sabio
/SAH-byoh/
wise
The adjective sabio means "wise," describing someone who possesses deep knowledge and good judgment.
sabio(adjective)
wise
?having experience, knowledge, and good judgment
learned
?highly educated or scholarly
,sensible
?describing advice or decisions
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo siempre da consejos muy sabios.
B1My grandfather always gives very wise advice.
Fue una decisión sabia vender la casa antes de la crisis.
B2It was a wise decision to sell the house before the crisis.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matching
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'sabio' must match the gender of the noun it describes: 'un hombre sabio' (a wise man) but 'una mujer sabia' (a wise woman).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Sabio vs. Inteligente
Mistake: "Using 'sabio' to mean 'smart' in a quick, mental sense."
Correction: 'Inteligente' is better for quick mental ability. 'Sabio' refers to deep, accumulated knowledge and life experience. Think 'wise' rather than 'clever'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Tone
Using 'sabio' elevates the description. It suggests profound wisdom, often linked to age, study, or spirituality.
As a noun, sabio translates to "sage," referring to a profoundly wise person who offers guidance.
sabio(noun)
sage
?a profoundly wise person
scholar
?a highly learned person
,wise person
?general term
📝 In Action
El sabio de la aldea resolvió el conflicto.
B2The sage of the village resolved the conflict.
Los antiguos sabios griegos escribieron sobre la moral.
C1The ancient Greek scholars wrote about morality.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Feminine Form
When referring to a woman, you use the feminine form: 'la sabia' (the wise woman/sage).
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Historical Figures
This noun is commonly used when discussing philosophers, scientists, or thinkers from the past who accumulated great knowledge.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sabio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'sabio' to describe deep, accumulated knowledge?
📚 More Resources
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.