Inklingo

How to Say "decent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “decent” is “decente” — use this word when referring to something of an acceptable or adequate quality or quantity, like a salary or living conditions.

decente🔊A2

Use this word when referring to something of an acceptable or adequate quality or quantity, like a salary or living conditions.

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correcta🔊B1

Use this when describing behavior or actions that are proper, appropriate, and adhere to social or professional norms.

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respetable🔊B1

Choose this word to describe someone or something that is socially acceptable, esteemed, and worthy of respect.

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honestos🔊A2

Use this when referring to people who exhibit moral uprightness and are considered respectable in their conduct.

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potable🔊B2

This word is used informally to describe something, like a movie or a meal, that is of acceptable, though not outstanding, quality.

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cristiano🔊A1

This translation is primarily used in a religious context, referring to the Christian faith or its moral principles, not general decency.

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English → Spanish

decente

deh-SEHN-tehdeˈθen̪.te

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to something of an acceptable or adequate quality or quantity, like a salary or living conditions.
A simple, well-made sandwich consisting of turkey and lettuce, neatly cut in half and placed on a plain white plate, illustrating acceptable quality.

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-takoˈrekta

adjectiveB1general
Use this when describing behavior or actions that are proper, appropriate, and adhere to social or professional norms.
A young child politely setting a formal dinner table, carefully placing a fork and knife in the precise, appropriate positions next to a clean plate.

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-blehrespeˈtaβle

adjectiveB1general
Choose this word to describe someone or something that is socially acceptable, esteemed, and worthy of respect.
An elderly person being helped across a street by a kind child, showing a scene of honor and esteem.

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-tohsoˈnestos

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to people who exhibit moral uprightness and are considered respectable in their conduct.
A child returning a dropped wallet to a smiling adult in a park.

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.

potable

poh-TAH-blehpoˈta.βle

adjectiveB2informal
This word is used informally to describe something, like a movie or a meal, that is of acceptable, though not outstanding, quality.
A simple, hand-drawn star on a sheet of paper with a yellow background, indicating a satisfactory grade.

Examples

La película no es una obra maestra, pero es potable.

The movie isn't a masterpiece, but it's decent.

El examen me salió potable, creo que voy a aprobar.

The exam went okay for me; I think I'll pass.

Buscamos un candidato que sea medianamente potable para el puesto.

We are looking for a candidate who is somewhat acceptable for the position.

Using 'ser' or 'estar'

We usually use 'ser' with this meaning because we are describing the inherent quality of the thing.

cristiano

krees-tee-AH-nohkrisˈtjano

adjectiveA1religious
This translation is primarily used in a religious context, referring to the Christian faith or its moral principles, not general decency.
A simple, stylized wooden cross standing upright on a small green hill against a bright blue sky.

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. Correcta for Behavior

Learners often confuse 'decente' and 'correcta' when talking about behavior. Remember, 'correcta' specifically refers to actions or conduct that are proper and appropriate, while 'decente' is more about overall acceptable quality or standards.

Related Translations

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