espontáneo
/esponˈtaneo/
The English phrase spontaneous translates to Spanish as espontáneo.
The adjective is used to describe something done by one's own free choice or without planning.
Meaning: done by one's own free choice, or without planning (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, using the feminine form espontánea for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the masculine plural form espontáneos when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the feminine plural form espontáneas when describing a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/esponˈtaneo/
Did you know?
- The word espontáneo is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it was consciously reintroduced into Spanish from Latin rather than evolving naturally through speech over centuries.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, describing a person as espontáneo is a high compliment implying they are authentic and lack pretension.
- The root of espontáneo comes from the Latin sponte, which originally referred to a 'will' or 'voluntary offering'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta ser espontáneo.I like to be spontaneous.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference regarding being spontaneous using espontáneo.Tatoeba #1287389 by marcelostockle, translation #953521 by CK
- La conferencia del Dr. García fue muy espontánea y emocionante.Dr. García's lecture was very spontaneous and exciting.
- Decidimos hacer una excursión improvisada al campo el fin de semana pasado.We decided to take a spontaneous trip to the countryside last weekend.
- Recibió una invitación súbita para unirse al equipo de debate.He received a sudden invitation to join the debate team.
- Me dio una respuesta de improviso y no supe qué decirle.He gave me a spontaneous response, and I didn't know what to say to him.
- Fue un viaje espontáneo.It was a spontaneous trip.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a recent decision to go out.
- María¿Por qué fuiste al cine?Why did you go to the cinema?
- JavierFue un plan espontáneo.It was a spontaneous plan.
- María¡Qué divertido eres, Javier!You are so fun, Javier!
- JavierA veces me gusta improvisar.Sometimes I like to improvise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry espontáneo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espontáneo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
