tópico
nounCEFR B2
What does “tópico” mean in English?
topic — a subject of discourse
topic — a subject of discourse (formal register); also: a cliché/stereotype in informal use; context distinguishes the two
Example sentences
el tópico de la pereza mediterránea
the cliché of Mediterranean laziness
los tópicos recurrentes del debate político
the recurring topics of political debate
How to use it
'Tópico' at B2 has two main senses: (1) a topic or subject of discussion (formal/academic register), and (2) a cliché or stereotype ('ese es un tópico'). In academic discourse, sense 1 is standard. In everyday speech, sense 2 (cliché/stereotype) is more common. English learners often miss the cliché sense.
Common mistake
Don't use 'tópico' freely for 'topic' in all registers — in everyday speech, 'tema' is more natural; 'tópico' in informal use often implies a cliché or stereotype, not a neutral subject.