frecuente
Lemma Details
Translation: frequent; common; regular; recurrent
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'frequens, frequentis' meaning 'crowded, repeated, constant'. The English cognate 'frequent' shares the same Latin root. The word conveys the idea of something that happens often or at close intervals. The Latin root 'frequens' is related to the verb 'frequentare' (to visit often), which gives us English words like 'frequency' and 'frequently'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Es frecuente que llueva en esta región.
It's common for it to rain in this region.
Tengo dolores de cabeza frecuentes.
I have frequent headaches.
Es un visitante frecuente de este museo.
He is a frequent visitor to this museum.
El uso frecuente de este medicamento puede causar efectos secundarios.
The frequent use of this medication can cause side effects.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'frequent' in English - they sound almost identical.
- Remember 'frecuente' by thinking of something that happens 'free-quently' (frequently).
- The 'cuente' part sounds like 'count' - you can count on it happening often.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Used widely in both formal and informal contexts. In Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase 'cliente frecuente' (frequent customer) is often used in loyalty programs and marketing.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Frecuente' means 'frequent' or 'common', while 'reciente' means 'recent' or 'new'.
Notes: Both words end in '-ente' but have different meanings related to time: 'frecuente' refers to how often something occurs, while 'reciente' refers to when it occurred (recently).
Mnemonic: 'Frecuente' has an 'f' like 'frequent'; 'reciente' has no 'f' like 'recent'.
Explanation: 'Frecuente' means 'frequent', while 'siguiente' means 'next' or 'following'.
Notes: Both are common adjectives ending in '-ente' but describe completely different concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Siguiente' contains 'sigue' (follows) - think of something that follows or comes next.