Inklingo
← Dictionary

decente

/deh-SEHN-teh/

decent

A simple, well-made sandwich consisting of turkey and lettuce, neatly cut in half and placed on a plain white plate, illustrating acceptable quality.

This simple but satisfying sandwich is of calidad decente (decent/acceptable quality).

decente(adjective)

m/fA2

decent

?

acceptable quality or quantity

,

adequate

?

sufficient

Also:

fair

?

quality

,

acceptable

?

standard

📝 In Action

Necesitamos un sueldo decente para pagar las cuentas.

A2

We need a decent salary to pay the bills.

La comida no era gourmet, pero era decente.

A2

The food wasn't gourmet, but it was decent/acceptable.

El apartamento es pequeño, pero está en condiciones decentes.

B1

The apartment is small, but it is in decent condition.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • pésimo (terrible)
  • insuficiente (insufficient)

Common Collocations

  • un trabajo decente – a decent job (a job that pays enough)
  • una vida decente – a decent life (a comfortable life)

💡 Grammar Points

Always Ends in -e

Since 'decente' ends in '-e', it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el trabajo decente) or feminine (la casa decente). Only change the ending for plural: 'decentes'.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Quick Compliment

Use 'decente' when something meets your minimum expectations but isn't spectacular. It’s a very common, understated way to express approval.

A small child holding open a wooden door for an older adult who is smiling while carrying a basket of fruit, demonstrating moral goodness.

Holding the door open shows un comportamiento decente (respectable/morally good behavior).

decente(adjective)

m/fB1

respectable

?

morally good

,

honorable

?

character

Also:

proper

?

behavior or dress

,

modest

?

attitude

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre decente y honesto con todos.

B1

My grandfather was always a respectable and honest man with everyone.

Ella se comporta de manera decente en público.

B1

She behaves in a proper manner in public.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • honrado (honorable)
  • íntegro (upright)

Antonyms

  • indecente (indecent)
  • vulgar (vulgar)

❌ Common Pitfalls

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: "Using 'decente' primarily to mean 'clean' or 'okay' when talking about moral character in a formal context (e.g., *'Ella es una persona decente,'* meaning 'She is okay')."

Correction: In formal contexts, remember 'decente' implies a strong moral quality: respectable, honorable. If you just mean 'okay,' use *'bien'* or *'agradable'*.

⭐ Usage Tips

Character vs. Quality

When describing a person, 'decente' refers to their moral character—meaning they are honorable and trustworthy, not just 'pretty good.'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: decente

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'decente' to describe moral character rather than quality?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

decencia(decency) - noun
indecente(indecent) - adjective
decentemente(decently) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'decente' always mean 'good'?

Not exactly. While it's positive, 'decente' often means 'good enough' or 'acceptable.' If you want to say something is excellent, you should use 'excelente' or 'magnífico.' 'Decente' sets a respectable baseline, but rarely suggests perfection.

How do I make 'decente' plural?

Since 'decente' ends in a vowel followed by 'e', you simply add '-s' to make it plural: 'decentes' (e.g., 'los salarios decentes').