superficial
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “superficial” mean in English?
shallow, superficial
shallow, superficial (lacking depth or rigour; un análisis superficial; quedarse en lo superficial)
Example sentences
La herida es superficial, no requiere puntos.
The wound is superficial, it does not need stitches.
Su análisis del problema fue demasiado superficial.
His analysis of the problem was too superficial.
No me interesan las conversaciones superficiales.
I am not interested in superficial conversations.
How to use it
'Superficial' means superficial — either literally at the surface level (herida superficial) or figuratively lacking depth. Used with ser. It is invariable for gender. Cognate with English 'superficial'.
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'superficial' (lacking depth) with 'externo' (external/outward) — 'superficial' specifically implies shallowness.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones: espacio y profundidad.