Basto is an adjective in Spanish.
/bas.to/
The term basto describes something that is coarse, unrefined, or lacking in finesse. It can refer to physical textures (like fabric), social manners, or language that is considered rude or vulgar. The usage of basto can be found in both written and oral contexts, with a moderate to high frequency in everyday conversation, especially when describing someone's behavior or the quality of objects.
Este tejido es muy basto y no es cómodo para llevar.
This fabric is very coarse and not comfortable to wear.
Su comportamiento fue tan basto que todos se sintieron incómodos.
His behavior was so crude that everyone felt uncomfortable.
El idioma que usó fue demasiado basto para la ocasión.
The language he used was too vulgar for the occasion.
The term basto is often found in various idiomatic expressions that highlight rudeness or lack of tact. Here are several examples:
A veces es mejor cortar por lo basto y ser directo.
Sometimes it's better to cut to the chase and be direct.
Basto como un ladrillo
As rough as a brick
Su forma de hablar es basta como un ladrillo; no tiene tacto.
His way of speaking is as rough as a brick; he has no tact.
Hacer algo a lo basto
To do something in a crude way
No deberías hacerlo a lo basto, hay que ser más cuidadoso.
You shouldn't do it in a crude way; you need to be more careful.
Fiarse de lo basto
To trust in something rough
The word basto originates from Latin vastus, which means "vast" or "empty," but over time it acquired the connotation of something rough or unrefined. This evolution reflects a broader semantic shift towards describing crudeness or lack of elegance.
Synonyms - Grosero (rude) - Tosco (rough) - Irrespetuoso (disrespectful)
Antonyms - Refinado (refined) - Elegante (elegant) - Suave (smooth)