Skip to content

formal

formal

adjective fohr-MAHL Less Common

Also means

official

Usage Note

Formal is an invariable adjective for masculine and feminine singular (un trato formal, una reunión formal); the plural adds -es: formales. Beyond 'formal in register', it also means 'reliable' or 'serious' in colloquial Spanish: es una persona muy formal (he/she is a very dependable person) — a nuance English 'formal' lacks. The noun is formalidad and the adverb formalmente.

Examples

"La reunión requería un ambiente formal."

Natural Translation

The meeting required a formal atmosphere.

Explore Spanish by topic