Inklingo

How to Say "diligent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “diligent” is “trabajador” — use this term to describe someone who works hard and is consistently industrious, emphasizing their general work ethic.

English → Spanish

trabajador

trah-bah-hah-DORtɾaβaxaˈðoɾ

adjectiveA2formal
Use this term to describe someone who works hard and is consistently industrious, emphasizing their general work ethic.
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).

aplicado

ah-plee-KAH-doha.pli.ˈka.ðo

adjectiveA2formal
This word highlights thoroughness and dedication, especially in academic or professional settings, suggesting someone who applies themselves diligently to their studies or work.
A young student sitting at a desk with a stack of books, focused on writing in a notebook.

Examples

Juan es el estudiante más aplicado de la clase.

Juan is the most diligent student in the class.

Si eres aplicada con tus estudios, sacarás buenas notas.

If you are studious with your studies, you will get good grades.

Buscamos a alguien aplicado y responsable para este puesto.

We are looking for someone diligent and responsible for this position.

Matching the Person

Like most words describing people, this word changes its ending. Use 'aplicado' for a boy, 'aplicada' for a girl, and add an 's' for groups.

Describing Character

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) with this word because it describes a person's lasting personality or habit, not just a temporary mood.

Job Applications

Mistake: “He aplicado para el trabajo.”

Correction: He solicitado el trabajo.

cuidadoso

kwee-dah-DOH-sohkwiðaˈðoso

adjectiveA2formal
Choose this word when 'diligent' implies great care, attention to detail, and meticulousness in performing a task or handling something.
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).

trabajadores

trah-bah-hah-DOH-rehstɾaβaxaˈðoɾes

adjectiveA2formal
Use this plural form when referring to multiple people who are focused on their tasks and consistently complete them on time.
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 diligent 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'.)

Trabajador vs. Aplicado

Learners often confuse 'trabajador' (hard-working) and 'aplicado' (diligent, thorough). While both imply effort, 'trabajador' focuses more on the act of working hard, whereas 'aplicado' emphasizes focused effort and dedication to a specific task or study.

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