firme
/ˈfiɾme/
The English word steady translates to Spanish as firme.
Use firme when you want to describe something that is physically stable and does not wobble, such as a table, a bridge or a person's footing. It can also describe a constant purpose or action.
Meaning: constant in purpose or action (adj)
Which one should you use?
While firme refers to physical stability or firmness of purpose, constante is used to describe something that happens repeatedly or without interruption over time. For formal or legal contexts emphasizing an unchanging nature, you might use inalterable.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective firme is invariant in gender, meaning it stays the same whether describing a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfiɾme/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, ¡Firme! is used as a military command to order soldiers to stand at attention.
- In some contexts, estar firme is used colloquially in Caribbean Spanish to mean that someone is 'ready' or 'set' to do something.
- The word firme is used in the phrase mano firme to describe not just a steady hand for surgery or art, but also a strict or authoritarian leadership style.
Examples in context
- Apunta firme al tigre.Take steady aim at the tiger.This sentence shows how to use firme regarding aiming.Tatoeba #1705556 by marcelostockle, translation #36924 by orcrist
- Esta mesa no está firme.This table isn't steady.This sentence shows how to use firme to describe the stability of a piece of furniture.Tatoeba #1351396 by marcelostockle, translation #60870 by CK
- Este puente se ve firme.This bridge looks steady.This sentence shows how to use firme to describe the stability of a structure.Tatoeba #1619977 by marcelostockle, translation #1699467 by marcelostockle
- Necesitamos mantener un crecimiento económico estableWe need to maintain a steady economic growth
- El flujo de ingresos debe ser constante para mantener el equilibrio financieroThe income flow must be steady to maintain financial stability
- Mantén una postura firme durante la presentaciónMaintain a steady posture during the presentation
- Mi abuelo ha sido un apoyo permanente en mi vidaMy grandfather has been a steady support in my life
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is encouraging Javier during a difficult task.
- SofíaMantén la mano firme, Javier.Keep your hand steady, Javier.
- JavierEstoy tratando, pero estoy nervioso.I'm trying, but I'm nervous.
- SofíaRespira profundo y sé firme.Take a deep breath and be steady.
- JavierGracias, creo que ya lo tengo.Thanks, I think I've got it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry firme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
