Inklingo

How to Say "clear-headed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lúcido

adjectiveB1general
Use 'lúcido' when referring to someone who is mentally sharp and fully capable of thinking rationally, especially when this clarity might be unexpected due to age or circumstance.

Examples

A pesar de tener 90 años, mi abuelo está muy lúcido.

Despite being 90 years old, my grandfather is very clear-headed.

sobrio

so-brioˈso.βɾjo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'sobrio' when 'clear-headed' specifically means not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, emphasizing mental alertness after a period of potential impairment.
A calm, composed person with a clear expression sitting at a small table, gently sipping from a glass of clear water.

Examples

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

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

Necesitas estar sobria para firmar estos documentos.

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

Gender Agreement

As an adjective, 'sobrio' must match the person or thing it describes: 'un hombre sobrio' (masculine) but 'una mujer sobria' (feminine).

Lúcido vs. Sobrio

Learners often confuse 'lúcido' and 'sobrio' because both imply a state of mental clarity. Remember that 'lúcido' refers to general mental sharpness and full faculties, while 'sobrio' specifically means sober and not intoxicated.

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