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How to Say "credible" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creíble

adjectiveB1general
Use 'creíble' when referring to a person, statement, excuse, or story that is believable or convincing.

Examples

Tu excusa no es muy creíble.

Your excuse is not very believable.

fiable

/fyah-blay//ˈfja.βle/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'fiable' when talking about a person, object, or source that is dependable, trustworthy, or reliable over time.
A sturdy red tractor driving smoothly through a green field under a bright sun.

Examples

Mi coche tiene diez años pero todavía es muy fiable.

My car is ten years old but it is still very reliable.

Necesitamos encontrar a un testigo que sea fiable.

We need to find a witness who is trustworthy.

Esta página web no parece una fuente de información fiable.

This website does not seem like a reliable source of information.

One ending for everyone

Unlike many Spanish words, 'fiable' doesn't change its ending for men or women. You can say 'un hombre fiable' or 'una mujer fiable'.

Using 'ser' vs 'estar'

We almost always use 'fiable' with the verb 'ser' because reliability is seen as a permanent quality of a person or thing.

Don't say 'fiablo' or 'fiabla'

Mistake: “El coche es fiablo.”

Correction: El coche es fiable. Remember, adjectives ending in -e stay the same regardless of gender.

Confusing Believable vs. Reliable

Learners often confuse 'creíble' and 'fiable'. Remember, 'creíble' is about whether something sounds true or convincing. 'Fiable' is about whether something consistently works or can be depended upon.

Related Translations

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