apropiado
/apɾoˈpjado/
The English phrase 'appropriate' can be translated into Spanish as apropiado.
apropiado is an adjective used to describe something that is suitable, fit, proper or peculiar.
Meaning: peculiar, suitable, fit, proper (adj)
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse the adjective apropiado with the reflexive verb apropiarse de. While apropiado describes something as suitable, apropiarse de is used when someone takes possession of something, often illegitimately.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, apropiado must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form apropiada for feminine nouns, and use the plural forms apropiados or apropiadas to match plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾoˈpjado/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb apropiar on its own to mean 'to take for oneself'. In Spanish, the verb meaning to appropriate something must be reflexive and include the preposition 'de', such as in apropiarse de.
Did you know?
- While apropiado means 'suitable', the reflexive verb apropiarse de often carries a strong connotation of theft or illegal seizure.
- In many Spanish-speaking legal contexts, the phrase apropiación indebida is used to describe the crime of embezzlement or misappropriation. It literally translates to 'undue appropriation'.
- The adjective apropiado shares a root with the English word 'propriety'. Both stem from the Latin 'proprius', meaning 'one's own'.
Examples in context
- No me parece apropiado.It doesn't seem appropriate to me.This sentence shows how to express an opinion on whether something is appropriate using apropiado.Tatoeba #7134918 by arh, translation #10316987 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Pagué en el momento apropiado.I paid at the appropriate time.This sentence demonstrates using apropiado to describe a specific time.Tatoeba #6881673 by diegohn, translation #328360 by fcbond
- Tu discurso fue apropiado para la ocasión.Your speech was appropriate for the occasion.This sentence illustrates using apropiado to describe something suited to a particular occasion.Tatoeba #2349101 by marcelostockle, translation #70888 by CM
- Es importante vestir de manera apropiada para una entrevista de trabajo.It's important to dress appropriately for a job interview.
- El profesor hizo una pregunta pertinente durante la conferencia.The professor asked a pertinent question during the conference.
- Sería conveniente que llegáramos temprano a la reunión.It would be appropriate for us to arrive early at the meeting.
- Me parece adecuado que le hagamos un regalo por su cumpleaños.I think it's appropriate for us to give him/her a gift for their birthday.
- ¿Crees que este vestido es apto para la ocasión?Do you think this dress is appropriate for the occasion?
- Es importante llevar el uniforme correcto en el trabajo.It's important to wear the appropriate uniform at work.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing what to wear to a wedding.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿crees que este vestido es apropiado?Daniel, do you think this dress is appropriate?
- DanielSí, es muy elegante y apropiado.Yes, it is very elegant and appropriate.
- MaríaMe preocupa que sea demasiado formal.I am worried that it is too formal.
- DanielNo te preocupes, es perfecto para la boda.Don't worry, it is perfect for the wedding.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appropriate” translations and entries apropiado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apropiado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
