What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "to be ecological" rather than using the color "green" (verde) to describe environmentalism.
Which one should you use?
A very common and natural alternative to ser ecológico is the phrase ser respetuoso con el medio ambiente, which means "to be respectful of the environment".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you can use Sé sustentable or Cuidá el medio ambiente to convey the message of "be green". In Spain, a common way to say it is Sé respetuoso/a con el medio ambiente.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the subject's gender and number. Use ser ecológica if the subject is a feminine noun, such as una empresa (a company) and use the masculine plural form ser ecológicos when referring to a group of people or a mixed-gender group.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying ser verde to mean environmentally friendly. In Spanish, ser verde typically refers to the literal color or to being inexperienced or immature.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb ser is a linguistic hybrid. Over centuries, it absorbed the Old Spanish word seer, which came from the Latin sedēre meaning 'to sit'.
- The word ecológico is built from Greek roots that literally mean 'the study of the house', viewing the planet as a shared dwelling.
- In Spanish, referring to a company as ecológica requires a feminine adjective because empresa is a feminine noun, even if the owners are men.
Examples in context
- Es importante ser ecológico hoy en día.It is important to be green nowadays.
- Quiero ser ecológico y reducir mi basura.I want to be green and reduce my waste.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their new shopping habits.
- Javier¿Quieres ser ecológico y dejar de usar plástico?Do you want to be green and stop using plastic?
- MaríaSí, Javier, quiero ser ecológica de verdad.Yes, Javier, I want to be truly green.
- JavierYo también trato de ser ecológico en casa.I also try to be green at home.
- MaríaEs un gran paso para el planeta.It is a great step for the planet.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ecológico, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
