How to Say "cynical" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “cynical” is “cínico” — B2 level.
Examples
Me parece muy cínico que pidas honestidad cuando tú siempre mientes.
I find it very shameless that you ask for honesty when you always lie.
El político dio una respuesta cínica para evitar el escándalo.
The politician gave a brazen response to avoid the scandal.
No seas cínico, todos vimos lo que hiciste.
Don't be shameless, we all saw what you did.
Describing People with 'Ser'
Since being 'cínico' is usually seen as a deep-rooted personality trait or a character flaw, we use the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.
Gender and Number Agreement
This word must change to match the person it describes: 'un hombre cínico' (a shameless man) or 'una mujer cínica' (a shameless woman).
The False Friend Trap
Mistake: “Using 'cínico' to mean someone who is simply skeptical or pessimistic.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'cínico' is much harsher than the English word 'cynical.' While English 'cynical' means you doubt others' motives, Spanish 'cínico' means YOU are the one acting shamelessly or lying without regret.
Related Translations
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