concepto
nounCEFR B2
What does “concepto” mean in English?
concept — an organised abstract idea or general notion within a theoretical framework
concept — an organised abstract idea or general notion within a theoretical framework (el concepto de sostenibilidad, un concepto clave)
Example sentences
El concepto de sostenibilidad ha evolucionado: ya no se limita al medio ambiente, sino que abarca dimensiones sociales y económicas.
The concept of sustainability has evolved: it is no longer limited to the environment, but encompasses social and economic dimensions.
Es fundamental clarificar el concepto antes de intentar medir el fenómeno.
It is fundamental to clarify the concept before attempting to measure the phenomenon.
Lo que los economistas llaman 'externalidad negativa' es un concepto difícil de traducir al lenguaje de la política cotidiana.
What economists call 'negative externality' is a concept that is difficult to translate into the language of everyday politics.
How to use it
El concepto means 'concept' — an abstract idea or general notion that organises thinking or discourse. At B2 it is a cornerstone of academic and analytical language: el concepto de justicia/democracia/sostenibilidad, un concepto clave/central/erróneo, desarrollar/cuestionar/ampliar un concepto. Key distinction from idea (more informal, less theorised) and noción (notion — a vaguer, less defined mental impression). In B2 essay writing, 'el concepto de X' is a standard framing device.
Common mistake
Concepto (theoretical, organised abstract idea) vs noción (notion — vaguer, less developed: tengo una noción vaga) vs idea (idea — everyday and informal). In academic Spanish, use concepto when the term has a defined meaning within a discipline; use noción when acknowledging imprecision. 'I have no idea' = No tengo ni idea (not *concepto). 'The concept of...' = el concepto de... (always masculine, never *la concepta).