sobrio
/so-brio/
sober
When someone is sobrio, they are sober and clear-headed.
📝 In Action
Después de la fiesta, Juan se aseguró de que estaba sobrio antes de conducir.
A2After the party, Juan made sure he was sober before driving.
Necesitas estar sobria para firmar estos documentos.
B1You need to be clear-headed (sober) to sign these documents.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
As an adjective, 'sobrio' must match the person or thing it describes: 'un hombre sobrio' (masculine) but 'una mujer sobria' (feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
This meaning usually describes a temporary state, so use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) rather than 'ser' (to be permanently): 'Ella está sobria'.
Sobrio can describe a style that is understated, modest, and elegant in its simplicity.
sobrio(adjective)
understated
?style or design
,plain
?color or appearance
modest
?behavior or personality
,simple
?general description
📝 In Action
La decoración de la oficina era sobria y elegante.
B1The office decor was simple/understated and elegant.
Prefiere vestir con colores sobrios, como el gris y el azul marino.
B2She prefers to dress in plain/neutral colors, like grey and navy blue.
Su comportamiento siempre fue sobrio y discreto.
B2His behavior was always modest and discreet.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Ser'
When describing style or personality, this is usually a characteristic, so use the verb 'ser' (to be permanent): 'El diseño es sobrio' (The design is understated).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Aesthetics
Use 'sobrio' instead of 'aburrido' (boring) when you mean 'simple' or 'minimalist' in a positive, elegant way.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sobrio
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sobrio' to describe a lack of alcohol?
📚 More Resources
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.