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How to Say "dependable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

confiable

kon-FYAH-blehkonˈfjaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to a person or entity that is trustworthy, reliable, and can be counted on to perform consistently or show up when expected.
A sturdy blue car driving smoothly on a winding road through a bright, sunny landscape.

Examples

Mi mejor amigo es una persona muy confiable.

My best friend is a very dependable person.

Necesito un coche que sea confiable para viajar.

I need a car that is reliable for traveling.

Esa no me parece una fuente de noticias confiable.

That doesn't seem like a reliable news source to me.

One size fits all

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for men or women. You can say 'un hombre confiable' or 'una mujer confiable'.

Confiable vs. Confiado

Mistake: “Using 'confiado' to mean reliable.”

Correction: Use 'confiable' for someone you can trust. 'Confiado' usually means someone who is too trusting or overconfident.

fiable

fyah-blayˈfja.βle

adjectiveB1general
This term is best used for objects, systems, or processes that function consistently and without failure over time; it emphasizes the lack of defects or errors.
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.

formal

for-MAHLfoɾˈmal

adjectiveB1formal
Choose this word when describing someone who is serious, honorable, and strictly adheres to their commitments and promises, emphasizing their integrity.
A storybook illustration of a person sitting upright at a desk, looking directly ahead with a serious, composed expression, illustrating a serious demeanor.

Examples

Mi jefe es una persona muy formal, siempre cumple su palabra.

My boss is a very dependable person; he always keeps his word.

Necesitamos un socio comercial que sea formal y comprometido.

We need a business partner who is serious and committed.

Confusing 'Confiable' and 'Fiable'

Learners often confuse 'confiable' and 'fiable'. Remember that 'confiable' is usually for people you can trust, while 'fiable' is typically for things or systems that work well. Using 'fiable' for a person can sound a bit odd.

Related Translations

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