maduro' is for biological things or character. For a car, use 'viejo' or 'antiguo'.

Yes, when applied to a person, it implies they are wise and responsible.

'Ser maduro' describes a person's personality. 'Estar maduro' describes the temporary state of a fruit.

You can say 'demasiado maduro' or 'pasado'.

No, it can also mean mature, aged (for cheese/wine), or stable (for markets).

Mostly yes, but in the Caribbean, it specifically refers to fried sweet plantains.

The noun form is 'madurez' (maturity).

Yes, 'un vino maduro' refers to a wine that has been aged and has developed complex flavors.

For people, yes. For fruit, 'verde' is the more common opposite.

Yes, it is a respectful way to describe their character or experience.