Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| casual | /kaˈswal/ |
| desenfadado | /desenfaˈdado/ |
| distendido | /distenˈdido/ |
The word casual is used in Spanish, particularly among younger generations, to refer to casual situations or dressing styles. You can also use the phrase sin formalidades as a synonym. When describing an atmosphere that is relaxed, or a person's physical or mental state of being tension-free, use distendido. There is also a specific noun, malagana, used to refer to a person whose engagement with media is relaxed or superficial.
Which one should you use?
Distendido is specifically used to describe a relaxed atmosphere or a person's physical/mental state of being tension-free.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective desenfadado must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, use desenfadada when modifying a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈswal/
Did you know?
- In a medical or physiological context, distendido describes a part of the body that is swollen or bloated. While it describes a 'relaxed' atmosphere, it can also mean a stomach is 'distended' from overeating.
- The term distendido is the opposite of tenso, which means 'tense'. It is frequently used in political or diplomatic contexts to describe the easing of tensions between two nations.
- The word desenfadado literally means 'un-fazed' or 'un-bothered', as it comes from the verb 'desenfadar', which implies removing a burden or a matter of importance from someone.
Examples in context
- El código de vestimenta es casual.The dress code is casual.This sentence shows how to use casual regarding a dress code.Tatoeba #12182543 by ecorralest101, translation #12183538 by Miktsoanit
- Mary suele llevar ropa de estilo colorido y desenfadado.Mary usually wears colorful and casual clothing that are in style.This sentence uses desenfadado to describe clothing style.Tatoeba #8011493 by Seael, translation #10040069 by espamatics
- El aire despreocupado y desenfadado de tu hermana la hace muy atractiva.Your sister's carefree and casual air makes her very attractive.This sentence uses desenfadado to describe a person's air or manner.Tatoeba #10282800 by Seael, translation #10831752 by SillyDonut7
- Vamos a tener una reunión casual el viernesWe're going to have a casual meeting on Friday
- una reunión informal pero profesionalA casual but professional meeting
- ¡Vístete de forma casual mañana, no será una reunión formal!Dress casually tomorrow, it won't be a formal meeting!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing what to wear to a party.
- JavierLa fiesta de mañana es muy casual.Tomorrow's party is very casual.
- Sofía¿Puedo ir con jeans y camiseta?Can I go in jeans and a t-shirt?
- JavierSí, Sofía, el ambiente será casual.Yes, Sofía, the atmosphere will be casual.
- SofíaPerfecto, entonces no me preocuparé por el vestido.Perfect, then I won't worry about the dress.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “casual” translations and entries casual, desenfadado, distendido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casual, desenfadado, distendido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
