educado
/eh-doo-KAH-doh/
polite
When someone is educado, they are polite and have good manners, like this boy offering a flower.
educado(Adjective)
polite
?having good manners
,well-mannered
?showing courtesy
courteous
?formal situations
📝 In Action
Mi hijo es muy educado, siempre saluda a los vecinos.
A1My son is very polite; he always greets the neighbors.
Ella es educada y sabe cómo comportarse en la mesa.
A2She is well-mannered and knows how to behave at the table.
Pide las cosas 'por favor' y 'gracias'; es la forma de ser educado.
A2Ask for things using 'please' and 'thank you'; that's the way to be polite.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'educado' is an adjective, make sure it matches the person or thing you are describing: 'educada' (feminine), 'educados' (masculine plural), 'educadas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Friend Alert!
Mistake: "Using 'educado' only to mean 'has a college degree.'"
Correction: In Spanish, the main meaning is 'polite.' If you want to say someone is 'academically educated,' use 'instruido' or 'con estudios superiores.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Manners First
In Latin America and Spain, 'educado' almost always refers to how someone behaves socially (manners, respect, courtesy), not their schooling.
Educado can also mean having formal schooling, often symbolized by graduation.
educado(Adjective)
educated
?having formal schooling
,schooled
?having intellectual training
trained
?in a specific skill or sense
📝 In Action
Es un médico educado en la Universidad de Salamanca.
B1He is a doctor educated at the University of Salamanca.
Necesitas un oído educado para distinguir esa nota musical.
B2You need a trained ear to distinguish that musical note.
Ella era una mujer educada, con grandes conocimientos de historia.
B2She was an educated woman, with great knowledge of history.
💡 Grammar Points
The Root Verb
'Educado' is the past participle of the verb 'educar' (to educate, to raise). When used as an adjective, it describes the result of that action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing Academic Education
To specifically talk about degrees and schooling, it is often clearer to use phrases like 'con estudios universitarios' (with university studies) or 'con una buena formación' (with good training).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: educado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'educado' to mean 'having good manners'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid confusing 'educado' (polite) with the English word 'educated'?
Remember that 'educado' is primarily about manners and good behavior. If you want to talk about academic background, use 'instruido' or 'con estudios' to be perfectly clear. Think: 'A person who is 'bien educado' (well-raised) is polite.'
Does 'educado' always mean 'polite'?
No, it depends on the context. If you are describing a doctor or a professional, it usually means 'educated' (schooled). If you are describing a child or how someone behaves in public, it almost certainly means 'polite' or 'well-mannered'.