The Spanish word activo primarily serves as an adjective, conveying the meanings of active, lively, or energetic. However, it also commonly functions as a noun, most notably referring to an asset, particularly in financial and business contexts.
Activo as an Adjective
When "activo" is used as an adjective, it describes characteristics of engagement, vitality, or continuous operation.Key Adjective Meanings:
* **Active (que obra):** This meaning denotes participation, engagement, or being in a state of operation. It implies involvement rather than idleness. * **Example:** *El volcán está **activo**.* (The volcano is **active**.) * **Example:** *Es un miembro muy **activo** de la comunidad.* (He is a very **active** member of the community.) * **Lively or Energetic (vivo):** This refers to something or someone full of life, vigor, and enthusiasm. It suggests dynamism and animation. * **Example:** *Mantiene un estilo de vida muy **activo**.* (He maintains a very **active** lifestyle.) * **Example:** *Los niños estaban muy **activos** después del recreo.* (The children were very **energetic** after recess.)Contextual Adjective Uses:
The precise nuance of "activo" as an adjective often depends on the surrounding words: * **People:** Describes individuals who are busy, participate frequently, or possess high energy levels. * **Lifestyles:** Refers to a dynamic routine that may involve physical exercise, continuous engagement, or mental alertness. * **Processes or States:** Indicates something that is currently functioning, in operation, or not dormant. * **Grammar:** In grammar, "voz activa" translates to "active voice."Activo as a Noun
Beyond its adjectival uses, "activo" is frequently used as a noun, typically in its masculine singular form (**el activo**) or plural form (**los activos**).Common Noun Meanings:
* **Asset (Financial/Business):** This is one of the most prominent noun meanings. An asset is anything of economic value owned by an individual, company, or country that can generate future economic benefits. * **Example:** *La empresa registró un aumento en sus **activos**.* (The company reported an increase in its **assets**.) * **Types of Assets include:** * **Activos circulantes/corrientes:** Current assets (e.g., cash, accounts receivable, inventory). * **Activos fijos:** Fixed assets (e.g., property, plant, equipment). * **Activos intangibles:** Intangible assets (e.g., patents, trademarks, goodwill). * **Active Person/Member:** Less commonly, "un activo" can refer to an active individual or a valuable participant within an organization, implying their contribution or importance. * **Example:** *Es un **activo** valioso para el proyecto.* (He is a valuable **asset** (person) for the project.)Understanding "Activo" in Context
To accurately interpret the meaning of "activo," it's crucial to consider the context. The grammatical form (whether it's used as an adjective or a noun) provides the primary clue, followed by the surrounding words and the overall subject matter of the sentence.| Grammatical Form | English Meaning | Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | Active | Ella es muy activa en su trabajo. | She is very active in her job. |
| Adjective | Lively / Energetic | El perro es muy activo y le encanta correr. | The dog is very energetic and loves to run. |
| Noun (plural) | Assets (financial) | Los activos totales de la compañía superan los mil millones. | The company's total assets exceed one billion. |
| Noun (singular) | An active person/asset | Su experiencia es un activo importante para el equipo. | His experience is an important asset (quality/person) for the team. |
