catalítico
/kataˈlitiko/
The English phrase 'catalytic' is translated into Spanish as catalítico.
The word is an adjective meaning of, or relating to catalysts.
Meaning: of, or relating to catalysts (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to agree with the nouns it describes. Use catalítica for feminine singular nouns, catalíticos for masculine plural nouns and catalíticas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kataˈlitiko/
Did you know?
- The word catalítico shares the same Greek root as the Spanish word catarsis, which refers to the process of releasing strong or repressed emotions.
- The word belongs to a class of 'cultismos', or high-register loanwords, which are words borrowed directly from Latin or Greek that have remained largely unchanged in form.
- While catalítico describes the chemical process, Spanish speakers use the word catalizador metaphorically to describe a person or event that accelerates social or political change.
Examples in context
- El proceso requerirá el uso de un reactivo catalítico.The process will require the use of a catalytic reagent.
- El convertidor catalítico está dañado.The catalytic converter is damaged.
- Necesitamos un proceso catalítico eficiente.We need an efficient catalytic process.
- El efecto catalítico fue muy rápido.The catalytic effect was very fast.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing car repairs in a garage.
- JavierSofía, el convertidor catalítico está roto.Sofía, the catalytic converter is broken.
- SofíaEso explica el ruido del motor, Javier.That explains the engine noise, Javier.
- JavierSí, debemos cambiar la pieza hoy mismo.Yes, we must change the part today.
- SofíaEstá bien, buscaré el repuesto ahora.All right, I will look for the replacement now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catalytic” translations and entries catalítico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
