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"Firmes" is a form of "firmar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to sign". "Tenaces" is a form of "tenaz", an adjective which is often translated as "tenacious". Learn more about the difference between "firmes" and "tenaces" below.
firmar(
feer
-
mahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to sign
Tengo que ir esta tarde a firmar el contrato de arrendamiento para mi nuevo apartamento.I have to go sign the lease agreement for my new apartment this afternoon.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
tenaz(
teh
-
nahs
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. tenacious
Yo sé que Luis va a lograr lo que quiere porque es muy tenaz y nunca se rinde.I know Luis will get what he wants because he is very tenacious and never gives up.
2. (relentless)
a. persistent
Desde el lunes tengo un dolor de cabeza tenaz; nada me lo quita.Since Monday I've had a persistent headache; nothing stops it.
a. stubborn
Compré un nuevo detergente que dice que puede eliminar esas manchas tenaces en tu ropa.I bought a new detergent that claims it can eliminate those stubborn stains on your clothes.
4. (resistant)
a. tough
El material de estas sillas para el patio es muy tenaz y resiste los cambios de clima.The material on these lawn chairs is very tough, and withstands weather changes.
b. durable
Necesito cuerdas que sean flexibles y tenaces para sujetar unas cajas encima de mi carro.I need flexible and durable cords to tie a few boxes to my car's roof.
5. (colloquial) (difficult) (Colombia)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Colombia
a. tough
Ellos han pasado por situaciones muy tenaces con sus hijos adolescentes.They've gone through very tough situations with their teenage children.
