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pendiente means pending — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 4, 2025

💼 Spanish for Business

pendiente

adjective • /[pen-DYEN-teh]/

pending

Example:

Tengo varias tareas pendientes por completar.

I have several pending tasks to complete.

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🧠 What does pendiente mean?

The Spanish word 'pendiente' means 'pending' or 'outstanding.' It's an adjective used to describe something that hasn't been completed, resolved, or dealt with yet. In a business context, it's frequently used to refer to tasks, payments, or decisions that are awaiting action. It can also describe someone who is attentive or 'on top of things.'

📚 Extra examples

  • Tengo varias tareas pendientes.
    I have several pending tasks.
  • El pago está pendiente.
    The payment is pending.
  • La decisión está pendiente de aprobación.
    The decision is pending approval.
  • Estaba muy pendiente de la reunión.
    I was very attentive to the meeting.
  • Quedamos pendientes de hablar la semana que viene.
    We left it pending to talk next week.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'pending' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'pending' in Spanish is 'pendiente.'
How do you pronounce 'pendiente' in Spanish?
It's pronounced pen-dee-EN-tay, with the stress on the 'EN' syllable.
How do you use 'pendiente' in a sentence?
You can use 'pendiente' before or after the noun it modifies, similar to English. For example, 'la factura pendiente' (the pending invoice) or 'el asunto pendiente' (the pending issue).
What is the English translation of 'pendiente'?
'Pending,' 'outstanding,' 'unresolved,' or 'attentive,' depending on the context.
Does 'pendiente' change for gender or number?
Yes, it agrees with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el documento pendiente' (masculine singular), 'las facturas pendientes' (feminine plural).
Is 'pendiente' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'pendiente' is frequently used in both everyday conversations and formal settings.
Does 'pendiente' have slang or double meanings?
While generally straightforward, when referring to a person being 'pendiente,' it can sometimes imply they are a bit too involved or controlling, depending on the tone and context.
Is 'pendiente' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pendiente"

Synonyms: incompleto, sin resolver, atento
Opposites: completado, resuelto, descuidado

💡 Did You Know?

While 'pendiente' often deals with unfinished business, it can also describe someone who is thoughtfully attentive, showing they care.

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