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How to Say "civilized" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “civilized” is “civilizado” — use 'civilizado' when referring to a society, culture, or a person who is considered advanced in terms of social development, manners, and customs..

English → Spanish

civilizado

/see-bee-lee-SAH-doh//siβiliˈθaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'civilizado' when referring to a society, culture, or a person who is considered advanced in terms of social development, manners, and customs.
A bustling ancient city with beautiful architecture, paved streets, and people in clean tunics walking peacefully.

Examples

Vivimos en un mundo civilizado con reglas claras.

We live in a civilized world with clear rules.

Es el derecho de cualquier sociedad civilizada.

It is the right of any civilized society.

Incluso en las regiones más civilizadas existen conflictos.

Even in the most civilized regions, conflicts exist.

Matching the Ending

This word must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'civilizado' for masculine things and 'civilizada' for feminine things.

Using with 'Ser'

Since being 'civilized' is usually considered a characteristic or trait, it is almost always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

The 'Civil' Confusion

Mistake: “Usar 'civil' para hablar de comportamiento educado.”

Correction: Use 'civilizado' for 'civilized' behavior; 'civil' usually refers to law or citizen rights (like 'derechos civiles').

cívico

adjectiveB2general
Use 'cívico' to describe behavior that is polite, respectful, or shows a sense of duty towards the community or public space.

Examples

Fue un acto cívico denunciar el vandalismo en el parque.

It was a public-spirited act to report the vandalism in the park.

Civilizado vs. Cívico

Learners often confuse 'civilizado' and 'cívico' by using 'civilizado' for individual behavior. Remember, 'civilizado' usually describes a society's development, while 'cívico' refers to an individual's respectful actions within a community.

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