irregular
/ireɡuˈlaɾ/
The English word 'irregular' is translated into Spanish as irregular. If unsure, use irregular. Wiktionary also lists arrítmico.
Meaning: lacking uniformity (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| irregular | /ireɡuˈlaɾ/ |
| arrítmico | /aritmiko/ (from spelling rules) |
The adjective irregular is used to describe something that lacks uniformity in shape, pattern or structure. You may also use the related phrase fuera de lo común to express that something is out of the ordinary or uncommon.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to a lack of pattern, irregular refers to a lack of uniformity in shape or general pattern. In contrast, arrítmico is used specifically to describe a lack of rhythm, such as an arrhythmic heartbeat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of irregular is irregulares. If you need to refer to the concept of the state of being irregular, the noun form is irregularidad.
How do you pronounce it?
/ireɡuˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word irregular shares a deep Proto-Indo-European root *h₃reǵ- with the English word 'right' as in 'right angle'.
- While English speakers might use 'irregular' to mean 'strange' or 'weird', calling a person irregular in many Spanish-speaking countries specifically implies they lack legal residency or documentation.
- The root of irregular comes from the Latin regula, meaning 'rule' or 'straight stick'. This connects the word to the idea of a physical straightedge used for measurement.
Examples in context
- Esto es muy irregular.This is very irregular.This sentence shows how to use irregular to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #11790844 by Seael, translation #3726290 by CM
- La superficie de la luna es irregular.The surface of the moon is irregular.This sentence demonstrates using irregular to describe a physical surface.Tatoeba #1838370 by hayastan, translation #238817 by CM
- No me gusta aprender los verbos irregulares.I don't like learning irregular verbs.This sentence shows how to use the plural form irregulares when talking about verbs.Tatoeba #2921 by Shishir, translation #1802 by Swift
- El verbo ser es irregular en español.The verb 'ser' is irregular in Spanish.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are looking at a piece of wood in a workshop.
- ElenaEste borde es muy irregular.This edge is very irregular.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
- ElenaNecesitamos lijarlo para que quede suave.We need to sand it so it becomes smooth.
- AlejandroLo haré yo ahora mismo.I will do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “irregular” translations and entries irregular, arrítmico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arrítmico, irregular, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
