agudo
/aˈɡudo/
The English word 'acute' can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most commonly agudo. Wiktionary also lists perspicaz and sagaz.
Meaning: intense, sensitive, sharp (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| agudo | /aˈɡudo/ |
| perspicaz | /peɾspiˈkaθ/ /peɾspiˈkas/ |
| sagaz | /saˈɡaθ/ /saˈɡas/ |
The term 'acute' is used to describe sensations that are intense, sensitive or sharp. In geometry, it is the standard term for a 'sharp' angle.
Which one should you use?
While agudo can mean 'acute' in a medical or sensory sense, it is also the standard term for a 'sharp' angle in geometry. To describe a person who is shrewd or clever, use sagaz, which often implies a level of cunning. For formal descriptions of a penetrating or piercing sensation regarding pain or smell, the word penetrante is appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective agudo must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, becoming aguda for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɡudo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word agudo is not limited to intelligence or geometry, as it is the standard way to describe a 'sharp' or high-pitched sound.
- The word perspicaz comes from the Latin word for 'sharp-sighted', linking the idea of mental acuity to the physical ability to see clearly.
- The word sagaz carries a specific connotation of being 'sharp' in the way a hunter or a detective tracks prey.
Examples in context
- El oído de un ciego a menudo es muy agudo.A blind person's hearing is often very acute.This sentence shows how agudo can describe heightened sensory perception.Tatoeba #3809759 by Seael, translation #323722 by CM
- Las calles forman un ángulo agudo.The two streets form an acute angle.This sentence demonstrates using agudo to describe a geometric angle.
- Tengo un dolor muy agudo en el estómago.I have a sharp pain in my stomach.
- El ángulo de 45 grados es agudo.The angle of 45 degrees is acute.
- Siento un dolor agudo en la espalda.I feel a sharp pain in my back.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a difficult problem at work.
- MaríaEste problema requiere un análisis muy agudo.This problem requires a very acute analysis.
- JavierTienes razón, María. Es muy complejo.You are right, María. It is very complex.
- María¿Crees que Javier pueda resolverlo hoy?Do you think Javier can solve it today?
- JavierSí, él es muy observador y capaz.Yes, he is very observant and capable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acute” translations and entries agudo, perspicaz, sagaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agudo, perspicaz, sagaz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
