¡Bienvenidos! If you are looking to expand your vocabulary and want to learn how to say “sharp” in Spanish, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to express “sharp” as an adjective or desire to understand its various contexts, we will cover it all. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Saying “Sharp” as an Adjective
When referring to something as “sharp” in Spanish, the word you need is “afilado” or “afiliado”. It is the most common translation and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Here are a few examples:
Example: La cuchilla está afilada. (The blade is sharp.)
If you are looking for alternative words to express “sharp,” you can use “puntiagudo” (pointed) or “agudo” (high-pitched or acute). Although less frequent, they can add some variety to your conversations. Check out the examples below:
Examples:
- La punta del lápiz es puntiaguda. (The tip of the pencil is sharp.)
- El sonido de ese cuchillo es muy agudo. (The sound of that knife is very sharp.)
Using “Sharp” in Different Contexts
Sharp Objects
To refer specifically to sharp objects like knives, blades, or pins, you can use the word “afilado” mentioned earlier. It is commonly used and understood in Spanish-speaking countries:
Example: Ten cuidado con las tijeras, están afiladas. (Be careful with the scissors, they’re sharp.)
However, for objects with a pointed edge rather than a sharp blade, you can opt for “puntiagudo” or “acuminado”. Here’s an example:
Example: El clavo tiene la punta puntiaguda. (The nail has a sharp tip.)
Sharp Wit or Intelligence
If you want to convey the idea of being sharp-witted or intelligent, you can use expressions like “ingenioso” (ingenious), “agudo” (sharp), or “listo” (clever):
Examples:
- Carlos es un hombre muy ingenioso. (Carlos is a very sharp-witted man.)
- Ella tiene una mente muy aguda. (She has a very sharp mind.)
Regional Variations
The Spanish language exhibits some variations from country to country. While the translations we have discussed so far are universally used, you might come across some regional variations:
Mexico and Latin America
In Mexico and various Latin American countries, it is common to use the word “filoso” in colloquial language to describe something sharp. Here’s an example:
Example: Ten cuidado, ese vidrio está muy filoso. (Be careful, that glass is very sharp.)
Spain
In Spain, you may hear the word “cortante” to describe something sharp. Keep in mind that this variation is more prevalent in Spain than in other Spanish-speaking regions:
Example: El papel de aluminio tiene los bordes cortantes. (The aluminum foil has sharp edges.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to express “sharp” in Spanish. Remember, the most commonly used translations are “afilado” or “afiliado.” However, you can also use “puntiagudo” or “agudo” to add variety to your vocabulary. If traveling or interacting with Spanish speakers from different regions, keep in mind the regional variations like “filoso” in Mexico and “cortante” in Spain.
Continue practicing and incorporating these phrases into your conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
