articular
/aɾtikuˈlaɾ/
The Spanish word for articulate is articular.
The verb articular is frequently used in the context of phonetics to describe the physical act of forming sounds with the mouth.
Meaning: speaking in a clear or effective manner (adj)
Which one should you use?
articular is a verb meaning 'to articulate' (to pronounce or to join), whereas articulado is the adjective used to describe someone who is articulate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form 'articulate' (describing a person or speech) is the past participle articulado.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾtikuˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of articular connects it to the Greek word 'árthron', which is the same root found in the English word 'arthritis'.
- Spanish uses articulado to describe a puppet or a figure with movable joints, such as an action figure.
- The word articular is used in Spanish medicine to describe anything relating to the joints of the body, such as dolor articular for 'joint pain'.
Examples in context
- Para los japoneses es muy difícil articular el sonido de la erre.It is difficult for the Japanese to articulate the sound of the r.This sentence shows the use of articular when discussing the difficulty of forming specific sounds.Tatoeba #4378072 by umano, translation #4409851 by LB
- Es importante articular tus pensamientos de manera clara y coherente en una presentación.It's important to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently in a presentation.
- El candidato se expresó de manera muy clara durante la entrevista.The candidate articulated himself very clearly during the interview.
- Ella sabe expresarse muy bien, siempre logra transmitir sus ideas de forma efectiva.She knows how to express herself very well. She always manages to convey her ideas effectively.
- El orador fue muy elocuente en su discurso, logrando cautivar al público.The speaker was very articulate in his speech, managing to captivate the audience.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a job candidate.
- SofíaEl candidato parece muy articular.The candidate seems very articulate.
- AlejandroSí, explicó sus ideas con claridad.Yes, he explained his ideas clearly.
- SofíaEs importante que sea así para el puesto.It is important that he be like that for the position.
- AlejandroEstoy de acuerdo, Sofía.I agree, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry articular, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries articular, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
