How to Say “Crooked” in Spanish: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples

Are you looking to expand your vocabulary in Spanish? In this guide, we will explore various ways to express the word “crooked” in Spanish. We will cover both formal and informal ways, providing useful tips and examples along the way. While regional variations may exist, we will focus on the most commonly used terms. So, let’s dive in and discover how to convey this concept in Spanish!

Formal Ways to Say “Crooked” in Spanish

When speaking formally, it is important to use proper vocabulary. Here are a few formal ways to say “crooked” in Spanish:

1. Torcido/a: This is the most common and straightforward term for “crooked” in Spanish. For example, you can say “La lámpara está torcida” (The lamp is crooked).
2. Desviado/a: This word implies a deviation from the straight or intended path. For instance, you might say “El cuadro está desviado hacia la derecha” (The picture is crooked to the right).
3. Inclinado/a: While “inclinado/a” primarily means “leaning” or “tilted,” it can also be used to describe something as crooked. An example sentence could be “La estantería está inclinada” (The shelf is crooked).
4. Curvo/a: Although “curvo/a” is commonly translated as “curved,” it can also be used to describe something slightly crooked. For example, you could say “La calle tiene un ángulo curvo” (The street has a crooked angle).

Informal Ways to Say “Crooked” in Spanish

In informal conversations, you might encounter different expressions for “crooked” in Spanish. Let’s explore some of the most common informal ways:

1. Chueco/a: This term is widely used across various Spanish-speaking countries. For instance, you can say “El cuadro está chueco” (The picture is crooked), or “Lleva el sombrero chueco” (Wear the crooked hat).
2. Descuadrado/a: Although “descuadrado/a” primarily means “misaligned” or “out of square,” it can also be employed to describe something as crooked. An example sentence could be “La mesa está descuadrada” (The table is crooked).
3. Torcido/a de lado: This phrase is commonly used in a more casual setting when referring to something that is crooked to one side. For example, you might say “La casa está torcida de lado” (The house is crooked to one side).

Tips for Using “Crooked” in Spanish

Now that we’ve explored the formal and informal ways to express “crooked” in Spanish, here are a few tips to keep in mind when using these terms:

• Context matters: Consider the context in which you are using the word “crooked” to choose the most appropriate term.
• Pay attention to gender: Make sure to match the gender of the adjective (“torcido” for masculine, “torcida” for feminine) with the noun it modifies.
• Practice pronunciation: To enhance your fluency, practice pronouncing these Spanish terms out loud.
• Use visual aids: If you’re unsure about how to describe something as crooked, consider using visual aids such as drawings or gestures to convey your meaning.

Example Dialogue:
Maria: ¡Mira esa cerca, está totalmente chueca!
Juan: Tienes razón, necesitamos enderezarla.

English Translation:
Maria: Look at that fence, it’s completely crooked!
Juan: You’re right, we need to straighten it out.

Remember, the key to becoming proficient in any language is practice and immersion. By incorporating these terms into your daily conversations, you will gradually develop a natural feel for expressing “crooked” in Spanish.

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “crooked” in Spanish. Whether you’re speaking formally or informally, using terms like “torcido/a,” “chueco/a,” or “descuadrado/a” will effectively convey the concept of something being crooked. So, go ahead and incorporate these new words into your Spanish vocabulary, and keep practicing to enhance your language skills. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)