adecuado
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “adecuado” mean in English?
adequate, suitable — functionally sufficient or appropriate for a purpose
adequate, suitable — functionally sufficient or appropriate for a purpose (las medidas adecuadas, el tono adecuado)
Example sentences
No hay una formación adecuada para los docentes sobre cómo integrar la tecnología en el aula de forma efectiva.
There is no adequate training for teachers on how to integrate technology into the classroom effectively.
Antes de firmar, asegúrate de que el contrato recoge las condiciones adecuadas para ambas partes.
Before signing, make sure the contract includes appropriate conditions for both parties.
Esta sala no es adecuada para reuniones de más de diez personas; tendremos que buscar otro espacio.
This room is not suitable for meetings of more than ten people; we will need to find another space.
How to use it
Adecuado/a means 'adequate' or 'suitable' — appropriate or sufficient for a purpose. Synonym of apropiado/a but with a stronger sense of meeting minimum requirements rather than being perfectly fitting. Common collocations: las medidas adecuadas, el momento adecuado, una formación adecuada, encontrar la respuesta adecuada. Ser vs estar: when predicate after a copula, adecuado typically takes ser for intrinsic suitability ('Esta herramienta es adecuada para el trabajo'), but estar is possible in context of a temporary evaluation ('¿Está adecuado el tono del informe?').
Common mistake
Adecuado and apropiado overlap but are not always interchangeable: adecuado focuses on meeting a functional standard (is it good enough?), apropiado focuses on social or contextual fit (is it correct in this context?). 'La ropa adecuada' = the right clothing for the purpose; 'la ropa apropiada' = clothing appropriate to the occasion. Both are correct in many contexts, but the emphasis shifts.