When something is constitucional, it means it follows the rules of a constitution. Think of a country's main rulebook. If a law is constitucional, it means it fits within those main rules.
For example, if a new law protects everyone's right to speak freely, it's probably constitucional. If it tried to stop people from speaking, it might not be. This word is often used when talking about laws, governments, and citizens' rights.
constitucional 30秒了解
- Relates to a constitution
- Follows constitutional rules
- Legal and governmental
Now that you know what 'constitucional' means, let's look at how to use it in Spanish sentences. This word is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. Like many Spanish adjectives, it needs to agree in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine) with the noun it modifies.
§ Basic Usage: Adjective Agreement
Since 'constitucional' ends in '-al', it's one of those handy adjectives that doesn't change for masculine or feminine. It only changes for singular or plural.
- For a singular noun (masculine or feminine), you use 'constitucional'.
- For a plural noun (masculine or feminine), you use 'constitucionales'.
Es una ley constitucional. (It is a constitutional law.)
Los derechos constitucionales son importantes. (Constitutional rights are important.)
§ Common Nouns Used with 'constitucional'
You'll often hear 'constitucional' used with words related to law, government, and rights. Here are some examples:
- ley constitucional (constitutional law)
- derecho constitucional (constitutional right)
- garantía constitucional (constitutional guarantee)
- reforma constitucional (constitutional reform)
- corte constitucional (constitutional court)
El presidente firmó una nueva ley constitucional. (The president signed a new constitutional law.)
Todos tenemos derechos constitucionales. (We all have constitutional rights.)
§ Using 'constitucional' with Verbs
You can use 'constitucional' with linking verbs like 'ser' (to be) to describe the nature of something.
Esta medida es constitucional. (This measure is constitutional.)
Es importante que todo sea constitucional. (It's important that everything is constitutional.)
§ No Special Prepositions Needed
Good news! 'Constitucional' doesn't typically require any special prepositions to go with it. You'll use it just like a regular adjective in most sentences. The prepositions you use will depend on the main verb or noun in your sentence, not on 'constitucional' itself.
- DEFINITION
- Relating to or in accordance with an established constitution.
So, whether you're talking about a constitutional amendment or a constitutional process, you'll simply place 'constitucional' after the noun it describes, making sure it agrees in number.
§ Putting it all together
Here are a few more examples to help solidify your understanding:
La enmienda constitucional fue aprobada. (The constitutional amendment was approved.)
Ellos discutieron el proceso constitucional. (They discussed the constitutional process.)
Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll be using 'constitucional' like a pro in no time!
§ Mistakes People Make with "Constitucional"
"Constitucional" is a pretty straightforward word, but because it looks so similar to its English counterpart, "constitutional," learners often make a few predictable mistakes. Let's break down the most common ones so you can avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing it with "healthy" or "physical condition"
In English, "constitutional" can sometimes refer to someone's physical health or makeup, like "he has a strong constitution." In Spanish, however, "constitucional" *only* refers to the constitution of a country or an organization. It has nothing to do with health or physical build.
- Wrong Usage Example
Ella tiene una salud constitucional.(She has a constitutional health.)
This is incorrect because you're trying to use "constitucional" in the English sense of physical health. In Spanish, you would say something like:
Ella tiene una salud fuerte. (She has strong health.)
Él es de constitución robusta. (He is of robust build.)
§ Mistake 2: Forgetting Agreement
As an adjective, "constitucional" must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Since it ends in -al, it only changes for plural, not for gender.
- Wrong Usage Example
Las reformas constitucional.(The constitutional reforms.)
Here, "reformas" is plural, so "constitucional" must also be plural: "constitucionales."
Las reformas constitucionales fueron aprobadas. (The constitutional reforms were approved.)
§ Mistake 3: Overusing it when a simpler word will do
Sometimes, learners try to use "constitucional" when a simpler adjective like "legal" or "estatal" (state-related) might be more appropriate, depending on the context. While it's not strictly a "mistake" in terms of grammar, it can make your Spanish sound a bit clunky or overly formal if not used precisely.
- Consider This
- If you're talking about something generally legal, but not specifically tied to the supreme law of the land, use "legal."
Legal: Something permitted by law.
Es una acción legal. (It's a legal action.)
Constitucional: Specifically relating to the constitution.
Es un derecho constitucional. (It's a constitutional right.)
By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you'll be much more accurate and natural when using "constitucional" in your Spanish conversations and writing. Good job!
难度评级
Slightly longer word, but phonetically straightforward.
Standard spelling, consistent with pronunciation.
Clear pronunciation, typical Spanish vowel and consonant sounds.
Pronounced clearly in most contexts, no unusual intonation.
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La ley es constitucional.
The law is constitutional.
Here, 'constitucional' modifies 'ley' (law), an A2 noun.
Tenemos derechos constitucionales.
We have constitutional rights.
'Derechos' (rights) is an A1 noun. 'Tenemos' (we have) is an A1 verb.
Es un gobierno constitucional.
It is a constitutional government.
'Gobierno' (government) is an A1 noun. 'Es' (it is) is an A1 verb.
La votación fue constitucional.
The vote was constitutional.
'Votación' (vote) is an A2 noun. 'Fue' (was) is an A1 verb.
El presidente hizo un cambio constitucional.
The president made a constitutional change.
'Presidente' (president) and 'cambio' (change) are A1 nouns. 'Hizo' (made) is an A1 verb.
Esta es una regla constitucional.
This is a constitutional rule.
'Regla' (rule) is an A1 noun. 'Esta' (this) is an A1 demonstrative pronoun.
Ellos defienden la acción constitucional.
They defend the constitutional action.
'Acción' (action) is an A1 noun. 'Defienden' (they defend) is an A1 verb.
Queremos una reforma constitucional.
We want a constitutional reform.
'Reforma' (reform) is an A2 noun. 'Queremos' (we want) is an A1 verb.
La enmienda constitucional fue aprobada por una amplia mayoría.
The constitutional amendment was approved by a wide majority.
Here, 'constitucional' modifies 'enmienda' (amendment).
El presidente juró defender la ley constitucional del país.
The president swore to defend the constitutional law of the country.
'Constitucional' describes the type of law.
Es un derecho constitucional que todos tengamos acceso a la educación.
It is a constitutional right that we all have access to education.
Used as an adjective before the noun 'derecho' (right).
Los expertos debaten la validez constitucional de la nueva política.
Experts debate the constitutional validity of the new policy.
'Constitucional' modifies 'validez' (validity).
El tribunal declaró inconstitucional la medida, lo que generó controversia.
The court declared the measure unconstitutional, which generated controversy.
Here, 'inconstitucional' (the opposite of 'constitucional') is used as a predicate adjective.
El proceso de reforma constitucional será largo y complejo.
The process of constitutional reform will be long and complex.
Modifies 'reforma' (reform).
Su discurso se centró en los principios constitucionales de libertad e igualdad.
His speech focused on the constitutional principles of freedom and equality.
'Constitucionales' (plural) modifies 'principios' (principles).
La democracia representativa es una característica fundamental de nuestro sistema constitucional.
Representative democracy is a fundamental characteristic of our constitutional system.
'Constitucional' describes the 'sistema' (system).
La reforma constitucional fue aprobada por el parlamento.
The constitutional reform was approved by the parliament.
El derecho a la libertad de expresión es un principio constitucional fundamental.
The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental constitutional principle.
Se argumentó que la ley era inconstitucional y, por lo tanto, inválida.
It was argued that the law was unconstitutional and, therefore, invalid.
El tribunal falló que la decisión del gobierno no era constitucional.
The court ruled that the government's decision was not constitutional.
Cada estado tiene su propia convención constitucional para redactar leyes.
Each state has its own constitutional convention to draft laws.
La enmienda constitucional modificó varios artículos importantes.
The constitutional amendment modified several important articles.
Es un deber constitucional proteger los derechos de los ciudadanos.
It is a constitutional duty to protect the rights of citizens.
El proceso de revisión constitucional es largo y complejo.
The process of constitutional review is long and complex.
习语与表达
"Estar en su sano juicio"
To be in one's right mind
Después de la fiebre, no estaba en su sano juicio. (After the fever, he wasn't in his right mind.)
neutral"Tener la sartén por el mango"
To be in charge, to have the upper hand (literally: to have the frying pan by the handle)
Ella siempre tiene la sartén por el mango en las reuniones. (She always has the upper hand in meetings.)
informal"Ponerse las pilas"
To get to work, to get a move on, to buckle down (literally: to put in the batteries)
Si quieres aprobar, tienes que ponerte las pilas y estudiar más. (If you want to pass, you have to buckle down and study more.)
informal"Estar como una cabra"
To be crazy (literally: to be like a goat)
Mi vecino está como una cabra, habla solo por la calle. (My neighbor is crazy, he talks to himself in the street.)
informal"Ser pan comido"
To be a piece of cake, to be very easy (literally: to be eaten bread)
El examen fue pan comido para mí. (The exam was a piece of cake for me.)
informal"Costar un ojo de la cara"
To cost an arm and a leg (literally: to cost an eye of the face)
Ese coche nuevo me costó un ojo de la cara. (That new car cost me an arm and a leg.)
informal"No tener pelos en la lengua"
To not mince words, to speak one's mind (literally: to not have hairs on the tongue)
Ella no tiene pelos en la lengua, siempre dice lo que piensa. (She doesn't mince words, she always says what she thinks.)
neutral"Meter la pata"
To mess up, to put one's foot in one's mouth (literally: to put the paw in)
Metí la pata cuando le pregunté sobre su ex. (I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her ex.)
informal"Dar en el clavo"
To hit the nail on the head, to be spot on (literally: to hit the nail)
Con tu comentario, diste en el clavo. (With your comment, you hit the nail on the head.)
neutral"Estar entre la espada y la pared"
To be between a rock and a hard place (literally: to be between the sword and the wall)
Estoy entre la espada y la pared, no sé qué decisión tomar. (I'm between a rock and a hard place, I don't know what decision to make.)
neutral记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'constitution' as the 'core institution' of a country's laws. 'Constitucional' just adds '-al' to make it an adjective, meaning 'relating to that core institution.'
视觉联想
Imagine a very old, heavy book with 'CONSTITUCIÓN' written on the cover, maybe with a national flag next to it. Now, picture anything related to that book – a judge, a court, a law document – all flowing out from it, representing 'constitucional.'
Word Web
挑战
Try to describe something in your own country that is 'constitutional' or 'unconstitutional.' For example: 'En mi país, ______ es un derecho constitucional.' (In my country, ______ is a constitutional right.)
常见问题
10 个问题Constitucional means 'constitutional' in English. It refers to something that is related to or follows a constitution.
You can pronounce constitucional like this: con-stih-too-syoh-NAL. The stress is on the last syllable, 'nal'.
Sure!
El derecho al voto es un derecho constitucional.
(The right to vote is a constitutional right.)
Yes, it's quite common, especially when talking about laws, politics, or rights.
It's an adjective. It describes a noun, like 'derecho' (right) or 'ley' (law).
You might also encounter related words like 'constitución' (constitution) or 'constitucionalismo' (constitutionalism).
As an adjective, it will agree with the noun it modifies. For example, derecho constitucional (masculine singular) and ley constitucional (feminine singular). The plural would be derechos constitucionales.
While both relate to law, 'constitucional' specifically refers to something based on a country's constitution, which is the supreme law. 'Legal' is a broader term meaning something is in accordance with any law, not just the constitution.
Absolutely! For example, you could say:
Tenemos un gobierno constitucional.
(We have a constitutional government.)
It might seem a bit long, but it's a very regular word in terms of pronunciation and grammar. Understanding its meaning is key, and with a few examples, you'll get the hang of it!
自我测试 36 个问题
Write a short sentence using a basic word related to government. For example, 'el presidente' or 'el país'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El presidente es importante.
Imagine you are describing a simple rule in your house. Write one short sentence about a rule, like 'No correr'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La regla es no hablar.
Write a very simple sentence about something that is 'legal' or 'correcto'. For example, 'Es legal beber agua'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Es correcto comer frutas.
¿Qué tiene el país?
Read this passage:
El país tiene reglas. Las reglas son para todos. Es bueno seguir las reglas del país.
¿Qué tiene el país?
The passage says 'El país tiene reglas' (The country has rules).
The passage says 'El país tiene reglas' (The country has rules).
¿Qué es una norma en la escuela?
Read this passage:
Mi escuela tiene una norma importante. No correr en los pasillos. Es una norma buena para la seguridad.
¿Qué es una norma en la escuela?
The passage states 'No correr en los pasillos' is an important rule in the school.
The passage states 'No correr en los pasillos' is an important rule in the school.
¿Para qué son las leyes en la ciudad?
Read this passage:
La ciudad tiene leyes. Las leyes son para vivir bien. Es necesario conocer las leyes.
¿Para qué son las leyes en la ciudad?
The passage says 'Las leyes son para vivir bien' (The laws are for living well).
The passage says 'Las leyes son para vivir bien' (The laws are for living well).
La ley es completamente ___.
Here, 'constitucional' means that the law is in agreement with the constitution.
El cambio fue considerado ___ por los abogados.
'Constitucional' describes the change as being legal according to the constitution.
Necesitamos asegurarnos de que nuestras acciones sean ___.
Here, 'constitucionales' (plural) describes actions that align with the constitution.
El tribunal dictaminó que la medida era ___.
The court decided the measure was lawful under the constitution.
Es un derecho ___ de todos los ciudadanos.
This describes a right that is protected by the constitution.
Su decisión es completamente ___ y no hay duda.
The decision is fully in line with the constitution.
This order creates a grammatically correct and meaningful sentence: 'The statement was considered constitutional by the court.'
This arrangement forms the sentence: 'It is important to ensure that all laws are constitutional.'
This sequence forms the sentence: 'The proposed reform must be analyzed to determine if it is constitutional.'
Explica la diferencia entre una monarquía constitucional y una monarquía absoluta. ¿Cuáles son las implicaciones de estas diferencias para los ciudadanos?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
En una monarquía constitucional, el poder del monarca está limitado por una constitución, mientras que en una monarquía absoluta, el monarca tiene poder ilimitado. Esto implica que en una monarquía constitucional, los ciudadanos tienen derechos y responsabilidades claramente definidos, y el gobierno está sujeto a la ley. En una monarquía absoluta, los derechos de los ciudadanos pueden ser arbitrarios y el gobierno no está limitado por la ley, lo que puede llevar a una falta de rendición de cuentas y a la opresión.
Describe un escenario hipotético en el que una decisión gubernamental se considera inconstitucional. ¿Cómo podría resolverse esta situación en un sistema democrático?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Imaginemos que el gobierno aprueba una ley que restringe la libertad de expresión de los ciudadanos. Esta ley sería inconstitucional, ya que viola un derecho fundamental. En un sistema democrático, los ciudadanos o grupos afectados podrían presentar una demanda ante el tribunal supremo para impugnar la constitucionalidad de la ley. El tribunal supremo revisaría la ley y, si determina que es inconstitucional, podría anularla. Los recursos de apelación y la revisión judicial son mecanismos clave para resolver estas situaciones y proteger la constitución.
Redacta un breve párrafo argumentando la importancia de que los ciudadanos comprendan y defiendan los principios constitucionales de su país.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Es fundamental que los ciudadanos comprendan y defiendan los principios constitucionales de su país, ya que estos son el pilar de la democracia y la garantía de sus derechos y libertades. Un conocimiento profundo de la constitución empodera a los ciudadanos para participar activamente en la vida política, exigir rendición de cuentas a sus líderes y proteger el estado de derecho. La defensa de estos principios es una responsabilidad compartida que asegura la estabilidad y la justicia social para todos.
¿Cuál fue la principal preocupación de los partidos políticos que se oponían a la reforma?
Read this passage:
La reforma constitucional propuesta generó un intenso debate entre los distintos partidos políticos. Algunos argumentaban que era necesaria para modernizar el sistema legal, mientras que otros advertían sobre los posibles riesgos para la separación de poderes. Finalmente, se llegó a un consenso para modificar algunos artículos, pero manteniendo la esencia de la Carta Magna.
¿Cuál fue la principal preocupación de los partidos políticos que se oponían a la reforma?
El pasaje indica claramente que los que se oponían a la reforma 'advertían sobre los posibles riesgos para la separación de poderes'.
El pasaje indica claramente que los que se oponían a la reforma 'advertían sobre los posibles riesgos para la separación de poderes'.
¿Cuál fue la consecuencia directa de la decisión de la Corte Suprema?
Read this passage:
La Corte Suprema emitió un fallo histórico que declaraba inconstitucional la nueva ley de inmigración. Esta decisión tuvo un gran impacto en la política nacional, obligando al gobierno a revisar su estrategia y a buscar un nuevo enfoque que respetara los derechos fundamentales de los migrantes.
¿Cuál fue la consecuencia directa de la decisión de la Corte Suprema?
El pasaje dice que la decisión 'obligó al gobierno a revisar su estrategia'.
El pasaje dice que la decisión 'obligó al gobierno a revisar su estrategia'.
¿Qué garantiza el principio de supremacía constitucional?
Read this passage:
El principio de supremacía constitucional establece que la Constitución es la norma jurídica fundamental y que ninguna ley o acto de autoridad puede contradecirla. Este principio es esencial para garantizar la estabilidad jurídica y la protección de los derechos y libertades de los ciudadanos.
¿Qué garantiza el principio de supremacía constitucional?
El pasaje indica que el principio 'es esencial para garantizar la estabilidad jurídica y la protección de los derechos y libertades de los ciudadanos'.
El pasaje indica que el principio 'es esencial para garantizar la estabilidad jurídica y la protección de los derechos y libertades de los ciudadanos'.
This sentence discusses the constitutional nature of proposed amendments, requiring the adjective 'constitucionales' to agree in number and gender with 'enmiendas'.
Here, 'inconstitucional' (unconstitutional) describes the law, indicating it goes against the constitution. The sentence structure requires 'era' (was) before the adjective.
This sentence speaks about the necessity of a referendum for approving major constitutional changes. 'Constitucionales' modifies 'cambios' and agrees in plural form.
Which of the following actions would be considered constitucional in a country with a democratic government?
Peaceful protest is typically a constitutionally protected right in democratic nations, allowing citizens to express dissent within legal frameworks. The other options describe unconstitutional actions.
Imagine a country where the head of state attempts to dissolve the legislative body without due process. How would legal experts most likely describe this action?
Dissolving the legislative body without due process would violate the established laws and principles of a constitution, making it 'inconstitucional' (unconstitutional).
Which scenario best exemplifies a governmental decision that is constitucional?
A new law passed through legitimate democratic processes and upholding fundamental human rights is consistent with constitutional principles. The other options describe actions that would likely violate a constitution.
In a truly democratic state, the principle of 'checks and balances' is designed to ensure that governmental actions remain constitucional.
The system of 'checks and balances' is a fundamental aspect of many democratic constitutions, designed to prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful and to ensure all actions adhere to constitutional law.
A presidential decree that suspends all elections indefinitely, without any prior constitutional provision for such an act, would be considered constitucional.
Suspending elections indefinitely without constitutional backing would be a severe violation of democratic principles and would be deemed unconstitutional, as it undermines the very foundation of a representative government.
Any law passed by a country's parliament is automatically considered constitucional, regardless of its content.
This is false. Even laws passed by parliament can be challenged and declared unconstitutional if they violate the fundamental rights or principles enshrined in the country's constitution. Constitutional courts often exist to make such determinations.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Understanding 'constitucional' helps you discuss laws and government structure in Spanish.
- Relates to a constitution
- Follows constitutional rules
- Legal and governmental
相关内容
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