compuesto
/komˈpwesto/
In Spanish, the word for compound is compuesto.
As a noun, compuesto refers to a group of buildings used for the same purpose. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'composed of elements'. In a financial context, the concept of a compound increasing in value with interest is expressed using the verbs calcular or devengar intereses.
Meaning: group of buildings for the same purpose (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form follows gender agreement, so use the feminine form compuesta if the group of buildings or substance being referred to is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpwesto/
Did you know?
- When talking about a person's name, a 'compound name' like 'Juan Pablo' is referred to as a nombre compuesto.
- While compuesto means 'compound' in a scientific sense, a gated residential compound is more commonly called a residencial or urbanización in Spanish-speaking countries.
- The word compuesto is a linguistic doublet of compósito, meaning they both entered the language from the same Latin root through different paths.
Examples in context
- Se piensa que este compuesto puede ser cancerígeno.It's thought that this compound could be a carcinogen.This sentence illustrates how to use compuesto when discussing a potential carcinogen.Tatoeba #7864744 by Seael, translation #10473054 by DJ_Saidez
- Si aumentas la temperatura el compuesto cristalizará.If you increase the temperature, the compound will crystallize.This sentence shows the use of compuesto in the context of temperature and crystallization.Tatoeba #4102953 by swyter, translation #4102281 by Lepotdeterre
- El ácido salicílico es un compuesto orgánico.Salicylic acid is an organic compound.This sentence demonstrates how to use compuesto to describe an organic substance.Tatoeba #4468902 by mervert1, translation #4465584 by mervert1
- El compuesto químico es altamente reactivo.The chemical compound is highly reactive.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are visiting a large diplomatic area.
- ElenaEste compuesto es muy grande y moderno.This compound is very large and modern.
- AlejandroSí, tiene mucha seguridad en la entrada.Yes, it has a lot of security at the entrance.
- Elena¿Vives dentro del compuesto, Alejandro?Do you live inside the compound, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo, trabajo aquí pero vivo en la ciudad.No, I work here but I live in the city.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compuesto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
