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discreto

dees-KREH-toh/disˈkɾeto/

discreet

Also: tactful, private
General
A person placing a finger over their closed lips in a gesture of keeping a secret.

📝 In Action

Mi mejor amigo es muy discreto; nunca cuenta mis secretos.

A2

My best friend is very discreet; he never tells my secrets.

Fue muy discreto al darme la noticia para no ponerme triste delante de todos.

B1

He was very tactful when giving me the news so as not to make me sad in front of everyone.

Para trabajar en esta oficina, tienes que ser una persona discreta.

B1

To work in this office, you have to be a discreet person.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • indiscreto (indiscreet)
  • chismoso (gossipy)

Common Collocations

  • ser discreto – to be discreet
  • un lugar discreto – a low-key/private place

unobtrusive

Also: modest, low-key
A small, simple grey bird sitting quietly among a few plain green leaves.

📝 In Action

Llevaba un vestido discreto de color azul oscuro.

B1

She was wearing a simple, unobtrusive dark blue dress.

Hicieron una fiesta discreta en su casa con pocos invitados.

B1

They had a low-key party at their house with a few guests.

El hotel tiene una entrada discreta para que no lo vea todo el mundo.

B2

The hotel has a discreet entrance so that not everyone sees it.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • llamativo (flashy/eye-catching)
  • ostentoso (ostentatious)

Common Collocations

  • colores discretos – subdued/muted colors
  • estilo discreto – modest/simple style

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "discreto" in Spanish:

discreet→low-key→unobtrusive→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: discreto

Question 1 of 3

If you have a secret and don't want anyone to find out, who should you tell?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
discreción(discretion) — Noun
discretamente(discreetly) — Adverb
indiscreción(indiscretion) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'discretus,' which described something that was separated or distinguished. Over time, it evolved to describe a person who can distinguish what should be said from what should be kept private.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: discreetFrench: discretItalian: discreto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'discreto' the same as 'discrete' in math?

Yes, but in Spanish, the math meaning (separate/distinct) is very technical. In 99% of daily life, 'discreto' means being cautious, private, or modest.

Can I use 'discreto' for a woman?

Yes, just change the ending to 'a': 'Ella es muy discreta'.

What is the difference between 'discreto' and 'tímido'?

'Tímido' (shy) means someone is nervous around others. 'Discreto' means someone chooses to be careful with information or their appearance, which is a choice, not necessarily a fear.