positivo
/posiˈtibo/
The English word "positive" is translated into Spanish as positivo.
The adjective is used to describe something that is favorable or desirable.
Meaning: favorable, desirable (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word vale is commonly used to convey positivity and agreement. In many Latin American countries, the slang term chévere is used to express that something is cool or great.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form positiva for feminine nouns. For groups, use the masculine plural form positivos when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group and the feminine plural form positivas when describing a group consisting only of females or feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/posiˈtibo/
Did you know?
- Unlike English where 'positive' can mean 'absolutely sure' as in 'I am positive', Spanish speakers use the phrase estoy seguro or estoy convencido.
- In legal Spanish, derecho positivo refers to 'positive law', which are the man-made laws written by a government as opposed to natural law.
- The word positivo shares the same Latin root as the English word 'posit', meaning to place or set down.
Examples in context
- Veamos el lado positivo.Let's look on the positive side.This sentence shows how to use positivo to refer to a side of a situation.Tatoeba #2167218 by hayastan, translation #2007336 by CK
- Tenemos que ser positivos.We have to stay positive.This sentence demonstrates using the plural form positivos for people.Tatoeba #5052116 by don_ramon, translation #5051480 by CK
- El ion positivo se llama catión.Positive ions are called cations.This sentence shows the use of positivo in a scientific context.Tatoeba #1414671 by Shishir, translation #1468095 by AMIKEMA
- El profesor tenía una actitud muy positiva hacia el proyecto.The teacher had a very positive attitude towards the project.
- Los resultados del estudio fueron favorables para el desarrollo económico.The study results were positive for economic development.
- ¡Qué chévere que hayas obtenido buenas calificaciones!How great that you got good grades!
- Ayer visité un restaurante nuevo y la comida estaba muy buena.Yesterday, I visited a new restaurant, and the food was really good.
- ¡Vale! Mañana nos vemos en el parque.Okay! We'll meet at the park.
- ¡El concierto estuvo bacán!The concert was awesome!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a project outcome at a café.
- AlejandroEl resultado del proyecto fue muy positivo.The project result was very positive.
- ElenaQué bueno, me alegra mucho escuchar eso.That's great, I am very happy to hear that.
- AlejandroAhora podemos seguir con el plan.Now we can proceed with the plan.
- ElenaTienes razón, Alejandro, es una buena noticia.You are right, Alejandro, it is good news.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry positivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries positivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
