At the A1 level, the word descriptivo might seem a bit long, but its meaning is very simple. It is used to talk about things that tell us 'how' something looks. Think of it as a 'helper' word for when you are learning colors, sizes, and shapes. When your teacher says 'un párrafo descriptivo', they want you to use simple words like rojo (red), grande (big), or bonito (pretty). You don't need to use complex sentences yet. Just remember that if the thing you are talking about is feminine, like la casa, you must change the word to descriptiva. If you are talking about more than one thing, like los libros, it becomes descriptivos. It is a very useful word because it helps you understand that you are painting a picture with your words. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you follow instructions in your Spanish class. For example, if the book asks for a 'texto descriptivo', you know you should focus on the appearance of things rather than telling a long story with many actions.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to describe people, places, and your daily routine in more detail. The word descriptivo becomes a tool for you to expand your vocabulary. You will use it to talk about 'descriptive' passages in stories or to categorize the types of sentences you are learning. At this level, you should focus on the correct placement of the word—usually after the noun. For example, un lenguaje descriptivo. You are also learning to use the verb ser with adjectives, so you can now say Esta historia es muy descriptiva. This level is all about building confidence, and using a four-syllable word like 'descriptivo' correctly will make you sound much more advanced. You might also encounter it in simple reading exercises where the goal is to identify the 'descriptive' details of a character's appearance. It's an important step in moving from just saying 'I have a dog' to 'I have a dog that is brown and very small', which is a more 'descriptive' way of speaking.

At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory where you can handle more abstract concepts. You will use descriptivo to discuss the quality of a piece of writing or a speech. You might compare a texto descriptivo with a texto argumentativo (argumentative text). You are now expected to use this word to talk about how an author creates an atmosphere or 'clima' in a story. You will also start to see the word in more formal contexts, such as in the instructions for a writing exam where you are asked to be 'more descriptive'. This means using a wider range of adjectives and perhaps some metaphors. You should also be aware of the difference between descriptivo and detallado. While they are similar, descriptivo refers more to the style, while detallado refers to the amount of information. Your goal at B1 is to use 'descriptivo' to analyze the language you are reading and to consciously make your own writing more vivid and engaging for the reader.

For B2 learners, descriptivo is a word you will encounter in academic and professional materials. You will learn about estadística descriptiva (descriptive statistics), which is a way of summarizing data. This shows the word's shift from purely literary to scientific. You are expected to understand that 'descriptivo' implies objectivity—observing and reporting without necessarily interpreting or judging. In your own writing, you will use it to categorize your sections, perhaps starting a report with a sección descriptiva before moving on to your analysis. You should also be comfortable using the word in its feminine and plural forms without hesitation. At this level, you might also explore the nuance of using descriptivo as a noun in some specialized contexts, though it remains primarily an adjective. Your ability to use this word accurately in a variety of fields—from art history to business reports—is a hallmark of the B2 level.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the stylistic and technical implications of the word descriptivo. You will use it to discuss the nuances of linguistics, such as gramática descriptiva versus gramática normativa. This is a crucial distinction for advanced students who are studying how Spanish is actually spoken across different countries and social classes. You will also use the word to critique complex literary works, perhaps noting how an author's técnica descriptiva serves to slow down the narrative pace for a specific effect. In professional environments, you will use it to write memorias descriptivas for projects, requiring a high level of precision and technical vocabulary. You should also be aware of synonyms like pormenorizado or exhaustivo and know exactly when to choose 'descriptivo' over them to convey the right level of formality and intent. Your command of the word should be second nature, allowing you to use it in complex, multi-clause sentences effortlessly.

At the C2 level, your mastery of descriptivo is complete. You can use it in highly philosophical or theoretical discussions, such as debating the capacidad descriptiva del lenguaje (the descriptive capacity of language) itself. You understand that the word carries a weight of objectivity and can use it to frame entire intellectual approaches. For example, in a doctoral thesis or a high-level academic paper, you might argue for a metodología puramente descriptiva to avoid the pitfalls of subjective bias. You are also sensitive to the historical development of the term and its usage in different Spanish-speaking regions. You can use it with subtle irony or to make fine distinctions in meaning that would escape lower-level learners. At this stage, 'descriptivo' is not just a word you know; it is a conceptual tool you use to navigate the highest levels of Spanish discourse, whether you are analyzing a classic piece of literature like 'Don Quijote' or discussing the latest trends in cognitive linguistics.

descriptivo 30秒了解

  • Descriptivo means 'descriptive' and is used to provide details about how something looks or is structured.
  • It is an adjective that must agree in gender (descriptivo/a) and number (descriptivos/as) with the noun it modifies.
  • Commonly used in literature, science (descriptive statistics), and technical writing (descriptive reports).
  • It usually follows the noun it describes and is typically used with the verb 'ser' to denote inherent qualities.

The word descriptivo is a fundamental adjective in the Spanish language, primarily used to characterize something that provides a detailed account or representation of a person, place, thing, or event. At its core, it stems from the verb describir (to describe), which originates from the Latin describere, meaning to write down or copy. In a linguistic and communicative context, being descriptivo implies going beyond the surface level to paint a picture with words, using sensory details, adjectives, and specific observations to evoke a clear image in the mind of the listener or reader. This term is not limited to literature; it spans across various domains including science, where a estudio descriptivo (descriptive study) aims to observe and document phenomena without necessarily seeking to establish causal relationships. In everyday conversation, you might use it to compliment someone's storytelling ability or to request more detail in a report. For instance, if a friend tells you they saw a beautiful sunset, you might ask for a more descriptivo account to truly visualize the colors and the atmosphere they experienced.

Linguistic Function
As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Thus, we have descriptivo (masculine singular), descriptiva (feminine singular), descriptivos (masculine plural), and descriptivas (feminine plural). It typically follows the noun it describes, which is the standard position for adjectives that provide distinguishing information in Spanish.

El autor utiliza un lenguaje muy descriptivo para presentar el paisaje de la montaña.

In educational settings, students are often taught the párrafo descriptivo as a foundational writing skill. This involves selecting a dominant impression and supporting it with specific details. When you hear this word in a classroom, it is often a cue to use more adjectives and adverbs to enrich the text. Beyond academia, in the professional world, a memoria descriptiva is a technical document used in engineering and architecture to explain the characteristics of a project. This highlights the word's versatility—it can be used for poetic, evocative prose as well as for cold, hard technical specifications. Understanding when to use descriptivo involves recognizing the need for detail. If a piece of information is sparse, it lacks poder descriptivo. Conversely, if a text is over-encumbered with details, it might be criticized for being excessively descriptivo at the expense of the narrative pace. Finding the right balance is key to effective communication in Spanish.

Social Context
When describing a person's speech as 'descriptivo', it usually carries a positive connotation of clarity and eloquence. It suggests the speaker is making an effort to be understood clearly by providing context and imagery.

Su estilo de narración es tan descriptivo que casi puedo oler el mar.

Finally, it is worth noting the role of descriptivo in the field of linguistics itself. Lingüística descriptiva refers to the study of how language is actually used by people, rather than how it 'should' be used (which would be prescriptive). This distinction is vital for advanced learners who wish to understand the nuances of Spanish dialects and informal speech. By being descriptivo, a linguist records the vibrant, living reality of the language without passing judgment. This objective stance is a hallmark of the term's use in scientific and academic discourse.

Using descriptivo correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its placement and its relationship with the noun it modifies. In Spanish, adjectives that define a characteristic or classify a noun usually follow that noun. For example, in the phrase un texto descriptivo, the adjective follows 'texto' because it specifies the type of text. If you were to place it before the noun, it would sound highly poetic or emphatic, which is less common in everyday speech. When constructing sentences, you must also ensure that the adjective matches the gender and number of the noun. For a feminine noun like prosa (prose), you would use descriptiva. For plural masculine nouns like detalles (details), you would use descriptivos. This grammatical harmony is essential for sounding natural and fluent.

Agreement Examples
Masculine Singular: El informe es descriptivo.
Feminine Singular: La carta es muy descriptiva.
Masculine Plural: Los párrafos son descriptivos.
Feminine Plural: Las imágenes son descriptivas.

Necesitamos un análisis más descriptivo de la situación actual del mercado.

Beyond simple noun-adjective pairs, descriptivo often appears in complex sentence structures involving verbs like ser (to be), parecer (to seem), or resultar (to turn out to be). Because descriptivo describes an inherent or defining quality of a subject, ser is the preferred verb for permanent characteristics. For instance, 'The book is descriptive' translates to El libro es descriptivo. If you want to emphasize that the descriptive nature of something is a subjective impression, you might say El relato me pareció muy descriptivo (The story seemed very descriptive to me). This allows for a range of expressive possibilities, from objective facts to personal opinions. Furthermore, you can modify the intensity of the adjective using adverbs like muy (very), poco (little/not very), bastante (quite), or extremadamente (extremely). A sentence like Es un pasaje poco descriptivo indicates a lack of detail, which might be a criticism in a literary review.

Las guías turísticas suelen ser muy descriptivas para ayudar a los viajeros.

In more advanced usage, descriptivo can be part of prepositional phrases or used to modify abstract concepts. For example, en términos descriptivos (in descriptive terms) is a phrase used to frame a discussion around the characteristics of something rather than its value or cause. You might say, Hablando en términos descriptivos, el edificio es de estilo gótico. This adds a layer of sophistication to your Spanish, showing that you can categorize your own speech and analysis. Additionally, in technical fields, you will encounter the term in fixed phrases like geometría descriptiva (descriptive geometry), which is a specific branch of mathematics. In these cases, the word is part of a specialized vocabulary and should not be substituted with synonyms like detallado, as it refers to a specific methodology or field of study.

Common Sentence Patterns
[Noun] + [Ser] + [Descriptivo]: La película es descriptiva.
[Verb] + [Noun] + [Descriptivo]: Escribió un artículo descriptivo.
[Adverb] + [Descriptivo]: Es sumamente descriptivo.

El título del libro no es muy descriptivo del contenido real.

Finally, when using descriptivo in the context of people, it usually refers to their style of communication rather than their personality. While you wouldn't typically call a person 'un hombre descriptivo' to mean he is a detailed person (you would use detallista), you would say su discurso fue muy descriptivo. Distinguishing between the person and their output is a key nuance. By mastering these patterns, you can effectively use descriptivo to enhance your narratives, technical reports, and daily conversations, ensuring your Spanish is both precise and expressive.

The word descriptivo is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking society, appearing in settings ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places you will encounter it is in the world of education and literature. Teachers from primary school through university use it to define assignments. A student might be asked to write an ensayo descriptivo (descriptive essay) about a historical event or a piece of art. In these contexts, the word serves as a roadmap for the expected style of writing—one that prioritizes vivid imagery and factual detail over argumentation or persuasion. If you browse a Spanish bookstore, you might see book reviews that praise a novelist's prosa descriptiva, highlighting their ability to transport the reader to another world through words alone. This literary usage is perhaps the most evocative application of the term.

In the News and Media
Journalists often use 'descriptivo' when reporting on complex situations where they want to remain objective. A news anchor might say, 'Haremos un recuento descriptivo de los hechos' (We will provide a descriptive account of the facts), signaling to the audience that they are presenting the information without bias or immediate commentary.

El reportaje fue puramente descriptivo, evitando cualquier tipo de opinión política.

In the professional and scientific realms, descriptivo is a technical powerhouse. In medicine, doctors might use anatomía descriptiva to refer to the study of the structure of the body. In business, a perfil descriptivo of a target demographic is essential for marketing strategies. When you are in a professional meeting in a Spanish-speaking country, you might hear a colleague say, 'Necesitamos un enfoque más descriptivo en este manual de usuario.' This means the manual needs to clearly explain what the product is and how it looks, rather than just listing instructions. In the legal field, a memoria descriptiva is often required for patents to describe the invention in detail. This demonstrates that the word is essential for anyone working in technical or regulated industries in Spanish.

La guía del museo ofrece un catálogo descriptivo de todas las obras expuestas.

In daily life, you might hear it used in social commentary or when discussing movies and art. If a movie is described as 'muy descriptiva' regarding violence, it means the scenes are graphic and detailed. In social media, influencers might use it to describe their 'vlog' style, focusing on showing every detail of their day. Even in sports, a commentator might be praised for their capacidad descriptiva, which allows radio listeners to 'see' the game through their words. This variety of contexts—from the operating room to the football stadium—proves that descriptivo is a versatile and indispensable tool in the Spanish language. Whether you are reading a scientific paper, a novel, or a news report, you are likely to encounter this word frequently, making its mastery a high priority for any serious learner.

Academic Disciplines
Statistics: Estadística descriptiva (Descriptive statistics).
Linguistics: Gramática descriptiva (Descriptive grammar).
Geometry: Geometría descriptiva (Descriptive geometry).

En la clase de hoy, estudiaremos los principios de la estadística descriptiva.

Finally, consider the digital world. Web developers and SEO specialists in Spanish-speaking countries often talk about etiquetas descriptivas (descriptive tags) or títulos descriptivos to improve website accessibility and search engine rankings. This modern application shows that as technology evolves, the need for the word descriptivo only grows, as it remains the primary way to express the concept of providing necessary detail and clarity in any medium.

While descriptivo is a cognate of the English 'descriptive', which makes it easier to remember, there are several common pitfalls that English speakers and early learners of Spanish often encounter. The most frequent mistake is failing to apply gender and number agreement. In English, 'descriptive' never changes, regardless of what it describes. In Spanish, however, saying la imagen descriptivo is a glaring error; it must be la imagen descriptiva. This requires a constant mental check of the noun's gender. Another common error is the placement of the adjective. While some adjectives can precede the noun for stylistic reasons, descriptivo is a classifying adjective that almost always follows the noun. Saying un descriptivo libro sounds unnatural and forced compared to un libro descriptivo.

Agreement Errors
Incorrect: Los textos es descriptivo.
Correct: Los textos son descriptivos.
Incorrect: Una nota descriptivo.
Correct: Una nota descriptiva.

Es un error común decir 'un descriptivo párrafo' en lugar de 'un párrafo descriptivo'.

Another subtle mistake involves confusing descriptivo with related words like detallado (detailed) or detallista (detail-oriented). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Use descriptivo when referring to the nature of the content (it describes something), but use detallado when you want to emphasize the thoroughness or the 'fine-grained' nature of the information. For example, a report can be descriptivo (it describes a process) but not detallado (it might be a brief, high-level description). Conversely, detallista is used for people who are meticulous. Calling a person un hombre descriptivo might be understood as a man who talks a lot, but it doesn't mean he is careful with details—for that, you need un hombre detallista.

No confundas descriptivo con 'detallista'; el primero se refiere al objeto, el segundo al sujeto.

Spelling is another area where learners trip up. Because of the English 'descriptive', learners sometimes forget the 'p' in the middle or try to spell it with a 'c' like 'descritivo' (which is the Portuguese spelling). In Spanish, the 'p' is essential: des-crip-ti-vo. Pronunciation also poses a challenge; the stress falls on the penultimate syllable 'ti', not on 'crip'. Misplacing the stress can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize instantly. Finally, be careful with the use of the verb estar. Since being descriptive is usually considered a characteristic of a text or a style, ser is almost always used. Saying el libro está descriptivo would imply that the book is 'acting' descriptive or is in a temporary state of being descriptive, which makes little sense in most contexts. Stick to ser to describe inherent qualities.

Quick Correction Guide
1. Match gender/number.
2. Place after the noun.
3. Use 'ser', not 'estar'.
4. Keep the 'p' in 'descriptivo'.
5. Don't confuse with 'detallista'.

Recuerda: El libro es descriptivo, no 'está' descriptivo.

By being mindful of these common errors, you can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Spanish. The transition from English to Spanish involves more than just translating words; it requires adopting the grammatical logic of the target language. Paying attention to these 'small' details like adjective agreement and verb choice is what distinguishes a beginner from an intermediate or advanced speaker.

In Spanish, as in English, having a variety of synonyms at your disposal allows for more precise and nuanced communication. While descriptivo is a great all-purpose word, there are several alternatives that might be more appropriate depending on the context. One of the closest synonyms is explicativo (explanatory). While descriptivo focuses on 'how' something looks or is structured, explicativo focuses on 'why' or 'how' something works. If you are reading a manual that tells you what the parts are, it is descriptivo; if it tells you how to fix them, it is explicativo. Another common alternative is detallado (detailed). This is used when the description is very thorough and leaves nothing out. A relato detallado is often more intense than a simply relato descriptivo.

Comparison: Descriptivo vs. Detallado
Descriptivo: Focuses on the act of describing (e.g., a descriptive passage).
Detallado: Focuses on the amount of detail provided (e.g., a detailed map). You can have a descriptive paragraph that isn't very detailed if it only uses broad strokes.

El guía dio una explicación muy detallada y descriptiva de las ruinas.

For literary contexts, words like ilustrativo (illustrative) or gráfico (graphic/vivid) are excellent choices. Ilustrativo suggests that the description serves as an example or helps to clarify a larger point. Gráfico is used when the description is so vivid that it feels like seeing a picture; however, be careful, as gráfico can also mean 'explicit' or 'bloody' when referring to violence. If you want to describe a style that is rich in adjectives and imagery, you might use ornamentado (ornate) or florido (flowery), though these can sometimes have a negative connotation of being 'too much'. On the more technical side, pormenorizado is a high-level synonym for 'detailed' or 'itemized', often used in legal or official documents.

Presentó un informe pormenorizado de los gastos del departamento.

When looking for antonyms, the most direct opposite is narrativo (narrative) in a literary sense, as narration focuses on action and the passage of time, while description focuses on static qualities. In a broader sense, vago (vague) or impreciso (imprecise) are the opposites of being descriptive. If a text lacks detail and doesn't paint a clear picture, it is poco descriptivo or vago. In scientific contexts, the opposite of descriptivo might be analítico (analytical) or normativo (normative/prescriptive). Understanding these pairings helps you categorize information: is this text just telling me what is there (descriptive), or is it telling me why it matters (analytical) or how it should be (normative)?

Quick Reference Table
Synonym: Detallado (Detailed) - Use for thoroughness.
Synonym: Ilustrativo (Illustrative) - Use for clarity.
Synonym: Pormenorizado (Itemized) - Use for formal reports.
Antonym: Vago (Vague) - Use for lack of detail.
Antonym: Analítico (Analytical) - Use for focus on cause/effect.

A diferencia del análisis analítico, el estudio descriptivo solo observa los datos.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can tailor your Spanish to the specific situation. Whether you are writing a formal report, a creative story, or just chatting with friends, choosing the right word—be it descriptivo, detallado, or pormenorizado—will make your communication more effective and your command of the language more impressive.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The root 'scribe' is found in many English words like 'scribble', 'script', and 'scribe', all relating to writing.

发音指南

UK /des.kɾip.ˈti.βo/
US /des.kɾip.ˈti.vo/
The stress is on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: des-crip-TI-vo.
押韵词
objetivo activo pasivo creativo motivo festivo fugitivo altivo
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the 'p' too harshly like in English.
  • Placing the stress on 'crip' (DES-crip-ti-vo) instead of 'ti'.
  • Forgetting the 'p' entirely.
  • Confusing the 'v' with an English 'v' sound (it should be more like a soft 'b').
  • Making the 'e' sound like 'ay' instead of a short 'eh'.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'descriptive'.

写作 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

口语 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'p' and stress on 'ti' can be tricky.

听力 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in spoken Spanish.

接下来学什么

前置知识

describir adjetivo detalle palabra texto

接下来学习

pormenorizado ilustrativo explicativo exhaustivo narrativo

高级

fenomenología prescriptivo taxonomía epistemología metodología

需要掌握的语法

Adjective Agreement

La casa (f) es descriptiva (f). Los libros (m) son descriptivos (m).

Adjective Placement

Un texto descriptivo (Standard) vs. Un descriptivo texto (Poetic/Rare).

Ser vs Estar

El informe ES descriptivo (Inherent quality).

Adverbial Modification

El relato es SUMAMENTE descriptivo (Using adverbs to modify adjectives).

Substantivizing Adjectives

LO descriptivo de su obra es lo que más me atrae (Using 'lo' to make it a noun).

按水平分级的例句

1

El libro es descriptivo.

The book is descriptive.

Simple adjective agreement with masculine singular noun 'libro'.

2

La foto es muy descriptiva.

The photo is very descriptive.

Adjective agreement with feminine singular noun 'foto'.

3

Usa palabras descriptivas.

Use descriptive words.

Plural feminine agreement with 'palabras'.

4

Es un dibujo descriptivo.

It is a descriptive drawing.

Placement of adjective after the noun.

5

¿Es este texto descriptivo?

Is this text descriptive?

Interrogative sentence structure.

6

Me gusta el estilo descriptivo.

I like the descriptive style.

Use of 'gustar' with a noun-adjective phrase.

7

Ellos escriben párrafos descriptivos.

They write descriptive paragraphs.

Plural masculine agreement with 'párrafos'.

8

La casa es descriptiva en el cuento.

The house is descriptive in the story.

Use of 'ser' to describe an inherent quality.

1

El autor escribió un párrafo descriptivo sobre la ciudad.

The author wrote a descriptive paragraph about the city.

Preterite tense with a descriptive noun phrase.

2

Necesitamos una lista descriptiva de los ingredientes.

We need a descriptive list of the ingredients.

Feminine singular agreement with 'lista'.

3

Sus ojos son muy descriptivos de su tristeza.

Her eyes are very descriptive of her sadness.

Metaphorical use of descriptive to mean 'expressive'.

4

El examen tiene una parte descriptiva.

The exam has a descriptive part.

Identifying a specific section of an object.

5

Aprendimos adjetivos descriptivos en clase hoy.

We learned descriptive adjectives in class today.

Plural masculine agreement with 'adjetivos'.

6

La guía turística es muy descriptiva y útil.

The tour guide (book) is very descriptive and useful.

Using multiple adjectives to describe a noun.

7

No me gusta ese lenguaje tan descriptivo.

I don't like that very descriptive language.

Using 'tan' to intensify the adjective.

8

El título del cuadro es poco descriptivo.

The title of the painting is not very descriptive.

Using 'poco' to negate the intensity.

1

El lenguaje descriptivo ayuda a imaginar la escena.

Descriptive language helps to imagine the scene.

Subject of a sentence using a noun-adjective phrase.

2

Es importante ser descriptivo al denunciar un crimen.

It is important to be descriptive when reporting a crime.

Infinitive phrase using 'ser' + adjective.

3

La novela tiene pasajes altamente descriptivos.

The novel has highly descriptive passages.

Using an adverb 'altamente' to modify the adjective.

4

Prefiero un estilo narrativo a uno puramente descriptivo.

I prefer a narrative style to a purely descriptive one.

Comparative structure using 'a uno'.

5

La memoria descriptiva del proyecto está terminada.

The project's descriptive report is finished.

Technical term 'memoria descriptiva'.

6

El profesor evaluó nuestra capacidad descriptiva.

The teacher evaluated our descriptive capacity.

Noun phrase 'capacidad descriptiva'.

7

Sus palabras fueron descriptivas pero no ofensivas.

His words were descriptive but not offensive.

Contrast using 'pero'.

8

Buscamos un enfoque más descriptivo para el estudio.

We are looking for a more descriptive approach for the study.

Comparative 'más' with adjective.

1

La estadística descriptiva es una rama fundamental de las matemáticas.

Descriptive statistics is a fundamental branch of mathematics.

Scientific term 'estadística descriptiva'.

2

El informe presenta un análisis descriptivo de los resultados.

The report presents a descriptive analysis of the results.

Formal academic phrasing.

3

La geometría descriptiva se utiliza mucho en arquitectura.

Descriptive geometry is widely used in architecture.

Technical term 'geometría descriptiva'.

4

El autor se pierde en detalles descriptivos innecesarios.

The author gets lost in unnecessary descriptive details.

Using 'innecesarios' to add a critical tone.

5

Es un estudio descriptivo, no experimental.

It is a descriptive study, not an experimental one.

Contrasting two types of scientific approaches.

6

La descripción fue tan descriptiva que no hizo falta una foto.

The description was so descriptive that a photo wasn't necessary.

Redundant but emphatic use of related words.

7

Las etiquetas descriptivas mejoran la accesibilidad web.

Descriptive tags improve web accessibility.

Modern technological context.

8

El manual ofrece un inventario descriptivo de las piezas.

The manual offers a descriptive inventory of the parts.

Business/technical context.

1

La gramática descriptiva analiza el uso real de la lengua.

Descriptive grammar analyzes the actual use of the language.

Linguistic term 'gramática descriptiva'.

2

Su prosa alcanza un nivel descriptivo casi poético.

His prose reaches an almost poetic descriptive level.

Advanced literary criticism.

3

La memoria descriptiva es un requisito para la patente.

The descriptive report is a requirement for the patent.

Legal/Technical requirement.

4

El realismo literario se apoya en un rigor descriptivo extremo.

Literary realism relies on extreme descriptive rigor.

Academic discussion of literary movements.

5

No debemos confundir el nivel descriptivo con el prescriptivo.

We should not confuse the descriptive level with the prescriptive one.

Nuanced distinction in theory.

6

El informe técnico debe ser puramente descriptivo y objetivo.

The technical report must be purely descriptive and objective.

Using 'puramente' to emphasize neutrality.

7

La capacidad descriptiva de Cervantes es inigualable.

Cervantes' descriptive capacity is unparalleled.

Historical and literary reference.

8

Se requiere un título descriptivo para cada sección del documento.

A descriptive title is required for each section of the document.

Formal instruction.

1

La fenomenología busca un acercamiento descriptivo a la conciencia.

Phenomenology seeks a descriptive approach to consciousness.

Philosophical context.

2

El autor subvierte el género descriptivo tradicional en su última obra.

The author subverts the traditional descriptive genre in his latest work.

High-level literary analysis.

3

La riqueza descriptiva de la lengua española es un campo de estudio vasto.

The descriptive richness of the Spanish language is a vast field of study.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

4

Un análisis descriptivo exhaustivo precede a cualquier conclusión teórica.

An exhaustive descriptive analysis precedes any theoretical conclusion.

Complex sentence structure with advanced vocabulary.

5

La lingüística descriptiva rompe con los prejuicios del purismo.

Descriptive linguistics breaks with the prejudices of purism.

Social and academic commentary.

6

El texto oscila entre lo puramente descriptivo y lo metafísico.

The text oscillates between the purely descriptive and the metaphysical.

Using 'lo' to substantivize the adjective.

7

La precisión descriptiva es esencial en la redacción de tratados internacionales.

Descriptive precision is essential in the drafting of international treaties.

Diplomatic and legal context.

8

Su estilo se caracteriza por una morosidad descriptiva que detiene el tiempo.

His style is characterized by a descriptive lingering that stops time.

Highly sophisticated literary term 'morosidad'.

常见搭配

lenguaje descriptivo
texto descriptivo
estudio descriptivo
estadística descriptiva
memoria descriptiva
análisis descriptivo
estilo descriptivo
párrafo descriptivo
geometría descriptiva
título descriptivo

常用短语

de carácter descriptivo

— Having a descriptive nature or quality.

Es un documento de carácter descriptivo.

en términos descriptivos

— Speaking only about the characteristics of something.

En términos descriptivos, el coche es rojo y pequeño.

gramática descriptiva

— The study of how a language is actually used.

La gramática descriptiva no juzga el habla.

pasaje descriptivo

— A specific part of a text that describes something.

Ese pasaje descriptivo es el mejor del libro.

técnica descriptiva

— The method used to describe something effectively.

Su técnica descriptiva es muy innovadora.

enfoque descriptivo

— A perspective that focuses on description.

Adoptamos un enfoque descriptivo para el proyecto.

capacidad descriptiva

— The ability to describe things well.

Tiene una gran capacidad descriptiva.

nivel descriptivo

— The basic level of analysis that just describes facts.

Nos quedamos en un nivel descriptivo.

género descriptivo

— A category of writing focused on description.

El género descriptivo es común en guías de viaje.

detalle descriptivo

— A specific piece of information used for description.

Añadió un detalle descriptivo sobre el clima.

容易混淆的词

descriptivo vs detallista

'Detallista' describes a person who pays attention to details, while 'descriptivo' describes the content itself.

descriptivo vs explicativo

'Explicativo' focuses on why/how something works; 'descriptivo' focuses on what it is/looks like.

descriptivo vs inscripción

Don't confuse the noun 'inscription' with the adjective 'descriptivo' just because they share a root.

习语与表达

"pintar un cuadro"

— To describe something so vividly it's like painting a picture.

Con sus palabras, pintó un cuadro descriptivo de la escena.

literary
"no tener palabras"

— To be unable to describe something (the opposite of being descriptive).

Era tan bello que no tenía palabras descriptivas.

informal
"ir al grano"

— To get to the point (often the opposite of being overly descriptive).

Deja lo descriptivo y ve al grano.

informal
"con pelos y señales"

— To describe something with extreme detail.

Me lo contó todo con pelos y señales descriptivas.

informal
"ser un libro abierto"

— To be very easy to 'read' or describe.

Su rostro es un libro abierto muy descriptivo.

informal
"dar pelos de la burra"

— To give proof or very specific details.

Me dio los pelos de la burra en su informe descriptivo.

colloquial
"en un abrir y cerrar de ojos"

— Something that happens too fast to be descriptive.

Pasó tan rápido que no pude ser descriptivo.

neutral
"poner los puntos sobre las íes"

— To be very precise and detailed (descriptive).

Puso los puntos sobre las íes con su nota descriptiva.

neutral
"no andarse por las ramas"

— To not waste time on unnecessary descriptions.

No se anduvo por las ramas y evitó lo descriptivo.

informal
"sacar a la luz"

— To make something visible through description.

Su relato descriptivo sacó a la luz la verdad.

neutral

容易混淆

descriptivo vs descrito

It is the past participle of 'describir'.

'Descrito' means 'described' (verb form); 'descriptivo' means 'descriptive' (adjective quality).

El paisaje está descrito en el libro (The landscape is described in the book).

descriptivo vs descripción

It is the noun form.

'Descripción' is the act of describing; 'descriptivo' is the quality of the text.

La descripción es muy descriptiva.

descriptivo vs detallado

They are synonyms.

'Detallado' implies a high quantity of details; 'descriptivo' implies the nature of the style.

Un mapa detallado.

descriptivo vs prescriptivo

It sounds similar and is an antonym in linguistics.

'Prescriptivo' tells you how things SHOULD be; 'descriptivo' tells you how they ARE.

Un manual prescriptivo.

descriptivo vs discursivo

Similar ending and formal tone.

'Discursivo' relates to discourse or reasoning; 'descriptivo' relates to description.

Un ensayo discursivo.

句型

A1

El/La [sustantivo] es descriptivo/a.

La flor es descriptiva.

A2

Es un/una [sustantivo] muy descriptivo/a.

Es una foto muy descriptiva.

B1

El autor usa un lenguaje [adjetivo] y descriptivo.

El autor usa un lenguaje claro y descriptivo.

B2

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo sobre [tema].

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo sobre el clima.

C1

La memoria descriptiva cumple con los requisitos de [entidad].

La memoria descriptiva cumple con los requisitos de la ley.

C2

Lo puramente descriptivo se entrelaza con lo [adjetivo abstracto].

Lo puramente descriptivo se entrelaza con lo existencial.

General

Nada [sustantivo] es tan descriptivo como [sustantivo].

Nada es tan descriptivo como un buen libro.

General

En términos [adjetivo], el objeto es [adjetivo].

En términos descriptivos, el objeto es redondo.

词族

名词

descripción (description)
descriptor (descriptor)

动词

describir (to describe)

形容词

descriptivo (descriptive)
descriptible (describable)
indescriptible (indescribable)

相关

escribir
escritura
inscripción
suscripción
prescripción

如何使用

frequency

Common in academic, literary, and professional contexts.

常见错误
  • un descriptivo libro un libro descriptivo

    Adjectives like 'descriptivo' that classify a noun usually follow the noun in Spanish.

  • la imagen descriptivo la imagen descriptiva

    'Imagen' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must also be feminine.

  • el libro está descriptivo el libro es descriptivo

    Use 'ser' for inherent characteristics of a work or style.

  • descritivo descriptivo

    Always include the 'p' in Spanish. The spelling without 'p' is Portuguese.

  • Es un hombre descriptivo. Es un hombre detallista.

    Use 'descriptivo' for things/output and 'detallista' for a person's personality regarding details.

小贴士

Watch the Gender

Always look at the noun. 'La imagen' is feminine, so it's 'la imagen descriptiva'. 'El mapa' is masculine, so it's 'el mapa descriptivo'.

Use Synonyms

In formal writing, try 'pormenorizado' instead of 'descriptivo' to sound more professional.

Stress the 'TI'

The most common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable. Say 'des-crip-TI-vo'.

Technical Contexts

In engineering or legal contexts, 'memoria descriptiva' is a fixed term. Don't translate it as 'detailed memory'.

Show, Don't Tell

If you are told to be more 'descriptivo', use sensory words (smell, sight, sound) rather than just more adjectives.

Balance Your Writing

Too much 'lenguaje descriptivo' can slow down a story. Use it when you want the reader to pause and visualize.

Descriptive vs Prescriptive

In linguistics, remember that 'descriptivo' is about how people actually talk, not the rules in a grammar book.

Listen for the 'P'

Native speakers pronounce the 'p' very softly, but it's there. Try to mimic that subtle sound.

Cognate Power

Use the fact that it's a cognate to remember the meaning, but don't let it make you lazy with the Spanish grammar rules.

Literary Tradition

Spanish literature loves description. Reading authors like Galdós will show you 'descriptivo' in its highest form.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'Script' (from de-SCRIPT-ivo) that tells you exactly what a scene looks like. A script is descriptive!

视觉联想

Imagine a person painting a picture using only a pen and paper. Every stroke of the pen is a word that makes the picture clearer.

Word Web

Adjetivo Detalles Imagen Pintar Palabras Libro Ciencia Claro

挑战

Try to describe your room using five 'adjetivos descriptivos' and then use the word 'descriptivo' to describe your own paragraph.

词源

From the Latin 'descriptivus', which comes from 'describere'.

原始含义: To write down, to copy, or to represent in writing.

Romance (Latin root).

文化背景

The word 'descriptivo' is neutral and has no negative cultural sensitivities.

In English, we often use 'descriptive' for both people and things, but in Spanish, 'descriptivo' is mostly for the output (texts, speech) while 'detallista' is for the person.

Don Quijote de la Mancha (known for its descriptive passages of the Spanish countryside). Gabriel García Márquez (uses descriptive realism). Estadística Descriptiva (a standard course in Spanish universities).

在生活中练习

真实语境

Literature

  • prosa descriptiva
  • pasaje descriptivo
  • riqueza descriptiva
  • estilo descriptivo

Science

  • estudio descriptivo
  • estadística descriptiva
  • método descriptivo
  • análisis descriptivo

Education

  • párrafo descriptivo
  • ensayo descriptivo
  • lenguaje descriptivo
  • tarea descriptiva

Business

  • informe descriptivo
  • perfil descriptivo
  • memoria descriptiva
  • título descriptivo

Everyday Life

  • relato descriptivo
  • comentario descriptivo
  • explicación descriptiva
  • nota descriptiva

对话开场白

"¿Qué libro crees que tiene el estilo más descriptivo que has leído?"

"¿Prefieres las películas que son muy descriptivas con la acción o las que dejan más a la imaginación?"

"¿Podrías hacerme un resumen descriptivo de tu fin de semana?"

"En tu trabajo, ¿es necesario escribir memorias descriptivas?"

"¿Crees que el lenguaje descriptivo es más importante en la poesía o en la ciencia?"

日记主题

Escribe un párrafo descriptivo sobre el lugar donde te encuentras ahora mismo.

Reflexiona sobre cómo el uso de un lenguaje descriptivo puede cambiar la forma en que alguien percibe una noticia.

Describe a una persona que conozcas usando solo adjetivos descriptivos.

¿Por qué es importante la estadística descriptiva en el mundo moderno?

Imagina que tienes que explicar qué es el color 'rojo' a alguien que no puede ver. Escribe tu relato descriptivo.

常见问题

10 个问题

Generalmente no se usa para describir la personalidad de alguien (para eso usa 'detallista'). Se usa para describir su forma de hablar o escribir. Por ejemplo: 'Es un narrador muy descriptivo'.

'Descriptivo' se refiere al estilo o función (sirve para describir). 'Detallado' se refiere a la cantidad de información (tiene muchos detalles). Un texto puede ser descriptivo pero no muy detallado si es breve.

En español siempre se escribe con 'p': 'descriptivo'. 'Descritivo' es incorrecto en español (es portugués).

Se usa 'ser' porque ser descriptivo se considera una característica intrínseca o permanente de un texto, libro o estilo. 'Estar' implicaría un estado temporal.

Es un documento técnico, común en ingeniería y arquitectura, que detalla las características y especificaciones de un proyecto.

No, es una palabra de nivel A2/B1, aunque tiene usos muy avanzados en ciencias y lingüística.

Se dice 'descriptivas'. Por ejemplo: 'Las palabras descriptivas'.

Puede, pero suena muy poético o literario. En el habla normal, siempre va después: 'un párrafo descriptivo'.

Es la parte de la estadística que se encarga de resumir y describir los datos sin hacer inferencias sobre la población.

El antónimo más común es 'narrativo', que se enfoca en la acción en lugar de en la descripción.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Escribe una oración usando 'descriptivo' y 'libro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe tu habitación en una oración usando el adjetivo 'descriptiva'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

¿Qué es un 'párrafo descriptivo'? Responde en una oración.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Usa 'estadística descriptiva' en una oración sobre la escuela.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explica la diferencia entre 'descriptivo' y 'narrativo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración formal usando 'memoria descriptiva'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Usa el plural femenino 'descriptivas' en una oración original.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe un eslogan para un libro de viajes usando 'descriptivo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

¿Por qué un científico usaría un 'estudio descriptivo'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Crea una oración con 'poco descriptivo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración comparando dos estilos usando 'más descriptivo que'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Usa 'gramática descriptiva' en una oración sobre el lenguaje.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración usando 'descriptivo' como parte de un sujeto.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe un cuadro usando la palabra 'descriptivo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración sobre un manual técnico usando 'descriptivo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

¿Cómo usarías 'descriptivo' en una crítica de cine?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Usa 'altamente descriptivo' en una oración.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración usando 'lo descriptivo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Usa 'técnica descriptiva' en una oración sobre arte.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Escribe una oración usando 'descriptivo' para un título.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronuncia la palabra 'descriptivo' enfatizando la sílaba 'ti'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di en voz alta: 'El libro es muy descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explica en español qué es un 'lenguaje descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di en voz alta: 'Necesitamos una memoria descriptiva del proyecto'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronuncia el plural femenino: 'descriptivas'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe tu comida favorita usando la palabra 'descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'La estadística descriptiva es útil'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explica la diferencia entre 'descriptivo' y 'prescriptivo' en voz alta.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'Sus palabras fueron muy descriptivas'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Practica la frase: 'Es un pasaje altamente descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'El título no es nada descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronuncia: 'Geometría descriptiva'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'Me gusta el estilo descriptivo de Cervantes'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Practica: 'Un análisis descriptivo pormenorizado'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'Las imágenes son muy descriptivas'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explica por qué un manual debe ser descriptivo.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'El informe técnico es puramente descriptivo'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronuncia: 'Descriptivamente'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Di: 'La capacidad descriptiva del autor'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Practica: 'Un párrafo descriptivo breve'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'El texto es descriptivo'.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

¿Qué adjetivo escuchas? 'Es una foto descriptiva'.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'La estadística descriptiva'. ¿A qué ciencia se refiere?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Párrafos descriptivos'. ¿Es singular o plural?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Memoria descriptiva'. ¿En qué campo se usa?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Un lenguaje muy descriptivo'. ¿Qué tan descriptivo es?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'La gramática descriptiva'.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Detalles descriptivos'. ¿Cuál es el sustantivo?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'No es descriptivo'. ¿Es positivo o negativo?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Su estilo es descriptivo'. ¿De qué habla el hablante?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Riqueza descriptiva'. ¿Qué palabra significa 'abundance'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Pasaje descriptivo'. ¿A qué se refiere 'pasaje'?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha y escribe: 'Un dibujo descriptivo'.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'La técnica descriptiva'. ¿Es masculino o femenino?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Escucha: 'Estudio descriptivo'. ¿Qué tipo de estudio es?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
error correction

El libro es descriptiva.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: El libro es descriptivo.

'Libro' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'descriptivo'.

error correction

Las fotos son descriptivo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Las fotos son descriptivas.

'Fotos' is feminine plural, so the adjective must be 'descriptivas'.

error correction

Es un descriptivo párrafo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Es un párrafo descriptivo.

Adjectives like 'descriptivo' usually come after the noun.

error correction

El texto está descriptivo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: El texto es descriptivo.

Use 'ser' for inherent qualities of a text.

error correction

Un estudio descritivo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Un estudio descriptivo.

Spanish requires the 'p' in 'descriptivo'.

error correction

Su memoria descriptivo del proyecto.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Su memoria descriptiva del proyecto.

'Memoria' is feminine, so it's 'descriptiva'.

error correction

Los párrafos es descriptivos.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Los párrafos son descriptivos.

Verb 'ser' must agree with the plural subject 'párrafos'.

error correction

Es un hombre descriptivo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Es un hombre detallista.

'Descriptivo' refers to output; 'detallista' refers to a person's nature.

error correction

La gramática descriptivo analiza el uso.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: La gramática descriptiva analiza el uso.

'Gramática' is feminine.

error correction

Usa palabras descriptivo.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案: Usa palabras descriptivas.

'Palabras' is feminine plural.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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