ética
/EH-tee-kah/
ethics
A balance scale represents the study of right and wrong, illustrating the concept of ethics.
📝 In Action
La ética es una rama de la filosofía que estudia la conducta humana.
B2Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies human behavior.
En la universidad tomé una clase sobre ética.
B1In university, I took a class on ethics.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Unlike some words starting with 'a', 'ética' always uses 'la' (la ética) because it starts with 'e'. You don't need to change the article to 'el'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Ethics as Singular
Mistake: "Las éticas son importantes."
Correction: La ética es importante.
⭐ Usage Tips
Philosophy vs. Behavior
Use this meaning when talking about the formal study or the concept of what is right and wrong in general.
A kind action illustrates a code of conduct or set of principles in practice.
ética(noun)
ethics
?a set of principles or a code of conduct
morals
?personal standards of behavior
📝 In Action
Su ética de trabajo es admirable.
B1His work ethic is admirable.
El médico debe seguir una ética profesional muy estricta.
B2The doctor must follow a very strict professional ethic.
💡 Grammar Points
Possessive Use
When talking about someone's specific code, use 'su ética' (his/her ethics) or 'tu ética' (your ethics).
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Settings
If you want to praise someone's dedication at work, use 'ética de trabajo' just like in English.
Making a moral choice to care for the environment illustrates an ethical action.
ética(adjective)
ethical
?describing a feminine noun as following moral rules
moral
?in accordance with principles of right conduct
📝 In Action
No fue una decisión ética.
A2It wasn't an ethical decision.
Buscamos una solución que sea ética y justa.
B1We are looking for a solution that is ethical and fair.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matching
This version of the word ('ética') is only used when describing feminine things, like 'la decisión' or 'la persona'. If the thing is masculine, you would use 'ético'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Él es un ética."
Correction: Él es ético.
⭐ Usage Tips
Stronger than 'Good'
Use 'ética' instead of just 'buena' (good) when you want to sound more formal or emphasize that something follows specific rules of right and wrong.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ética
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ética' as a description (adjective)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ética' and 'moral'?
While often used as synonyms, 'ética' usually refers to the formal study or professional codes, while 'moral' often refers to personal or religious beliefs about what is right.
Does 'ética' ever take the article 'el'?
No. Unlike 'el agua' or 'el hambre', 'ética' starts with 'e', so it always uses 'la'.