típico

Típico is an adjective in Spanish that describes what is característico o propio de un tipo, grupo, lugar, época o situación. It is used to refer to features, customs, foods, landscapes and behaviors that are usual or represent a certain pattern within a context. The term can convey either a neutral description of what is común or, in some cases, a sense of cliché or stereotype.

Etymology and forms: Típico derives from Latin typicus, itself from Greek typos meaning model or pattern, through Latin typus. The feminine form is típica, and the plural forms are típicos (masculine) and típicas (feminine). The adverbial form is típicamente, used to mean “typically” or “in a typical way.”

Usage: Typical is widely used with nouns in phrases such as un plato típico, una fiesta típica, una casa típica, or paisajes típicos de la región. It can also describe behavior or phenomena that are expected within a group, as in “es típico de esa época.” In some contexts, lo típico can refer to a cliché or stereotype rather than a precise description.

Related terms: Sinónimos include característico, tradicional, habitual and clásico. Antónimos include atípico, inusual o extraordinario. The opposite concept, atípico, denotes something que no se ajusta a la norma o patrón.

See also: tipo, característico, atípico, típico regional.