How to Say "clever" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “clever” is “inteligente” — use this word to describe someone or something that possesses general intelligence, high mental capacity, or good reasoning skills.
Use this word to describe someone or something that possesses general intelligence, high mental capacity, or good reasoning skills.
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This word implies being quick-witted and sharp, often in a practical or street-smart way, meaning someone who understands things quickly.
Learn more →Use this to describe someone who is skillful or adept at performing a specific task, especially with their hands or in a practical situation.
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This refers to someone who is mentally alert, quick to understand, and often perceptive or sharp in business or social situations.
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Choose this word when referring to someone who is inventive, resourceful, or has a quick and creative mind, often displayed through wit or original ideas.
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This translation implies cunning and shrewdness, often suggesting someone who is skillful at achieving goals through indirect or clever means, sometimes with a touch of slyness.
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Use this when someone is lively and mentally quick, but be aware it can sometimes imply being sly, sharp, or even a bit mischievous.
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This describes someone who is wise, prudent, and cautious, possessing good judgment and not easily deceived due to their experience.
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This emphasizes exceptional intelligence or talent, often used for students or individuals who perform outstandingly well.
Learn more →in-te-li-HEN-tein.te.liˈxen.te
Examples
Mi hermana es muy inteligente; siempre saca buenas notas.
My sister is very intelligent; she always gets good grades.
Los delfines son animales increíblemente inteligentes.
Dolphins are incredibly intelligent animals.
Fue una decisión inteligente no salir con esta lluvia.
It was a smart decision not to go out in this rain.
One Form for Everyone
'Inteligente' is great because it doesn't change for men or women. You say 'un hombre inteligente' (a smart man) and 'una mujer inteligente' (a smart woman). It stays the same!
Making it Plural
To talk about more than one person or thing, just add an 's' at the end. For example, 'los estudiantes inteligentes' (the smart students).
Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
Mistake: “Estoy inteligente hoy.”
Correction: Use 'ser' for intelligence, as it's a personality trait. Always say 'Soy inteligente' (I am intelligent), not 'Estoy inteligente'.
lees-tohˈlisto
Examples
Mi hermana es la más lista de la clase.
My sister is the smartest in the class.
Es un perro muy listo, aprende los trucos rápido.
He's a very smart dog, he learns tricks quickly.
Tienes que ser muy listo para resolver este problema.
You have to be very clever to solve this problem.
Always Use with 'Ser'
To describe someone as smart or clever, you must use the verb 'ser'. Think of 'smart' as a personality trait or a characteristic, and 'ser' is the verb for characteristics. For example, 'Ella es muy lista' (She is very smart).
Using 'Estar' Instead of 'Ser'
Mistake: “Mi profesor está muy listo.”
Correction: Mi profesor es muy listo. Saying 'está listo' means your teacher is 'ready' for something. To say he is an intelligent person, you must use 'ser'.
hábil
Examples
Mi abuelo es muy hábil con las herramientas.
My grandfather is very handy with tools.
des-PYEHR-tohdesˈpjeɾto
Examples
Es un hombre de negocios muy despierto.
He is a very sharp businessman.
La niña es muy despierta y aprende rápido.
The girl is very clever and learns quickly.
Figurative Sense
In this meaning, 'despierto' describes a lasting quality, so it often pairs with 'ser' (to be permanent) to talk about someone's character: 'Es despierto' (He is clever).
een-hen-YOH-sohĩnxeˈnjoso
Examples
Su discurso fue muy ingenioso y todos se rieron.
His speech was very witty and everyone laughed.
Es un niño ingenioso que siempre tiene una respuesta para todo.
He is a clever boy who always has an answer for everything.
Gender Agreement
Remember that this word must match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'ingenioso' for masculine words and 'ingeniosa' for feminine words.
Ingenioso vs. Genial
Mistake: “Using 'ingenioso' to mean 'great' or 'awesome'.”
Correction: Use 'genial' for 'great'. Use 'ingenioso' specifically for someone who is 'clever' or 'funny' in a smart way.
ah-STOO-tohasˈtuto
Examples
El zorro es un animal muy astuto.
The fox is a very cunning animal.
Ella es una negociadora astuta; siempre consigue el mejor precio.
She is a shrewd negotiator; she always gets the best price.
Necesitas ser astuto para ganar este juego de estrategia.
You need to be clever to win this strategy game.
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'astuto' must match the person or thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): astuto (m. sing.), astuta (f. sing.), astutos (m. plur.), astutas (f. plur).
Confusing Cleverness
Mistake: “Using 'astuto' when you just mean generally 'smart' (like good grades).”
Correction: Use 'inteligente' or 'listo' for general smartness. 'Astuto' implies a specific, often strategic or crafty type of cleverness.
bee-boh'bibo
Examples
Es una niña muy viva, siempre está haciendo preguntas.
She's a very sharp/lively girl, she's always asking questions.
Tienes que ser muy vivo para tener éxito en este negocio.
You have to be very clever to succeed in this business.
Use with 'Ser'
When describing personality traits like being sharp or clever, you use the verb 'ser' (e.g., 'Ella es muy viva'). This is because you're talking about a more permanent characteristic.
ah-bee-SAH-dohaβiˈsaðo
Examples
Es un hombre avisado que no se deja engañar fácilmente.
He is a shrewd man who isn't easily fooled.
The 'Wise' Meaning
In this context, the word usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'un inversor avisado') to describe a permanent quality of being smart and careful.
bree-YAHN-taybɾiˈʎante
Examples
Tu hermano es un estudiante brillante; siempre saca las mejores notas.
Your brother is a brilliant student; he always gets the best grades.
La actriz tuvo una actuación brillante en la obra de teatro.
The actress gave a brilliant performance in the play.
El plan que propusiste es realmente brillante.
The plan you proposed is truly brilliant.
Describing Qualities
Use 'brillante' with the verb ser (like 'es' or 'son') because it describes a fundamental, lasting quality of a person or idea, not a temporary state.
Inteligente vs. Listo
The most common confusion is between 'inteligente' and 'listo'. While both relate to mental ability, 'inteligente' refers to general intelligence or intellect, whereas 'listo' emphasizes quick-wittedness and being sharp or street-smart.
Related Translations
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