persistente
/peɾsisˈtente/
The English word persistent is translated into Spanish as persistente.
It can be applied to positive human traits, such as determination or to negative physical symptoms, such as a persistent cough or pain.
Meaning: refusing to give up (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective persistente is gender-neutral, meaning it remains the same when describing both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the word plural, add an -s to form persistentes.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾsisˈtente/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe someone who is persistently annoying, you might use the word pesado instead of persistente.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, describing someone as persistente in a professional context is a high compliment to their work ethic.
- While persistente is common, a Spanish speaker might use the word tenaz to describe a person who is persistent in a more admirable, tenacious way.
Examples in context
- Tengo una tos persistente.I have a persistent cough.This sentence is useful for describing a persistent cough using persistente.Tatoeba #1241301 by marcelostockle, translation #53462 by CK
- Yo puedo ser muy persistente.I can be very persistent.This sentence is useful for describing one's ability to be persistent using persistente.Tatoeba #2502332 by marcelostockle, translation #2300631 by CK
- Tengo un dolor persistente aquí.I have a persistent pain here.This sentence is useful for describing a persistent pain using persistente.Tatoeba #1241302 by marcelostockle, translation #61819 by CK
- El tenaz esfuerzo de su equipo aseguró la victoriaThe team's tenacious effort secured the victory
- Ella es persistente en la búsqueda de sus sueñosShe is persistent in the pursuit of her dreams
- Su incesante trabajo le ha permitido llegar lejosHis relentless work has allowed him to go far
- No te rindas, sé persistente y algo bueno llegará pronto.Don't give up, be persistent, and something good will come soon.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about applying for a competitive job.
- MateoNo me dieron el trabajo la primera vez.They didn't give me the job the first time.
- ElenaDebes ser persistente y volver a intentar.You must be persistent and try again.
- MateoTienes razón, Elena. No me rendiré.You're right, Elena. I won't give up.
- ElenaAsí es, Mateo. La actitud persistente tiene éxito.That's it, Mateo. A persistent attitude is successful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “persistent” translations and entries persistente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
