sostenible
/sosteˈnible/
The English phrase sustainable translates to Spanish as sostenible. Wiktionary also lists sustentable.
Meaning: able to be sustained: environmental term (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sostenible | /sosteˈnible/ |
| sustentable | /sustenˈtable/ |
The term is an environmental adjective meaning able to be sustained. While sostenible is the most common term for environmental and general sustainability, you may also use duradero in certain contexts to refer to products that are long-lasting or durable.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sostenible is derived from the verb sostener, which means to sustain or hold up and the suffix -ible, meaning able to be.
Which one should you use?
Sostenible is the most common term used for environmental sustainability and general sustainability. In contrast, sustentable is a synonym often used in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, to refer to environmental sustainability.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Sostenible is widely used in Spain. Conversely, sustentable tends to be more prevalent in Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies. For example, the plural form is sostenibles.
How do you pronounce it?
/sosteˈnible/
Did you know?
- Both words contain a hidden connection to the English word 'tenacious', as they both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root '*ten-', meaning 'to stretch' or 'to hold'.
- In some Latin American contexts, sustentable is used specifically for processes that can be maintained by their own internal resources without outside help.
- While sostenible and sustentable are often interchangeable, sostenible is the preferred term in official European Union documents translated into Spanish.
Examples in context
- ¿Es sostenible el crecimiento de Argelia?Is Algeria's growth sustainable?This sentence is useful for asking about the sustainability of growth using sostenible.Tatoeba #11672519 by Seael, translation #9458497 by Amastan
- Sólo podremos eliminar la pobreza extrema si los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible que nos hemos fijado son más que palabras sobre el papel.We can only eliminate extreme poverty if the sustainable development goals that we have set are more than words on paper.This sentence is useful for discussing sustainable development goals using sostenible.Tatoeba #8301995 by GuidoW, translation #5774051 by Hybrid
- La agricultura sostenible es crucial para el futuro del planeta.Sustainable agriculture is crucial for the future of the planet.
- Es importante promover el desarrollo sostenible en nuestras comunidades.It is important to promote sustainable development in our communities.
- Necesitamos encontrar soluciones sustentables para combatir el cambio climático.We need to find sustainable solutions to combat climate change.
- La empresa se compromete a implementar prácticas sustentables en todas sus operaciones.The company is committed to implementing sustainable practices in all its operations.
- Debemos empezar a llevar una vida más sostenible para cuidar el medio ambiente.We should start living a more sustainable life to take care of the environment.
- Comprar productos sostenibles es una forma de contribuir al bienestar del planeta.Buying sustainable products is a way to contribute to the well-being of the planet.
- Me gusta comprar ropa sustentable porque me preocupo por el medio ambiente.I like to buy sustainable clothes because I care about the environment.
- Estoy tratando de llevar una dieta más sustentable y reducir mi consumo de carne.I'm trying to follow a more sustainable diet and reduce my meat consumption.
- En México, promovemos el desarrollo sustentable para construir un futuro mejor.In Mexico, we promote sustainable development to build a better future.
- En España, trabajamos para impulsar un modelo de desarrollo sostenible.In Spain, we work to promote a sustainable development model.
- Debemos buscar un modelo de consumo más sostenible.We must look for a more sustainable consumption model.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a new company policy.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿crees que este proyecto es realmente sostenible?Alejandro, do you think this project is truly sustainable?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, si usamos energías renovables.Yes, Lucía, if we use renewable energies.
- LucíaMe alegra que pienses así.I am glad you think so.
- AlejandroEs la mejor forma de trabajar hoy en día.It is the best way to work nowadays.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sustainable” translations and entries sostenible, sustentable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sostenible, sustentable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
