Inklingo

How to Say "decency" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decencia

deh-SEN-syahdeˈθenθja

nounB1general
Use 'decencia' when referring to a person's moral integrity, ethical behavior, or a basic sense of what is right and proper, especially in a social or personal context.
A child helping an elderly person cross a street in a kind and respectful manner.

Examples

Demostró la decencia de admitir su error.

He showed the decency to admit his mistake.

Ten la decencia de decir la verdad.

Have the decency to tell the truth.

Él siempre actúa con mucha decencia en el trabajo.

He always acts with a lot of integrity at work.

La decencia es un valor que se aprende en casa.

Decency is a value that is learned at home.

Always Feminine

This word is always 'la decencia.' Even if you are talking about a man's behavior, the word itself doesn't change its gender.

Using 'La' with General Ideas

When talking about decency as a general concept, Spanish almost always includes the word 'la' (the), whereas English often leaves it out.

Don't confuse with 'Decent'

Mistake: “Es una decencia persona.”

Correction: Es una persona decente. (Use 'decencia' for the idea/noun, and 'decente' to describe a person.)

corrección

nounC1formal
Opt for 'corrección' when you want to highlight adherence to social norms, politeness, proper manners, or formal correctness in behavior and speech.

Examples

Se comportó con gran corrección en todo momento.

He behaved with great propriety at all times.

Decencia vs. Corrección

Learners often confuse 'decencia' and 'corrección' because both relate to proper behavior. Remember that 'decencia' focuses more on inner moral standards and ethical choices, while 'corrección' emphasizes outward conformity to social rules and etiquette.

Related Translations

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