Inklingo

How to Say "diligent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

trabajador

trah-bah-hah-DOR/tɾaβaxaˈðoɾ/

adjectiveA2formal
Use 'trabajador' when you want to emphasize someone's general hard-working nature and dedication to their tasks.
A diligent farmer wearing a straw hat is kneeling and planting seeds in long, neat rows of soil under a bright sun.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy trabajador y siempre termina sus tareas a tiempo.

My brother is very hard-working and always finishes his tasks on time.

Los estudiantes más trabajadores obtuvieron las mejores notas.

The most diligent students got the best grades.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish describing words, 'trabajador' must match the person or thing it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'una mujer trabajadora' (a hard-working woman).

Incorrect Plural Form

Mistake: “Saying 'trabajadores' for a singular noun, like 'el coche trabajadores'.”

Correction: Only add '-es' for plural: 'los coches son trabajadores' (if the cars were somehow diligent), but 'el coche es trabajador' (singular car).

trabajadores

trah-bah-hah-DOH-rehs/tɾaβaxaˈðoɾes/

adjectiveA2formal
Use 'trabajadores' (plural) when referring to multiple people who are diligent and focused on completing their work efficiently.
A determined child with sweat dripping, vigorously pulling a rope attached to a heavy sled piled high with colorful objects, showing extreme effort.

Examples

Son estudiantes muy trabajadores y siempre entregan a tiempo.

They are very hardworking students and always hand things in on time.

Las hormigas son insectos extremadamente trabajadores.

Ants are extremely industrious insects.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'trabajadores' must match the number and gender of the noun it describes. Since it ends in '-es', it's describing a plural, masculine noun (or a mixed group).

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Ellos son trabajador. (Missing the agreement)”

Correction: Ellos son trabajadores. (The description must agree with the 'ellos'.)

cuidadoso

/kwee-dah-DOH-soh//kwiðaˈðoso/

adjectiveA2formal
Use 'cuidadoso' when the diligence involves being careful, meticulous, and paying close attention to detail in an action or task.
A small, simplified character holding a large, fragile white egg very gently in both hands, illustrating carefulness and caution.

Examples

Mi abuelo es muy cuidadoso con sus herramientas de jardín.

My grandfather is very careful with his garden tools.

Ella fue cuidadosa al hablar para no ofender a nadie.

She was cautious when speaking so as not to offend anyone.

El informe del arquitecto fue muy cuidadoso y detallado.

The architect's report was very thorough and detailed.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'cuidadoso' describes a person or thing, its ending must change to match the gender and number: 'cuidadoso' (masculine singular), 'cuidadosa' (feminine singular), 'cuidadosos' (masculine plural), and 'cuidadosas' (feminine plural).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Using 'cuidadoso' to describe how an action is done (e.g., 'Ella conduce cuidadoso').”

Correction: Use the adverb 'cuidadosamente' to describe the action: 'Ella conduce cuidadosamente' (She drives carefully).

Hard Work vs. Careful Attention

The most common confusion is between 'trabajador'/'trabajadores' and 'cuidadoso'. Remember, 'trabajador' focuses on the effort and amount of work done, while 'cuidadoso' highlights the carefulness and attention to detail involved.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.