ausente
/auˈsente/
The English word "absent" is translated into Spanish as ausente. Wiktionary also lists absente (disused).
Meaning: being away from a place (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ausente | /auˈsente/ |
| absente (disused) |
ausente is an adjective used to describe the state of being away from a place. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is absent-minded or not paying attention.
Which one should you use?
While ausente describes the state of being absent, the reflexive verb ausentarse is used to describe the action of leaving or being away from a place.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective ausente is invariant in gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. To make the adjective plural, add an -s to form ausentes.
How do you pronounce it?
/auˈsente/
Did you know?
- The phrase el ausente is sometimes used as a euphemism for a deceased person who is no longer present in the physical world.
- In many Spanish-speaking school systems, an 'absence' is recorded as a falta, rather than using a word related to 'ausencia'.
- In some Spanish-speaking legal contexts, calling someone ausente can have specific implications regarding their legal ability to manage property or affairs.
Examples in context
- Tom está ausente hoy.Tom is absent today.This sentence shows how to use ausente to describe someone's presence today.Tatoeba #10109384 by Eremon, translation #8369432 by CK
- ¿Hay alguien ausente hoy?Is anyone absent today?This sentence uses ausente to ask if anyone is missing.Tatoeba #2220473 by marcelostockle, translation #242924 by CK
- ¿Por qué estabas ausente?Why were you absent?This sentence uses ausente to ask about the reason for someone's absence.Tatoeba #10109372 by Eremon, translation #7538398 by CK
- Esta mañana estaré ausente debido a una reunión importante.I will be absent this morning due to an important meeting.
- Me disculpo, pero no podré asistir a la reunión de hoy.I apologize, but I won't be able to attend today's meeting.
- Me voy a ausentar durante unos días para visitar a mi familia.I'm going to be absent for a few days to visit my family.
- Lo siento, pero no estaré presente en la reunión de mañana.I'm sorry, but I won't be present at tomorrow's meeting.
- No estaré en la reunión porque tengo otro compromiso.I won't be at the meeting because I have another commitment.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a coworker who is not at the office.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está Luis hoy?Where is Luis today?
- MaríaLuis está ausente por enfermedad.Luis is absent due to illness.
- Alejandro¿Cuándo regresará a la oficina?When will he return to the office?
- MaríaNo lo sé, sigue ausente.I don't know, he is still absent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “absent” translations and entries ausente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
