insuficiente
/insufiθjente/from spelling rules
Insufficient in Spanish is insuficiente.
Meaning: not sufficient (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix in- functions as a negation, similar to the English 'in-' or 'un-'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina, the informal phrase no alcanza might be used to mean 'insufficient'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, so use the plural form insuficientes for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/insufiθjente/
Did you know?
- The phrase no alcanza, used to mean 'insufficient', literally translates to 'it does not reach', treating a lack of resources as a physical distance.
- In the Spanish educational grading system, insuficiente is not just a descriptive adjective but often a specific formal grade that signifies a failing mark.
- Spanish often uses the word falta to describe an insufficiency, which shares the same root as the word for a 'foul' in sports like football.
Examples in context
- Mi conocimiento del alemán es insuficiente.My knowledge of German is insufficient.This sentence uses insuficiente to describe a level of knowledge.Tatoeba #11094211 by Curro, translation #11098935 by DJ_Saidez
- Los datos son insuficientes para mostrar algo.The data is insufficient to show anything.This sentence uses insuficientes to describe data.Tatoeba #1176569 by Shishir, translation #2488170 by Dejo
- El mantenimiento de las infraestructuras de agua en esta región es insuficiente.The maintenance on the water infrastructures in this region is insufficient.This sentence uses insuficiente to describe maintenance.Tatoeba #1126220 by cueyayotl, translation #1125315 by Scott
- La cantidad de recursos es insuficienteThe amount of resources is insufficient
- El tiempo no es suficiente para completar el proyectoThe time is not sufficient to complete the project
- Los fondos no alcanzan para cubrir los gastosThe funds are not enough to cover the expenses
- La respuesta no es adecuada dada la magnitud del problemaThe response is not appropriate given the magnitude of the problem
- El sueldo no da para pagar todas las facturasThe salary is not enough to pay all the bills
- La comida no alcanza para todosThere isn't enough food for everyone
- La oferta de trabajo es escasa en esta zonaThe job offerings are insufficient in this area
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a project budget.
- AlejandroEl presupuesto para el proyecto es insuficiente.The budget for the project is insufficient.
- LucíaTienes razón, necesitamos pedir más fondos.You are right, we need to ask for more funds.
- AlejandroNo podemos comprar el material necesario así.We cannot buy the necessary material this way.
- LucíaHablaré con el jefe ahora mismo, Alejandro.I will talk to the boss right now, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
