Inklingo

How to Say "amiable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

amables

/ah-MAH-blehs//aˈmables/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'amables' for a general, common description of people who are kind, friendly, and pleasant in everyday interactions.
A simple colorful illustration showing two smiling children. One child is handing a single bright red flower to the other child as an act of kindness.

Examples

Los vecinos son muy amables y siempre ayudan.

The neighbors are very kind and always help.

Tus palabras fueron muy amables. Gracias.

Your words were very kind. Thank you.

En general, las enfermeras de este hospital son amables y profesionales.

In general, the nurses at this hospital are friendly and professional.

Plural Adjective Rule

Since the singular form ('amable') ends in a vowel ('e'), you form the plural by simply adding an 's' to the end.

Gender-Neutral

This adjective is 'gender-neutral,' meaning you use 'amables' whether you are describing a group of men (los hombres) or a group of women (las mujeres).

Forgetting Plural Agreement

Mistake: “Los clientes fueron muy amable.”

Correction: Los clientes fueron muy amables. (The adjective must end in -s to match the plural subject.)

gentil

hen-TEEL/xenˈtil/

AdjectiveA2Slightly Formal
Use 'gentil' when you want to describe someone as exceptionally pleasant, polite, and perhaps a bit more formal or refined than usual.
A storybook illustration showing a child offering an apple to a friendly, smiling squirrel, symbolizing kindness.

Examples

Mi vecina es muy gentil y siempre me ayuda con las compras.

My neighbor is very kind and always helps me with the groceries.

Fue un gesto muy gentil de su parte ofrecernos un café.

It was a very nice gesture on his part to offer us coffee.

Necesitas ser más gentil al hablar con niños pequeños.

You need to be gentler when speaking with small children.

Masculine and Feminine

Since 'gentil' ends in -L, it is one of the adjectives that does not change form for masculine or feminine. It only changes in the plural: 'gentiles'.

Using 'gentil' for 'gentle' actions

Mistake: “La tela es gentil (The fabric is gentle).”

Correction: La tela es suave (The fabric is soft). 'Gentil' usually describes character or behavior, not physical qualities like softness.

Amables vs. Gentil

Learners often confuse 'amables' and 'gentil' because both mean 'kind' or 'pleasant.' However, 'amables' is the far more common and versatile term for everyday friendliness. 'Gentil' is less frequent and carries a slightly more formal or elevated tone.

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