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sobrio

so-brioˈso.βɾjo

“sobrio” means “sober” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

sober

Also: clear-headed
A calm, composed person with a clear expression sitting at a small table, gently sipping from a glass of clear water.

📝 In Action

Después de la fiesta, Juan se aseguró de que estaba sobrio antes de conducir.

A2

After the party, Juan made sure he was sober before driving.

Necesitas estar sobria para firmar estos documentos.

B1

You need to be clear-headed (sober) to sign these documents.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mantenerse sobrio – to remain sober
  • estar completamente sobrio – to be completely sober

understated, plain

Also: modest, simple
A single, elegantly designed wooden chair with clean, straight lines and no excessive ornamentation, placed against a solid, light background.

📝 In Action

La decoración de la oficina era sobria y elegante.

B1

The office decor was simple/understated and elegant.

Prefiere vestir con colores sobrios, como el gris y el azul marino.

B2

She prefers to dress in plain/neutral colors, like grey and navy blue.

Su comportamiento siempre fue sobrio y discreto.

B2

His behavior was always modest and discreet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • colores sobrios – neutral/plain colors
  • estilo sobrio – understated style

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sobrio" in Spanish:

clear-headed→modest→plain→simple→sober→understated→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sobrio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'sobrio' to describe a lack of alcohol?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
sobriedad(sobriety; simplicity) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *sobrius*, which meant 'not drunk.' It is built from the prefix *se-* (meaning 'without') and *ebrius* (meaning 'drunk'). The core meaning is 'without intoxication' or 'without excess.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: sobrioPortuguese: sóbrio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sobrio' only used for people who haven't been drinking?

No. While its most common use is to say someone is 'sober' (not drunk), it is also used very frequently to describe things—like clothes, colors, or designs—that are simple, elegant, and not flashy or excessive.

How is 'sobrio' different from 'sereno'?

'Sobrio' usually refers to physical or stylistic restraint (especially regarding alcohol or excess). 'Sereno' means calm, tranquil, or peaceful, referring more to a state of mind or weather.