impredecible
/impɾedeθible/from spelling rules
The Spanish word impredecible means unpredictable.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix im- (not), the verb predecir (to predict) and the suffix -ible (able to be).
How do you pronounce it?
/impɾedeθible/
Did you know?
- The root verb predecir shares the same Latin ancestor as the English word 'dictate' and the word 'dictionary'.
- In certain Spanish dialects, describing a person as impredecible can be a subtle compliment, implying they are spontaneous or full of surprises rather than chaotic.
- In Spanish, the prefix im- is a variation of in- used specifically before words starting with 'p' or 'b', a rule that mirrors the English transition from 'in-' to 'im-' in words like 'impossible'.
Examples in context
- La vida es impredecible, nunca sabemos qué nos deparará el futuroLife is unpredictable, we never know what the future holds for us
- El clima en esta ciudad es impredecible.The weather in this city is unpredictable.
- Su comportamiento es totalmente impredecible.His behavior is totally unpredictable.
- El mercado de valores es muy impredecible.The stock market is very unpredictable.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a new boss at work.
- Mateo¿Cómo es tu nuevo jefe?How is your new boss?
- ElenaEs un hombre muy impredecible.He is a very unpredictable man.
- MateoEso suena un poco difícil.That sounds a bit difficult.
- ElenaSí, nunca sabes qué esperar.Yes, you never know what to expect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
