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sabio

SAH-byoh/ˈsa.βjo/

“sabio” means “wise” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

wise

Also: learned, sensible
An illustration of a peaceful, older person with a kind expression sitting calmly, surrounded by stacked books, suggesting deep knowledge and good judgment.

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo siempre da consejos muy sabios.

B1

My grandfather always gives very wise advice.

Fue una decisión sabia vender la casa antes de la crisis.

B2

It was a wise decision to sell the house before the crisis.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • consejo sabio – wise advice
  • persona sabia – wise person

sage

Also: scholar, wise person
NounmB2
A detailed illustration of a respected, elderly figure, dressed simply, standing on a hill overlooking a peaceful valley, symbolizing profound wisdom and guidance.

📝 In Action

El sabio de la aldea resolvió el conflicto.

B2

The sage of the village resolved the conflict.

Los antiguos sabios griegos escribieron sobre la moral.

C1

The ancient Greek scholars wrote about morality.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • erudito (erudite person)
  • maestro (master/teacher)

Common Collocations

  • un viejo sabio – an old wise man

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sabio" in Spanish:

learned→sage→scholar→sensible→wise→wise person→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sabio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'sabio' to describe deep, accumulated knowledge?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
sabiduría(wisdom) — Noun
saber(to know) — Verb
sabiondo(know-it-all (negative)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word 'sapius,' which meant 'knowing' or 'discerning.' It is closely related to the Latin verb 'sapere,' which originally meant 'to taste' but developed the meaning 'to be wise' because wisdom involves 'tasting' or judging things well.

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sábioItalian: saggio

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'sabio' different from 'inteligente'?

'Inteligente' describes someone who is quick-witted, mentally sharp, and good at solving problems quickly. 'Sabio' describes someone who possesses wisdom, good judgment, and deep knowledge, usually gained through long experience and reflection. You can be 'inteligente' without being 'sabio,' and vice versa.