sofisticado
/sofistiˈkado/
The English word sophisticated is translated into Spanish as sofisticado.
The word is used to describe something as elegant or refined. While sofisticado often refers to complex systems or modern elegance, refinado is more commonly used to describe someone's manners or a subtle taste.
Meaning: elegant, refined (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, using the feminine form sofisticada for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the masculine plural form sofisticados when modifying a masculine plural noun or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the feminine plural form sofisticadas when modifying a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/sofistiˈkado/
Did you know?
- While sofisticado means 'refined' in Spanish, the root comes from the Greek word sophistēs, which originally referred to teachers who used clever but fallacious arguments to deceive others.
- In literary Spanish, the term sofisticado was historically used to describe the act of adulterating a substance, such as adding cheap fillers to a precious metal.
- Spanish has a specific word cursi for the opposite of truly sofisticado elegance, describing someone who tries to be refined but ends up being cheesy or tacky.
Examples in context
- Tom es extremadamente sofisticado.Tom is extremely sophisticated.This sentence shows how to use sofisticado to describe a person.Tatoeba #3667139 by Seael, translation #3137181 by CK
- Compré un sofisticado sistema de seguridad para mi casa.I bought a sophisticated security system for my house.This sentence demonstrates the use of sofisticado in relation to a security system.Tatoeba #1290663 by hayastan, translation #7697746 by Maxence
- Soy sofisticado.I'm sophisticated.This sentence illustrates a first-person use of sofisticado.Tatoeba #9453370 by eltacodemex, translation #2203387 by CK
- Esta es una bebida refinada que solo los paladares más exigentes pueden apreciar.This is a refined drink that only the most discerning palates can appreciate.
- Aquel joven siempre lleva ropa muy estilosa.That young man always wears very stylish clothes.
- El restaurante de comida gourmet estaba decorado de forma sofisticada.The gourmet restaurant was decorated in a sophisticated manner.
- El diplomático era un hombre distinguido, siempre impecablemente vestido.The diplomat was a sophisticated man, always impeccably dressed.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a piece of modern art in a gallery.
- MateoEste cuadro es realmente sofisticado.This painting is truly sophisticated.
- MaríaSí, Mateo, me encanta su estilo.Yes, Mateo, I love its style.
- Mateo¿Crees que es demasiado complejo?Do you think it is too complex?
- MaríaNo, es simplemente elegante.No, it is simply elegant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sofisticado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
