racional
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “racional” mean in English?
rational, reasoned
rational, reasoned (un argumento racional — describing reasoning or approach in formal discourse)
Example sentences
Necesitamos adoptar un enfoque más racional para evaluar las opciones sin dejarnos llevar por las emociones del momento.
We need to adopt a more rational approach to evaluating the options without being swayed by the emotions of the moment.
La única respuesta racional ante una situación tan compleja es recopilar más datos antes de actuar.
The only rational response to such a complex situation is to gather more data before acting.
Aunque entiendo su frustración, le pido que intente abordar el asunto de manera más racional y menos emocional.
Although I understand your frustration, I ask you to try to approach the matter in a more rational and less emotional way.
How to use it
Racional means 'rational', 'reasoned', or 'logical' — describing arguments, approaches, or decisions based on reason rather than emotion. At B2, it is used in formal argumentation to characterise lines of reasoning: un argumento racional, un enfoque racional, ser racional. It collocates with analysis terms: un análisis racional, una evaluación racional. Register: racional is formal-neutral, standard in written argumentation and professional contexts. Contrast: razonable (fair, within reasonable bounds), sensato (wise, practical), racional (governed by reason/logic).
Common mistake
Racional ≠ razonable: racional is about logic and reason as a process; razonable is about fairness and proportionality as a judgement. A precio racional (rationally justified price) vs. un precio razonable (a fair, acceptable price). Both are B2-level adjectives but cover different evaluative dimensions. Also: ser racional does not mean 'to be calm' — it means to be reasoning from logic rather than impulse.