estricto
/esˈtɾiɡto/
The English word 'strict' is translated into Spanish as estricto.
The word estricto is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is governed by or governs by exact rules.
Meaning: governed or governing by exact rules (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the feminine form rigorosa is used to describe someone who is strict.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use estricta for feminine singular nouns, estrictos for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and estrictas for groups consisting only of women or feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtɾiɡto/
Did you know?
- While estricto and estrecho look different, they are doublets that share the same ancient root meaning 'drawn tight'.
- The Spanish word estricto can be used to mean 'exact' or 'literal' in a way that the English word 'strict' rarely is, such as in the phrase en sentido estricto.
- In Spanish, the word rigor is used to describe the 'strictness' of a law or a climate, creating a nuance of harshness that 'strict' does not always convey in English.
Examples in context
- Mi papá es muy estricto.My dad is very strict.This sentence shows how to describe a person using estricto.Tatoeba #10124826 by manufrutos, translation #4269258 by CK
- Ellos eran muy estrictos.They were very strict.This sentence demonstrates the use of the plural form estrictos.Tatoeba #4788223 by DarkHollow, translation #3728048 by CM
- Mi padre era muy estricto.My father was very strict.This sentence shows the use of estricto in a past tense context.Tatoeba #12021786 by emma_zunz, translation #2638647 by Hybrid
- El profesor es muy rígido en cuanto a las fechas de entrega.The professor is very strict about deadlines.
- El jefe tiene un estilo de gestión muy estricto.The boss has a very strict management style.
- En esta escuela los profesores son muy severos pero justos.In this school, the teachers are very strict but fair.
- Mi padre siempre ha sido exigente con mis calificaciones.My father has always been strict with my grades.
- La profesora de danza es muy dura pero hace que mejoremos.The dance teacher is very strict, but she helps us improve.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their new teacher.
- Javier¿Cómo es el nuevo profesor?What is the new teacher like?
- MaríaEs un hombre muy estricto con las reglas.He is a very strict man with the rules.
- Javier¿No permite llegar tarde a clase?Does he not allow arriving late to class?
- MaríaNo, él es muy estricto con el horario.No, he is very strict with the schedule.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strict” translations and entries estricto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estricto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
