Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| indicado | /indiˈkado/ |
| idóneo | /iˈdoneo/ |
| convenible | /kombeˈnible/ |
The term 'suitable' is used to describe something that is appropriate to a certain occasion. In Spanish, several words carry this meaning: – indicado
– idóneo suggests something is ideal or perfect for a particular purpose. – convenible
– adecuado is a common and versatile term for suitable in formal contexts. – apropiado is a formal term denoting something suitable or fitting for a given purpose. – pertinente is a formal term emphasizing the relevance or pertinence of something. – conveniente is a formal term for suitable that conveys a sense of convenience or practicality. A common, slightly softened way to say something is inappropriate or unwise is to use the phrase no es lo más indicado.
Which one should you use?
idóneo is stronger than indicado and implies a higher degree of fitness or being the perfect candidate for a task.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or professional contexts, you might use conveniente to describe something that is suitable or advisable due to its utility or benefit. Other formal options include adecuado, apropiado, pertinente and idóneo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective indicado must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (for example, indicada is the feminine form). To express that something is 'suitable for' a specific purpose, use the construction indicado para.
How do you pronounce it?
/indiˈkado/
Did you know?
- While conveniente translates to 'suitable' or 'convenient' Spanish speakers use it to mean 'advisable' in ways that 'convenient' cannot be used in English.
- The word idóneo is frequently used in legal and governmental Spanish to describe the minimum technical requirements a candidate must meet for a public job.
- The word indicado comes from the verb indicar, which means 'to indicate', meaning a 'suitable' person is literally an 'indicated' person.
Examples in context
- Esta opción es adecuada para resolver el problemaThis option is suitable for solving the problem
- Es conveniente utilizar esta herramienta en situaciones difícilesIt is suitable to use this tool in difficult situations
- Estos materiales son idóneos para el experimentoThese materials are suitable for the experiment
- El vestido que llevas es apropiado para la ocasiónThe dress you're wearing is suitable for the occasion
- Tus comentarios no son pertinentes en esta discusiónYour comments are not suitable in this discussion
- Esa idea vale para el proyectoThat idea is suitable for the project
- Este tono no es el indicado.This tone is not the suitable one.
- El color indicado para la fiesta es el azul.The suitable color for the party is blue.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are choosing clothes for a job interview.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿crees que este traje es indicado?Sofía, do you think this suit is suitable?
- SofíaSí, Alejandro, es muy profesional.Yes, Alejandro, it is very professional.
- AlejandroY estos zapatos, ¿están indicados?And these shoes, are they suitable?
- SofíaSí, combinan perfectamente con el traje.Yes, they match the suit perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suitable” translations and entries indicado, idóneo, convenible, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
