Spanish word of the day: Cotidiano

What does cotidiano mean?

Cotidiano (adjective) — Used to describe something that occurs or is done regularly, often as part of a routine or daily life.

It can also imply something that is ordinary or usual, as opposed to something extraordinary or exceptional

Example sentences with cotidiano

• La práctica cotidiana del yoga puede disminuir el estrés.

  🧘 The daily practice of yoga can reduce stress.

• La vida cotidiana está llena de sorpresas cuando tienes un recién nacido.

  🤱 Everyday life is full of surprises when you have a newborn.

• Los derechos humanos son prioritarios en la vida cotidiana de la gente.

  🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Human rights are a priority in people's everyday lives.

Remember that you need to adjust the adjective to the gender of the noun that it’s modifying. In this case, you would need to switch between cotidiano (male) and cotidiana (female)!

Cotidiano in context

The adjective cotidiano is best used in contexts where you want to describe something ordinary, routine, or related to everyday life. It works well for talking about habits, daily routines, or general aspects of life, such as la vida cotidiana (everyday life) or tareas cotidianas (routine tasks). It's a versatile word that conveys a sense of normalcy or regularity without being overly formal.

However, avoid using cotidiano when referring to specific daily occurrences or schedules, as the word diario might be more appropriate in those cases (e.g., el periódico diario for "daily newspaper"). Additionally, steer clear of using it in contexts where you need to emphasize excitement or uniqueness, as cotidiano can imply mundanity or ordinariness. Understanding these nuances will help you use the word effectively and avoid miscommunication.