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B2 adjective 11 min read

nítido

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips nítido in 30 Seconds

Explanation nítido in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that nítido means 'clear' or 'sharp'. You will mostly use it to describe photos or TV screens. Imagine you are showing a photo to a friend. If the photo is very good and not blurry, you can say: 'La foto es nítida'. It is a useful word when talking about technology or things you see. Just remember to change the ending: 'nítido' for masculine things (like 'el sonido') and 'nítida' for feminine things (like 'la imagen'). At this stage, don't worry about the complex slang or metaphorical meanings. Focus on the physical world. If you can see it clearly, it is nítido. If you can't, it is 'borroso' (blurry). This simple contrast will help you remember the word. Practice by looking at objects around you and deciding if they look sharp or blurry. For example, 'Las letras en mi libro son nítidas' (The letters in my book are sharp).

At the A2 level, you can start using nítido to describe more than just photos. You might use it to talk about the weather or the sound of someone's voice on the phone. 'El cielo está nítido' means the sky is very clear. You can also start to recognize the word in advertisements for electronics. You will see phrases like 'imagen nítida' on TV boxes. This is a good time to learn the opposite: 'borroso' (blurry) or 'difuso' (fuzzy). You should also be aware that in some countries like the Dominican Republic, people use 'nítido' to mean 'cool' or 'okay'. If someone asks '¿Cómo estás?' and you hear them say '¡Nítido!', now you know they are saying they are great! Try to use it in short sentences about your daily life, like 'Escucho tu voz muy nítida' (I hear your voice very clearly).

By B1, you should be comfortable using nítido in both physical and slightly more abstract contexts. You can use it to describe memories or ideas. 'Tengo un recuerdo nítido de mi infancia' (I have a clear memory of my childhood). This shows a higher level of Spanish than just saying 'un recuerdo claro'. You should also begin to understand the noun form, nitidez. For example, 'La nitidez de esta cámara es increíble'. At this level, you should also be careful with agreement. If you are talking about 'los detalles' (the details), you must say 'nítidos'. Practice using the word when describing your experiences or when you are explaining something to someone else. If your explanation is very clear and easy to understand, you can say: 'Espero que mi explicación haya sido nítida'. This demonstrates that you are thinking about the quality of your communication.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use nítido with precision in professional and academic settings. You should use it to describe distinctions, boundaries, and complex perceptions. For instance, in an essay, you might write: 'Existe una frontera nítida entre estos dos fenómenos' (There is a sharp boundary between these two phenomena). You should also be fully aware of the regional slang variations and know when it is appropriate to use them (informal Caribbean contexts) and when to avoid them (formal business meetings in Spain). You should understand the nuance between 'nítido', 'claro', and 'preciso'. 'Nítido' is your go-to word for sensory and conceptual definition. You can also use it to describe high-quality sound engineering or artistic focus. Practice by writing short paragraphs comparing two similar things and using 'nítido' to describe the differences that separate them.

At the C1 level, nítido becomes a tool for stylistic elegance. You use it to evoke specific imagery in your writing or to provide highly nuanced critiques. You might use it to describe the 'nítida luz del amanecer' (the sharp light of dawn) in a creative piece, or the 'nítido contraste' in a political analysis. You should be able to identify its etymological roots in Latin ('nitidus') and how that history influences its modern usage in terms of 'shining' or 'polished' clarity. At this level, you should also be able to use the word in its most abstract forms, such as describing the 'nítida conciencia' of a character in a novel. You are also expected to navigate the slang usage with ease, knowing how to code-switch between a formal presentation and a casual conversation with native speakers from various regions without losing the word's intended impact.

At the C2 level, your mastery of nítido is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it effortlessly to describe the most subtle distinctions in philosophy, science, or art. You might discuss the 'nitidez ontológica' of a concept or the 'nítida ejecución' of a complex musical piece. You understand that the word carries a certain weight of 'perfection' and 'unambiguity'. In your speech, you might use it to summarize a complex situation with a single, powerful adjective. You are also a master of its regional nuances, perhaps even using the Caribbean slang ironically or for emphasis in the right social circles. You can explain to others the fine line between 'nítido', 'pulcro', and 'transparente', and you use each with absolute confidence. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

nítido in 30 Seconds

Nítido means clear, sharp, or well-defined in Spanish.
It is used for vision, sound, memories, and abstract ideas.
In the Caribbean, it is very common slang for 'cool' or 'all good'.
The feminine form is nítida and the noun form is nitidez.

The Spanish word nítido is a sophisticated adjective that primarily describes something that is clear, sharp, and perfectly defined. While its most common use relates to visual clarity—think of a high-resolution photograph or a perfectly focused lens—its utility extends far beyond the realm of optics. At its core, nítido suggests an absence of blurriness, distortion, or ambiguity. When you look through a clean window and see the mountains in the distance with every ridge and tree visible, that view is nítido. When you hear a recording where every instrument is distinct and there is no background hiss, the sound is nítido. However, the word also carries a psychological and metaphorical weight. A memory can be nítido if it feels as though it happened yesterday, with every detail preserved in the mind's eye. An explanation is nítida if it leaves no room for confusion, cutting through complex jargon to deliver a precise message.

Visual Clarity: Used to describe images, screens, or natural sights where edges are sharp and details are easy to see. It is the opposite of 'borroso' (blurry).
Auditory Precision: Describes sounds that are crisp and clean, often used in the context of music production or telecommunications.
Cognitive Sharpness: Refers to ideas, memories, or arguments that are well-defined and logical.

Gracias a la nueva lente, la imagen del microscopio se ve totalmente nítida.

In certain Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama), nítido has evolved into a very common slang term. In this informal context, it means 'cool', 'great', 'excellent', or 'all good'. If a friend asks how you are, and you respond '¡Nítido!', you are saying you are doing great. If you see a nice car, you might say 'Ese carro está nítido'. This duality makes the word fascinating for learners: it can be used in a scientific paper about laser precision or in a casual conversation at a beach bar in Santo Domingo. Understanding the context is key to mastering its use. In Spain, the word remains more formal and technical, whereas in the Americas, it bridges the gap between the precise and the popular.

El recuerdo de aquel verano sigue siendo nítido en mi mente, a pesar de los años.

Furthermore, nítido is etymologically related to the Latin 'nitidus', which meant shining, bright, or polished. This sense of 'cleanliness' still lingers in some uses. A 'nítido' surface is one that is so clean and smooth that it reflects light perfectly. In professional settings, using this word demonstrates a high level of vocabulary, as it replaces more generic words like 'bueno' or 'claro' with a term that implies technical excellence and high quality.

Using nítido correctly requires attention to gender and number agreement, as it is a standard four-form adjective: nítido, nítida, nítidos, nítidas. Because it describes a quality of perception, it is frequently paired with verbs like ser (to define a permanent quality), estar (to describe a state), and verse or oírse (to describe how something appears or sounds). When you are talking about the technical specifications of a screen, you might say 'La pantalla tiene una resolución nítida'. Here, nítida modifies the feminine noun resolución. If you are discussing multiple photos, you would say 'Estas fotos no están nítidas', meaning they are out of focus or blurry.

Agreement with Nouns: The adjective must match the noun in gender and number. Un sonido nítido (masculine singular), unas voces nítidas (feminine plural).
With Verbs of Perception: Commonly follows 'verse' (to look), 'oírse' (to sound), or 'sentirse' (to feel). 'Se ve nítido' means 'It looks sharp'.

Para que el experimento sea válido, necesitamos obtener resultados nítidos y sin interferencias.

In more abstract contexts, nítido is used to describe boundaries or differences. For example, in a political or philosophical debate, one might talk about 'una distinción nítida entre dos conceptos'. This implies that the concepts do not overlap and are clearly separated. This usage is particularly common in academic writing or formal journalism. If you are writing an essay, using nítido instead of claro can elevate the tone, suggesting a more precise, analytical clarity rather than just a general understanding.

La grabación de la entrevista se escucha muy nítida, podemos transcribirla fácilmente.

When describing weather, nítido is used for those rare days after a storm when the air is scrubbed clean of dust and pollution. 'Un cielo nítido' is a sky so clear that you feel you can see into infinity. This usage highlights the 'clean' and 'shining' origins of the word. In summary, use nítido when you want to emphasize the high quality of definition, whether you are talking about a 4K television, a childhood memory, a legal definition, or just a really great day in Puerto Rico.

The environment in which you encounter nítido greatly depends on where you are in the Spanish-speaking world. If you are in a professional or technical setting, such as a photography studio, a cinema, or an ophthalmologist's office, you will hear it constantly. An eye doctor might ask, '¿Ve las letras nítidas o borrosas?' (Do you see the letters sharp or blurry?). In this context, it is a clinical and precise term. Similarly, in the world of technology and electronics marketing, you will see it on packaging for monitors, cameras, and smartphones, emphasizing the 'nitidez' (sharpness) of the display or the sensor.

In the Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico: You will hear it on the street, in music (Reggaeton/Dembow), and among friends as a synonym for 'cool'. '¡Ese ritmo está nítido!' (That beat is fire!).
In Academic & Literary Circles: Used to describe the clarity of a writer's prose or the distinctness of a philosophical argument. 'Su estilo es nítido y directo'.

¡Oye, qué nítido te quedó el recorte de pelo, hermano!

In broadcast media, news anchors and reporters strive for a 'señal nítida' (clear signal). If a video call is lagging or pixelated, a Spanish speaker might complain that 'la imagen no es nítida'. In literature, authors use the word to evoke sensory details. A poet might describe 'el nítido perfil de la luna' (the sharp profile of the moon) to create a vivid image for the reader. It is a word that spans the entire social spectrum, from the most refined poetry to the most casual street slang, making it a versatile tool for any learner.

La distinción entre el bien y el mal no siempre es tan nítida como en las películas.

Finally, in the legal and administrative world, nítido is used to describe documents or signatures that are legible and clear. A notary might ask for a 'copia nítida' of an ID to ensure that all the numbers and letters are perfectly readable. Whether you are dealing with high-tech gadgets, Caribbean street culture, or legal paperwork, nítido is a word that ensures you are communicating with precision and flavor.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with nítido is over-relying on the word 'claro' (clear). While 'claro' is a safe bet in many situations, it is often too vague. If you say 'la foto es clara', a native speaker might think the photo is bright or has a lot of white light, rather than being in focus. To say it is sharp and not blurry, you must use nítido. Another common mistake is failing to apply gender and number agreement. Remember that even though it ends in '-o', it is not an invariable word (except in specific Caribbean slang usages). You must say 'las imágenes nítidas', not 'las imágenes nítido'.

Confusing Nítido with Limpio: While 'nítido' implies a sense of cleanliness, it is not used for a 'clean' room or 'clean' clothes. Use 'limpio' for hygiene and 'nítido' for visual/auditory clarity.
Misusing the Slang: Using 'nítido' as 'cool' in Spain or Argentina might sound strange or outdated. It is highly regional. Stick to formal meanings in those countries unless you are with Caribbean friends.

Incorrecto: El espejo está nítido (meaning it's not dirty). Correcto: El espejo está limpio.

Another nuance is the difference between nítido and transparente. A glass of water is transparente (you can see through it), but the reflection on the water's surface might be nítido (well-defined). Learners often mix these up when describing liquids or glass. Furthermore, avoid using nítido to describe a person's personality unless you mean they have very clear, well-defined features or ideas. To say someone is 'clear' in the sense of 'honest', use 'sincero' or 'transparente'.

Incorrecto: Las voces se escuchan nítido. Correcto: Las voces se escuchan nítidas.

Lastly, be careful with the noun form, nitidez. Many learners try to use 'nitidez' as an adjective. Remember: 'La nitidez (noun) de la foto' vs. 'La foto nítida (adjective)'. Using the noun where an adjective should be is a common B2-level error that can be easily avoided by remembering the '-ez' suffix usually denotes an abstract noun in Spanish.

To truly master nítido, you must understand its relationship with its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. While claro is the most common alternative, it is often too broad. Nítido is specifically about the 'edge' and 'precision' of something. For example, a 'claro' day is sunny, but a 'nítido' day is one where you can see every individual leaf on a distant tree. Let's look at some other close relatives in the Spanish lexicon.

Nítido vs. Preciso: 'Preciso' (precise) is often used for numbers, measurements, or timing. 'Nítido' is used for sensory perception. A clock is precise; a photo is nítida.
Nítido vs. Despejado: 'Despejado' is used specifically for the sky or weather (clear/cloudless). You can have a 'cielo despejado' that isn't necessarily 'nítido' if there is a lot of heat haze or humidity.
Nítido vs. Cristalino: 'Cristalino' (crystal clear) is used almost exclusively for water, glass, or eyes. It suggests transparency, whereas 'nítido' suggests definition.

El agua del lago estaba cristalina, pero el reflejo de las nubes no era nítido por el viento.

In the realm of slang, nítido has several regional rivals. In Spain, you might hear 'guay' or 'chulo'. In Mexico, 'padre' or 'chido'. In Colombia, 'bacán' or 'chévere'. However, nítido is unique because it carries that connotation of 'perfection' and 'cleanliness' even when used as slang. It's like saying something is 'spotless' or 'flawless' in English. When someone says '¡Nítido!' in the Caribbean, they aren't just saying it's good; they are saying it's exactly as it should be, with no flaws.

Su razonamiento fue tan nítido que nadie pudo refutar sus conclusiones.

By learning these distinctions, you move from simply 'knowing' a word to 'owning' it. You begin to see that Spanish, like English, has a specific tool for every job. Nítido is your tool for anything that is sharp, clear, and perfectly realized, whether it's a 4K video of the jungle or a perfectly executed plan with your friends.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Latin, 'nitidus' could also mean 'sleek' or 'well-fed', often used to describe healthy animals or prosperous people.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈnitido/

US /ˈnitido/

The stress is on the first syllable (ní) because of the written accent mark (tilde).

Rhymes With

Líquido Rígido Gélido Vívido Pálido Cálido Sólido Rápido

Common Errors

Stressing the second syllable (ni-TI-do).
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Forgetting to change the ending for feminine nouns.
Thinking the 'i' sounds like the English 'i' in 'night'. It sounds like 'ee' in 'see'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the accent mark and gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation is easy but stress must be on the first syllable.

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Claro Ver Oír Foto Bueno

Learn Next

Nitidez Borroso Difuso Enfoque Resolución

Advanced

Prístino Pulcro Cristalino Diáfano

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La voz (f) es nítida (f).

Accentuation (Esdrújulas)

Nítido is an esdrújula word, so it always has an accent on the third-to-last syllable.

Verbs of Perception

Se ve nítido (It looks sharp).

Noun formation with -ez

Nítido (adj) -> Nitidez (noun).

Adverb formation with -mente

Nítidamente (clearly).

Examples by Level

La foto es muy nítida.

The photo is very sharp.

Feminine singular agreement with 'foto'.

El televisor se ve nítido.

The TV looks sharp.

Masculine singular agreement with 'televisor'.

Tu voz es nítida.

Your voice is clear.

Feminine singular agreement with 'voz'.

No es una imagen nítida.

It is not a sharp image.

Negative sentence with feminine agreement.

Mira el cielo nítido.

Look at the clear sky.

Adjective following the noun.

Las letras son nítidas.

The letters are sharp.

Feminine plural agreement.

El espejo está nítido.

The mirror is clear.

Using 'estar' for a state.

¿Es nítido el sonido?

Is the sound clear?

Question form with masculine agreement.

La radio se escucha nítida hoy.

The radio sounds clear today.

Verb 'escucharse' with feminine adjective.

¡Todo está nítido, gracias!

Everything is great, thanks!

Caribbean slang usage meaning 'good'.

Necesito una copia nítida de tu DNI.

I need a clear copy of your ID.

Describing legibility.

Los colores son muy nítidos en esta pantalla.

The colors are very sharp on this screen.

Masculine plural agreement with 'colores'.

El agua del río no está nítida.

The river water is not clear.

Negative state with 'estar'.

Tengo una idea nítida de lo que quiero.

I have a clear idea of what I want.

Metaphorical use for thoughts.

Sus ojos eran nítidos y brillantes.

His eyes were clear and bright.

Describing physical features.

El dibujo tiene líneas nítidas.

The drawing has sharp lines.

Feminine plural agreement.

Recuerdo de forma nítida el día que nos conocimos.

I clearly remember the day we met.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma nítida'.

La nitidez de la señal ha mejorado mucho.

The clarity of the signal has improved a lot.

Using the noun form 'nitidez'.

Buscamos un perfil nítido para el puesto.

We are looking for a well-defined profile for the position.

Metaphorical use in a business context.

El cristal debe estar nítido para el telescopio.

The glass must be clear for the telescope.

Technical requirement.

Sus palabras dejaron un mensaje nítido.

His words left a clear message.

Describing the clarity of communication.

La montaña se veía nítida tras la lluvia.

The mountain looked sharp after the rain.

Visual clarity due to weather.

¡Qué nítido te quedó el trabajo!

Your work turned out great!

Informal usage meaning 'excellent'.

No veo los bordes nítidos sin mis gafas.

I don't see the edges sharp without my glasses.

Describing vision.

Existe una distinción nítida entre ambos conceptos.

There is a sharp distinction between both concepts.

Formal academic usage.

El autor tiene un estilo nítido y sin adornos.

The author has a clear and unadorned style.

Literary criticism.

La grabación capturó sonidos nítidos del bosque.

The recording captured crisp sounds from the forest.

Auditory precision.

Esa cámara ofrece una resolución nítida en 4K.

That camera offers a sharp 4K resolution.

Technical specification.

Su razonamiento era nítido y difícil de refutar.

His reasoning was clear and hard to refute.

Describing logic.

Las fronteras del país están nítidas en el mapa.

The country's borders are well-defined on the map.

Geographical clarity.

El reflejo en el lago era tan nítido como la realidad.

The reflection in the lake was as sharp as reality.

Comparative usage.

Me dio una respuesta nítida y directa.

He gave me a clear and direct answer.

Communication style.

La prosa de Borges es célebre por su nitidez y precisión.

Borges' prose is famous for its clarity and precision.

High-level literary analysis.

Se percibía un nítido contraste entre las dos culturas.

A sharp contrast between the two cultures was perceived.

Sociological observation.

El microscopio electrónico permite una visión nítida de los virus.

The electron microscope allows for a sharp view of viruses.

Scientific context.

La luz nítida del invierno resaltaba cada grieta del muro.

The sharp winter light highlighted every crack in the wall.

Descriptive imagery.

Su voz se alzaba nítida por encima del murmullo general.

Her voice rose clearly above the general murmur.

Auditory focus.

La ley establece una separación nítida de poderes.

The law establishes a clear separation of powers.

Legal/Political terminology.

El fotógrafo buscaba el momento nítido antes del ocaso.

The photographer sought the sharp moment before sunset.

Artistic pursuit.

A pesar del trauma, mantenía un relato nítido de los hechos.

Despite the trauma, he maintained a clear account of the facts.

Psychological/Legal context.

La nitidez ontológica de su propuesta filosófica es incuestionable.

The ontological clarity of his philosophical proposal is unquestionable.

Advanced academic jargon.

Se requiere una delimitación nítida de las competencias autonómicas.

A sharp delimitation of regional powers is required.

Administrative/Constitutional language.

El virtuosismo del pianista se traducía en una ejecución nítida de las escalas.

The pianist's virtuosity translated into a crisp execution of the scales.

Music criticism.

La obra destaca por la nitidez con la que aborda la condición humana.

The work stands out for the clarity with which it addresses the human condition.

Artistic analysis.

No hay un nítido consenso sobre las causas del cambio climático.

There is no clear consensus on the causes of climate change.

Scientific debate.

El sensor de fase permite un enfoque nítido incluso en movimiento.

The phase sensor allows for sharp focus even in motion.

Technical engineering.

Su mirada, nítida y penetrante, parecía leer mis pensamientos.

His gaze, sharp and piercing, seemed to read my thoughts.

Literary description.

La resolución del conflicto exige una hoja de ruta nítida.

The resolution of the conflict requires a clear roadmap.

Diplomatic language.

Synonyms

Claro Preciso Definido Cristalino Pulcro Patente Limpio Transparente

Antonyms

Borroso Confuso Turbio Difuso

Common Collocations

Imagen nítida

Sonido nítido

Recuerdo nítido

Voz nítida

Cielo nítido

Distinción nítida

Bordes nítidos

Resolución nítida

Visión nítida

Explicación nítida

Common Phrases

Ver nítido

— To see clearly or sharply.

Sin mis lentes no veo nítido.

Escuchar nítido

— To hear something with clarity.

La radio se escucha nítida aquí.

Quedar nítido

— To turn out great (Caribbean slang).

El coche quedó nítido después del lavado.

Estar nítido

— To be all good or cool (Caribbean slang).

¿Cómo vas? — Todo nítido.

De forma nítida

— In a clear or distinct manner.

Explícalo de forma nítida.

Nitidez absoluta

— Perfect clarity or sharpness.

La foto tiene una nitidez absoluta.

Poco nítido

— Not very clear or out of focus.

El video está un poco nítido.

Más nítido que nunca

— Clearer than ever before.

Hoy el paisaje se ve más nítido que nunca.

Un perfil nítido

— A well-defined profile or outline.

Buscamos un perfil nítido para el actor.

Una frontera nítida

— A clear boundary or limit.

No hay una frontera nítida entre los bosques.

Often Confused With

nítido vs Limpio

Limpio means clean (no dirt). Nítido means clear (sharp focus).

nítido vs Claro

Claro means clear (understandable/bright). Nítido means sharp (high-def).

nítido vs Transparente

Transparente means see-through. Nítido means well-defined.

Idioms & Expressions

"¡Nítido!"

— Used in the Caribbean to mean 'Awesome!' or 'Cool!'.

¡Nítido, nos vemos a las ocho!

Slang

"Todo nítido"

— Everything is perfect or okay.

No te preocupes, aquí está todo nítido.

Slang

"Ponerse nítido"

— To get ready or to look sharp (clothing/grooming).

Me voy a poner nítido para la fiesta.

Slang

"Estar nítido de papeles"

— To have all legal documents in perfect order.

El camión está nítido de papeles.

Colloquial

"Dejarlo nítido"

— To explain something so there is no doubt.

Se lo dejé nítido: no quiero volver a verlo.

Colloquial

"Verlo nítido"

— To understand a situation perfectly.

Ahora lo veo nítido, ella tenía razón.

Neutral

"Sonido nítido de campana"

— Used to describe a very pure and clear sound.

Su risa tiene un sonido nítido de campana.

Literary

"Nítido como el agua"

— Very clear and easy to understand.

Su plan es nítido como el agua.

Neutral

"Corte nítido"

— A clean, surgical or precise cut.

El cirujano hizo un corte nítido.

Technical

"Nitidez de diamante"

— Extremely clear and brilliant.

Tiene una nitidez de diamante en su mirada.

Literary

Easily Confused

nítido vs Borroso

It is the opposite, but learners often mix them up.

Borroso is blurry; nítido is sharp.

La foto está borrosa, no nítida.

nítido vs Nidificar

Looks similar.

Nidificar means to build a nest.

Los pájaros van a nidificar aquí.

nítido vs Nidio

Archaic word.

Nidio is an old word for shining, but nítido is the modern standard.

Usage is very rare.

nítido vs Lúcido

Sounds similar.

Lúcido means lucid or mentally clear, usually for people.

El abuelo está muy lúcido hoy.

nítido vs Pulcro

Similar meaning of 'clean'.

Pulcro is about being tidy and neat in appearance.

Viste de forma pulcra.

Sentence Patterns

La [cosa] es nítida.

La foto es nítida.

El [cosa] está nítido.

El televisor está nítido.

Tengo un [sustantivo] nítido.

Tengo un recuerdo nítido.

Se escucha muy nítido.

La música se escucha muy nítida.

Una distinción nítida entre...

Una distinción nítida entre realidad y ficción.

La nitidez con la que [verbo]...

La nitidez con la que explica el problema.

Slang

¡Todo nítido!

¡Todo nítido, hermano!

Slang

Quedar nítido.

El dibujo quedó nítido.

Word Family

Nouns

Nitidez (clarity/sharpness)

Verbs

Nidificar (unrelated - to nest)

Limpiar (related by concept of cleanliness)

Adjectives

Nítido

Nítida

Nítidos

Nítidas

Claridad

Precisión

Enfoque

Resolución

Transparencia

How to Use It

frequency

High in technology, medium-high in general conversation.

Common Mistakes

La foto es nítido. → La foto es nítida.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'foto'.
El cuarto está nítido. → El cuarto está limpio.
Nítido is for clarity, not for a clean room.
Escucho la música nitido. → Escucho la música nítida.
Agreement error with 'música'.
Es un nítido ejemplo. → Es un ejemplo nítido.
In Spanish, descriptive adjectives usually follow the noun.
La nitidez de la foto es nítido. → La nitidez de la foto es alta.
You can't describe 'sharpness' as 'sharp'; use a different adjective.

Tips

Neat Video

Think of a 'Neat Video' to remember 'Nítido' means clear and sharp.

Accent Mark

Always put the accent on the first 'i'. It's an esdrújula word.

Tech Talk

Use it when talking about screens, cameras, or audio quality.

Caribbean Vibes

In the DR or Puerto Rico, use it to say 'cool' or 'all good'.

Nítido vs. Borroso

Learn these two together as opposites to remember them better.

Academic Writing

Use 'nítido' to describe clear distinctions in essays.

Word Family

Learn 'nitidez' (noun) and 'nítidamente' (adverb) at the same time.

Focus on Stress

Listen for the strong 'NÍ' at the start of the word.

Not for Hygiene

Don't use it for 'clean' clothes; use 'limpio' instead.

Compliments

Tell a friend their photo is 'nítida' to show off your vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Neat Video'. A 'neat video' is 'nítido'—it's sharp, clear, and high-quality.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of glasses being wiped clean. The world goes from blurry to nítido.

Word Web

Cámara Ojos Sonido Memoria Espejo Pantalla Luz Idea

Challenge

Try to use 'nítido' three times today: once for something you see, once for something you hear, and once as slang if you're feeling brave!

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'nitidus', which means 'shining', 'bright', or 'polished'. It originally described objects that reflected light well.

Original meaning: Shining, bright, elegant.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that the slang usage is informal.

Similar to how 'clear' can mean 'understandable' or 'transparent', but 'nítido' is more specific like 'high-def'.

Used in tech reviews for the latest iPhones in Spanish. Common in Reggaeton lyrics from Puerto Rico. Found in the works of Gabriel García Márquez to describe vivid tropical scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Photography

Enfoque nítido
Imagen nítida
Lente nítida
Resolución nítida

Memories

Recuerdo nítido
Memoria nítida
Imagen mental nítida
Relato nítido

Audio

Sonido nítido
Voz nítida
Grabación nítida
Señal nítida

Slang (Caribbean)

¡Qué nítido!
Todo nítido
Está nítido
Quedó nítido

Academic

Distinción nítida
Frontera nítida
Concepto nítido
Explicación nítida

Conversation Starters

"¿Has notado que la imagen de este cine es muy nítida?"

"¿Tienes algún recuerdo nítido de tu primer día de escuela?"

"¿Te parece que hay una distinción nítida entre el arte y el diseño?"

"¡Tu nuevo teléfono saca unas fotos muy nítidas! ¿Qué modelo es?"

"En tu país, ¿qué palabra usan para decir que algo está 'nítido' (cool)?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un recuerdo de tu infancia que sea especialmente nítido en tu mente.

¿Qué importancia tiene la nitidez en la fotografía moderna comparada con la antigua?

Escribe sobre un día en el que el cielo estuviera tan nítido que podías ver muy lejos.

Explica una idea compleja que ahora veas de forma nítida después de estudiarla.

Compara el uso formal de 'nítido' con el uso informal en el Caribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a clean room you should use 'limpio'. 'Nítido' is for visual or auditory clarity, not hygiene.

Yes, but mostly in its formal or technical sense (sharp images, clear sound). The slang 'cool' meaning is Caribbean.

The most common opposite is 'borroso' (blurry) for images or 'confuso' for ideas.

The noun is 'nitidez'. For example: 'La nitidez de la imagen'.

It is 'nítido' with an accent on the first 'i'. It is an esdrújula word.

Usually only if you are describing their features (a sharp profile) or if using Caribbean slang (he's a cool guy).

Yes, especially in the age of high-definition technology and in Caribbean Spanish.

You can, but 'cristalino' or 'transparente' are more common for liquids.

Yes, it becomes 'nítidos' or 'nítidas' depending on the gender.

Yes, but mostly in the formal sense. For 'cool', Mexicans prefer 'chido' or 'padre'.