Inklingo

How to Say "credibility" in Spanish

English → Spanish

credibilidad

kre-dee-bee-lee-DAHDkɾeðibiliˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'credibilidad' when referring to the general quality of being trusted or believed, similar to its English counterpart.
A friendly person looking someone in the eye and shaking their hand warmly, symbolizing trust.

Examples

Tu historia no tiene mucha credibilidad.

Your story doesn't have much credibility.

El periodista perdió su credibilidad después de publicar noticias falsas.

The journalist lost his credibility after publishing false news.

Es imperativo restaurar la credibilidad institucional para asegurar la estabilidad del país.

It is imperative to restore institutional credibility to ensure the country's stability.

The '-dad' Rule

In Spanish, words that end in '-dad' are almost always feminine. This means you should always use 'la' or 'una' with 'credibilidad'.

Abstract Concept Usage

Just like in English, this word describes an abstract quality, so it is rarely used in the plural form (credibilidades).

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “El credibilidad es importante.”

Correction: La credibilidad es importante. Because it ends in -dad, it is feminine.

Confusing with 'Credencial'

Mistake: “Él tiene buenas credibilidades para el trabajo.”

Correction: Él tiene buenas credenciales para el trabajo. 'Credibilidad' is about being believable, 'credenciales' are your qualifications.

crédito

nounC1general
Use 'crédito' when the focus is on the believability or trustworthiness of a specific statement, testimony, or person, often implying that this trust has been earned or lost.

Examples

Su testimonio perdió todo crédito después de que se descubrieron las mentiras.

His testimony lost all credibility after the lies were discovered.

fe

/fay/ (rhymes with the English word 'day')fe

nounC1formal
Use 'fe' when you mean 'faith' or 'belief' in something's authenticity or validity, often in a more formal or legal context, or when attesting to something.
A perfectly crafted, smooth, and detailed wooden key resting on a simple red velvet cushion, representing authenticity and validity.

Examples

El abogado dio fe de la firma del contrato.

The lawyer attested to (certified) the signature on the contract.

Se presume que actuó de buena fe durante las negociaciones.

It is presumed that he acted in good faith during the negotiations.

The 'Dar Fe' Phrase

The phrase 'dar fe' is used when someone (often an official like a notary or clerk) confirms that something is true, real, or happened, giving it legal weight.

Credibilidad vs. Crédito

Learners often confuse 'credibilidad' and 'crédito'. Remember that 'credibilidad' is the general quality of being believable, while 'crédito' often refers to the specific trust or believability that a particular statement or person holds, and can be lost.

Related Translations

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