ajustar
/axusˈtaɾ/
The English verb adjust translates to Spanish as ajustar.
The primary meaning of ajustar is to change something to fit certain circumstances. In business or legal contexts, the word also carries the meaning of to settle or to agree upon specific terms, such as a contract or a price.
Meaning: to change to fit circumstances (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are talking about a person adapting themselves to a new situation, you should use the reflexive form ajustarse. Additionally, the noun form of this verb is ajuste, which refers to an adjustment or a settlement, such as a financial adjustment.
How do you pronounce it?
/axusˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, ajustar can be used colloquially to mean 'to beat' or 'to settle a score' with someone physically.
- The phrase ajustar cuentas literally means 'to adjust accounts' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to settle a grudge' or seek revenge.
- In a culinary context, ajustar is often used specifically to mean 'seasoning to taste' or 'balancing' the flavors of a dish.
Examples in context
- Tom trató de ajustar la temperatura de la ducha.Tom tried to adjust the temperature of the shower.This sentence shows how to use ajustar regarding setting a temperature.Tatoeba #1508892 by marcelostockle, translation #1092638 by CK
- La inteligencia es la capacidad de ajustarse a los cambios.Intelligence is the ability to adjust to changes.This sentence demonstrates the use of ajustar in the context of adapting to change.Tatoeba #9678868 by Eremon, translation #6091325 by tinowls
- No puedo cambiar la dirección del viento, pero sí ajustar mis velas para llegar siempre a mi destino.I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.This sentence uses ajustar to describe adapting equipment to reach a destination.Tatoeba #1429408 by hayastan, translation #1421551 by CS
- El ingeniero ajustó las especificaciones antes de enviar el informe final.The engineer adjusted the specifications before submitting the final report.
- La empresa adaptó su estrategia de marketing a los nuevos cambios en el mercado.The company adjusted its marketing strategy to the new market changes.
- Si quieres mejorar tu bicicleta, debes ponerla a punto para que se ajuste a tus necesidades.If you want to improve your bike, you should adjust it to fit your needs.
- Voy a regular la temperatura del horno para que el pastel salga perfecto.I'm going to adjust the oven temperature so that the cake comes out perfectly.
- Acomoda el asiento del coche para que estés cómodo durante el viaje.Adjust the car seat so that you're comfortable during the trip.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are setting up a tent for a camping trip.
- JavierNecesitamos ajustar las cuerdas de la tienda.We need to adjust the tent ropes.
- Lucía¿Puedes ajustar la de la derecha, Javier?Can you adjust the one on the right, Javier?
- JavierClaro, voy a ajustar todo ahora mismo.Sure, I am going to adjust everything right now.
- LucíaGracias, ahora está mucho más estable.Thanks, now it is much more stable.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ajustar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
