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"Esdrújula" is a form of "esdrújula", an adjective which is often translated as "stressed on the third-to-last syllable". "Aguda" is a form of "agudo", an adjective which is often translated as "sharp". Learn more about the difference between "esdrújula" and "aguda" below.
esdrújula(
ehs
-
droo
-
hoo
-
lah
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (phonetics)
a. stressed on the third-to-last syllable
La palabra "régimen" es una palabra esdrújula.The word "régimen" is another word stressed on the third-to-last syllable.
b. with the stress on the antepenultimate syllable (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
"Ábaco" y "sábado" son palabras esdrújulas."Ábaco" and "sábado" are words with the stress on the antepenultimate syllable.
c. proparoxytone (technical)
A word or phrase that is only used by experts, professionals, or academics in a particular field (e.g., exposition).
La palabra "círculo" en español es esdrújula.The Spanish word "círculo" is proparoxytone.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
2. (phonetics)
a. word stressed on the third-to-last syllable
¿Sabías que la palabra "esdrújula" quiere decir y es una esdrújula?Did you know that the word "esdrújula" both means and is a word stressed on the third-to-last syllable?
En español, las esdrújulas llevan acento escrito.In Spanish, words stressed on the third-to-last syllable are written with an accent.
b. word with the stress on the antepenultimate syllable (formal)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Me equivoqué al escribir una esdrújula.I made a mistake when writing a word with the stress on the antepenultimate syllable.
c. proparoxytone (technical)
A word or phrase that is only used by experts, professionals, or academics in a particular field (e.g., exposition).
Las esdrújulas en español siempre se escriben con tilde.Proparoxytones in Spanish are always written with an accent.
agudo(
ah
-
goo
-
doh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (pointed)
a. sharp
Ten cuidado con ese lápiz, que tiene la punta muy aguda.Be careful with that pencil; the point is very sharp.
2. (intense)
a. high-pitched
La voz aguda de la soprano puede romper una copa.The high-pitched voice of the lyric soprano can break a cup.
b. piercing
Era guapo, pero tenía la voz muy aguda.He was handsome, but his voice was very piercing.
c. quick-witted
Sherlock Holmes es el ejemplo perfecto de una persona aguda.Sherlock Holmes is the perfect example of a quick-witted person.
d. searching
El periodista hizo preguntas muy agudas al secretario de Estado.The journalist asked very searching questions of the Secretary of State.
e. witty (humorous)
Mi hermano es muy agudo; de cualquier cosa hace un chascarrillo.My brother is very witty; he can make a funny story out of anything.
a. acute
Un ángulo agudo es siempre menor de 90 grados.An acute angle is always less than 90 degrees.
7. (grammar)
a. stressed on the last syllable (word)
"Atención" es una palabra aguda."Atención" is a word that is stressed on the last syllable.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
8. (music)
b. high-note (in singing)
Los agudos de esa cantante son un poco irregulares.That singer's high-notes are a little erratic.
