características
/kaɾaɡteɾistikas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "characteristics" is translated into Spanish as características.
When describing these qualities in a sentence, use the verb ser for permanent characteristics and the verb estar for temporary or changeable characteristics.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is característica. As a feminine noun, any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as características principales.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾaɡteɾistikas/
Did you know?
- The word característica comes from the Greek charakter, which originally referred to the mark made by a stamping tool or a seal.
- While características describes traits, the word carácter refers specifically to a person's temperament. A person con mal carácter is not a 'bad characteristic' person but someone who is grumpy or irritable.
- In mathematical and technical contexts, característica refers to the integer part of a common logarithm.
Examples in context
- La organización celular es una de las principales características que definen a un ser vivo.Cellular organization is one of the main characteristics that define a living being.This sentence shows how to use características to define a living being.Tatoeba #2923196 by hayastan, translation #10140972 by DJ_Saidez
- Una de las características del Antiguo Régimen es que casi todo el mundo tenía privilegios, excepto los campesinos.One of the characteristics of the Ancien Régime is that almost everybody had privileges, except peasants.This sentence uses características to describe the features of the Ancien Régime.Tatoeba #1594323 by hayastan, translation #407546 by Scott
- Estos comentaristas sostienen que la Pantera Rosa de los dibujos animados presenta características comportamentales propias del espectro autista.These commentators argue that the Pink Panther from the animated cartoons shows the behavioral characteristics of someone on the autism spectrum.This sentence uses características to describe behavioral traits.Tatoeba #10590354 by Seael, translation #10619402 by sangelo
- Ella tiene muchas características positivas.She has many positive characteristics.
- Los rasgos principales de su personalidad son la honestidad y la perseverancia.The main characteristics of his personality are honesty and perseverance.
- Sus atributos destacados son su belleza y su inteligencia.Her outstanding attributes are her beauty and intelligence.
- Admiro las cualidades de mi hermana. Es muy generosa y amable.I admire my sister's qualities, she is very generous and kind.
- Los aspectos más destacados de su personalidad son su simpatía y su sentido del humor.The most prominent aspects of his personality are his friendliness and sense of humor.
- Un chico altoA tall boy
- Una chica altaA tall girl
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new smartphone they want to buy.
- Alejandro¿Cuáles son las características principales de este teléfono?What are the main characteristics of this phone?
- ElenaTiene una cámara excelente y mucha memoria.It has an excellent camera and a lot of memory.
- AlejandroEsas características me parecen muy útiles.Those characteristics seem very useful to me.
- ElenaSí, creo que es una buena compra.Yes, I think it is a good purchase.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
