irónico
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “irónico” mean in English?
ironic — meaning the opposite of the literal; using irony
ironic — meaning the opposite of the literal; using irony (comentario irónico, situación irónica)
Example sentences
Es profundamente irónico que la empresa que promovía la transparencia haya sido multada precisamente por falta de transparencia.
It is profoundly ironic that the company promoting transparency was fined precisely for lack of transparency.
Su comentario irónico sobre el 'excelente trabajo' del equipo dejó claro que no estaba satisfecho con los resultados.
Her ironic comment about the team's 'excellent work' made it clear she was not satisfied with the results.
How to use it
Irónico/a means 'ironic' — characterised by irony; expressing the opposite of the literal meaning or noting a situation's contradictions. Common collocations: comentario irónico, situación irónica, tono irónico, giro irónico. Ser/estar: ser for general character; estar for current state ('estaba muy irónico durante el debate'). Note: in Spanish, irónico is sometimes used where English would say 'ironic' in the colloquial 'coincidental' sense.
Common mistake
Irónico ≠ sarcástico: sarcástico implies a harsher, more mocking intent; irónico can be gentle or playful. Sarcasm is a type of irony but more cutting. Both are formal Spanish adjectives.