How to Say "decent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “decent” is “decente” — use this word when referring to something that meets an acceptable standard of quality or quantity, such as a salary or living conditions..
decente
/deh-SEHN-teh//deˈθen̪.te/
Examples
Necesitamos un sueldo decente para pagar las cuentas.
We need a decent salary to pay the bills.
La comida no era gourmet, pero era decente.
The food wasn't gourmet, but it was decent/acceptable.
El apartamento es pequeño, pero está en condiciones decentes.
The apartment is small, but it is in decent condition.
Always Ends in -e
Since 'decente' ends in '-e', it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el trabajo decente) or feminine (la casa decente). Only change the ending for plural: 'decentes'.
correcta
co-RREC-ta/koˈrekta/
Examples
Su conducta en la reunión fue muy correcta y profesional.
Her conduct in the meeting was very proper and professional.
Aunque no le gustaba la comida, mantuvo una actitud correcta.
Even though she didn't like the food, she maintained a polite attitude.
Ella insiste en que la etiqueta sea siempre correcta en la mesa.
She insists that table manners always be proper.
Describing People
When describing a person's character or manners, 'correcta' usually means they are polite, well-behaved, or follow social rules.
respetable
/rreh-speh-TAH-bleh//respeˈtaβle/
Examples
Es un profesor muy respetable en nuestra comunidad.
He is a very respectable teacher in our community.
Su opinión es perfectamente respetable, aunque no estemos de acuerdo.
Your opinion is perfectly respectable, even if we don't agree.
One Form for All
This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change based on gender. You use 'respetable' for both men and women, and for both masculine and feminine objects.
Confusing 'Respectful' and 'Respectable'
Mistake: “Using 'respetable' to say someone shows respect to others.”
Correction: Use 'respetuoso' for someone who gives respect, and 'respetable' for someone who deserves respect.
honestos
/oh-NEHS-tohs//oˈnestos/
Examples
Ellos son hombres muy honestos.
They are very honest men.
Necesitamos resultados honestos para el proyecto.
We need honest results for the project.
Fueron honestos sobre lo que pasó ayer.
They were truthful about what happened yesterday.
Matching the Ending
In Spanish, describing words must match the group they describe. The '-os' ending tells us this word is describing a group of males or a mixed group of males and females.
Plurality
Since this word ends in '-os', it is always used for more than one person or thing. For just one male, you would use 'honesto'.
Using 'honestos' for all-female groups
Mistake: “Las niñas son honestos.”
Correction: Las niñas son honestas. Use the '-as' ending when describing a group that is 100% female.
cristiano
/krees-tee-AH-noh//krisˈtjano/
Examples
La Navidad es la celebración más importante del calendario cristiano.
Christmas is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.
Necesitamos tener un comportamiento más cristiano con los vecinos.
We need to have more decent/Christian behavior toward our neighbors.
El arte cristiano antiguo es fascinante.
Ancient Christian art is fascinating.
Masculine/Feminine Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'cristiano' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'cristiana' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'cultura cristiana').
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: “Hablamos de la fe cristiano.”
Correction: Hablamos de la fe cristiana. ('Fe' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'cristiana'.)
Decente vs. Correcto for Behavior
Related Translations
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