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inicial means initial — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 2, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

inicial

adjective • /[ee-nee-SYAL]/

initial

Example:

El planteamiento inicial fue modificado tras la revisión.

The initial proposal was modified after review.

🧠 What does inicial mean?

The Spanish word "inicial" means initial or first. It describes something that happens at the beginning of a process, sequence, or time period. It can refer to the first letter of a name or word, the starting point of a project, or an initial assessment, among other things. Think of it as marking the commencement of something.

📚 Extra examples

  • La fase inicial del proyecto es la más importante.
    The initial phase of the project is the most important.
  • Mi inicial es J.
    My initial is J.
  • Las pruebas iniciales indican que todo está bien.
    The initial tests indicate that everything is alright.
  • Después de una evaluación inicial, el doctor le recetó medicina.
    After an initial evaluation, the doctor prescribed her medicine.
  • La inversión inicial fue bastante alta.
    The initial investment was quite high.

💡 Did You Know?

The Spanish word "inicial" shares its roots with the English word "initial," both stemming from the Latin word "initialis," meaning "of the beginning."

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "inicial"

Synonyms: primero, primer, originario, de partida
Opposites: final, último, conclusivo

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'initial' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'initial' is 'inicial.'
How do you pronounce 'inicial' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ee-nee-thee-AHL, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'inicial' in a sentence?
Here are a couple of examples: 'La reunión inicial fue un éxito' (The initial meeting was a success), or 'Escribe tus iniciales aquí' (Write your initials here).
What is the English translation of 'inicial'?
The English translation of 'inicial' is 'initial'.
Does 'inicial' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'inicial' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el costo inicial' (the initial cost - masculine singular), 'la fase inicial' (the initial phase - feminine singular), 'los costos iniciales' (the initial costs - masculine plural), and 'las fases iniciales' (the initial phases - feminine plural).
Is 'inicial' common in everyday Spanish?
While not as frequent as some basic words, 'inicial' is certainly common and used in both everyday conversations and more formal contexts.
Does 'inicial' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'inicial' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. Its meaning is generally straightforward.
Is 'inicial' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'inicial' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

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