espontáneo
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “espontáneo” mean in English?
spontaneous — occurring or done without prior planning or external prompting
spontaneous — occurring or done without prior planning or external prompting (reacción espontánea, manifestación espontánea)
Example sentences
La decisión fue totalmente espontánea.
The decision was completely spontaneous.
Es una persona muy espontánea y divertida.
She is a very spontaneous and fun person.
Organizaron una fiesta espontánea sin planearlo.
They organised a spontaneous party without planning it.
How to use it
'Espontáneo/a' means spontaneous — unplanned or natural. Note the accent on the á. Used with ser for character trait. In bullfighting an 'espontáneo' is a spectator who jumps into the ring — a cultural usage at advanced level.
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'espontáneo' with 'impulsivo' — 'espontáneo' is positive (natural, unforced); 'impulsivo' suggests reckless/uncontrolled action.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones: actitud y carácter.