suelto
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “suelto” mean in English?
loose — not firmly fixed; also fig. lacking rigour or coherence
loose — not firmly fixed; also fig. lacking rigour or coherence (texto suelto, redacción suelta)
Example sentences
La redacción del informe era demasiado suelta: los argumentos no estaban bien encadenados y faltaba coherencia interna.
The report's writing was too loose: the arguments were not well chained together and internal coherence was lacking.
Lleva ropa suelta y cómoda para las clases de yoga, ya que los movimientos requieren libertad de movimiento.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing for yoga classes, as the movements require freedom of movement.
How to use it
Suelto/a means 'loose' — not firmly fixed; also fig. lacking rigour, incoherence, or informal in style. Contexts: ropa suelta (loose clothing), dinero suelto (loose change), redacción suelta (rambling writing), traducción suelta (loose translation). Ser/estar: ser for inherent looseness; estar for a temporary state ('el tornillo está suelto').
Common mistake
Suelto ≠ libre: libre means free (unrestrained, unoccupied); suelto means untied, loose, or detached. 'Dinero suelto' = loose change; 'dinero libre' = discretionary money.