quisquilloso (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/kis.kwi.ˈʎo.so/

Translation Options into English

1. Finicky
2. Fussy
3. Nitpicky

Meaning and Usage

The word "quisquilloso" describes someone who is overly particular, meticulous, or fussy about minor details. It suggests a tendency to be difficult to please or to complain about trivial matters. In the Spanish language, it can be used in both oral and written contexts, but it tends to be more frequently found in written texts, especially in literary or formal writing.

Frequency of Use

This adjective is not among the most commonly used words in everyday conversation, but it does appear frequently in contexts where someone's meticulous nature is being described.

Example Sentences

1. Él es muy quisquilloso con la comida y nunca come nada que no le guste.

2. He is very finicky about food and never eats anything he doesn't like.

3. Cuando se trata de organizar su espacio, es increíblemente quisquilloso.

4. When it comes to organizing his space, he is incredibly fussy.

5. Mi jefe es quisquilloso respecto a los informes, siempre quiere que sean perfectos.

6. My boss is nitpicky about the reports; he always wants them to be perfect.

Idiomatic Expressions

Though "quisquilloso" is not commonly used in fixed idiomatic expressions, it can be integrated into various phrases to convey related meanings or to enhance descriptive language.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Context

1. No seas tan quisquilloso; a veces es mejor dejar pasar las pequeñas cosas.

2. Don’t be so finicky; sometimes it’s better to let the little things go.

3. Su actitud quisquillosa a menudo frena el progreso del equipo.

4. His fussy attitude often hinders the team's progress.

5. La verdad es que ser quisquilloso en el trabajo puede traer más problemas que soluciones.

6. The truth is that being nitpicky at work can bring more problems than solutions.

7. A veces ser quisquilloso con las decisiones puede resultar en oportunidades perdidas.

8. Sometimes being overly particular with decisions can result in missed opportunities.

Etymology

The word "quisquilloso" originates from the Spanish term "quisquilloso," which itself is derived from "quisquilla," meaning "small or insignificant thing". This term is related to the Latin "cuisculum," a diminutive form suggesting triviality. The gradual evolution led to its modern use as an adjective describing someone easily displeased by minor issues.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Meticuloso (meticulous) - Exigente (demanding) - Puntilloso (punctilious)

Antonyms: - Despreocupado (carefree) - Indiferente (indifferent) - Laid-back (relajado)

This comprehensive view of "quisquilloso" captures its meaning, usage, contextual importance, and related linguistic aspects, providing a deeper understanding of the term in the Spanish language.