suelto
/ˈswelto/
The English word "loose" is translated into Spanish as suelto.
Suelto is used to describe something that is not fitting tightly, such as a button or a tooth. It can also describe a person or an animal that is free or at large.
Meaning: not fitting tightly (adj)
Which one should you use?
While suelto means loose or unfastened, it is distinct from flojo, which is often used to describe something that is loose because it is slack or lacks tension.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, flojo/a is commonly employed to convey the meaning of loose.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use suelto for masculine singular nouns, suelta for feminine singular nouns, sueltos for masculine plural nouns and sueltas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈswelto/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American cultures, calling a person suelto can serve as a disparaging euphemism for someone who is perceived as promiscuous or lacking moral restraint.
- The Spanish word suelto is a direct linguistic relative of the English scientific term 'solute', describing a substance that has been dissolved in a liquid.
- The word suelto is used to describe items sold individually rather than in a pack, such as cigarrillos sueltos for single cigarettes.
Examples in context
- Este botón está suelto.This button is loose.This sentence is useful for describing a button that is suelto.Tatoeba #1351405 by marcelostockle, translation #60508 by CK
- Él todavía anda suelto.He is still on the loose.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is suelto.Tatoeba #3655384 by peibolvig, translation #3582707 by vvv123
- Este diente está suelto.This tooth is loose.This sentence is useful for describing a tooth that is suelto.Tatoeba #1296859 by marcelostockle, translation #59021 by CK
- El nudo de la cuerda está suelto.The knot in the rope is loose.
- Esta falda no aprieta en la cintura.This skirt is not tight around the waist.
- Tienes el cinturón holgado.Your belt is loose.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are shopping for clothes.
- AlejandroEste pantalón me queda muy suelto.These pants are very loose on me.
- MaríaPuedes probar una talla más pequeña, Alejandro.You can try a smaller size, Alejandro.
- AlejandroTienes razón, el cinturón no es suficiente.You're right, the belt isn't enough.
- MaríaBusquemos otro modelo que no sea tan suelto.Let's look for another model that isn't so loose.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry suelto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries suelto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
