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How to Say "discretion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

criterio

kree-TEH-ryohkɾiˈteɾjo

nounB1general
Use 'criterio' when referring to the ability to make a sound judgment or decision based on personal understanding or knowledge.
An owl wearing glasses looking thoughtfully at two different paths, choosing the safer one.

Examples

Confío en tu criterio para elegir el restaurante.

I trust your judgment to choose the restaurant.

Es un hombre con poco criterio; siempre hace lo que otros dicen.

He is a man with little judgment of his own; he always does what others say.

Debes actuar con criterio en situaciones de riesgo.

You must act with discretion in risky situations.

Using 'A' with Criterio

To say 'In my opinion' using this word, use the phrase 'A mi criterio' or 'Según mi criterio'. It works just like 'In my view'.

Masculine Gender

This word is masculine. Even if a woman is speaking about her own judgment, she says 'mi propio criterio'.

Don't confuse with Criticism

Mistake: “Esa es una mala criterio.”

Correction: Esa es una mala crítica. 'Criterio' is about your ability to judge, while 'crítica' is the actual feedback or criticism you give.

discreción

nounB1general
Choose 'discreción' when emphasizing the act of being careful and silent about sensitive or confidential information.

Examples

Valoro mucho tu discreción con este secreto.

I really value your discretion with this secret.

prudencia

proo-DEN-syahpɾuˈden.sja

nounB1general
Use 'prudencia' to describe carefulness and caution, especially in actions, speech, or managing potentially risky situations.
A person carefully testing the stability of a wooden bridge with their foot before crossing a small stream.

Examples

Debes manejar con mucha prudencia cuando hay niebla.

You must drive with great caution when it is foggy.

La prudencia es necesaria antes de tomar una decisión importante.

Prudence is necessary before making an important decision.

Actuó con prudencia y no le contó a nadie el secreto.

He acted with discretion and didn't tell anyone the secret.

Always Feminine

Since this word ends in '-cia,' it is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Used as an Adverb

In Spanish, we often say 'con prudencia' (with prudence) instead of using an adverb like 'prudently.' It sounds much more natural.

Prudencia vs. Prudente

Mistake: “Él maneja con prudente.”

Correction: Él maneja con prudencia. (Use the noun 'prudencia' after 'con,' not the adjective 'prudente').

libertad

lee-behr-TAHDliβeɾˈtað

nounB2general
Opt for 'libertad' when 'discretion' refers to the freedom or power to decide or act as one wishes.
A cheerful person standing confidently on a grassy hill where three distinct, open paths diverge into the distance, symbolizing freedom of choice and personal discretion.

Examples

En este trabajo, tengo mucha libertad para organizar mi horario.

In this job, I have a lot of freedom to organize my schedule.

Los padres deben darles a sus hijos cierta libertad para que aprendan.

Parents should give their children a certain amount of freedom so they can learn.

Me tomé la libertad de pedir un café para ti, espero que te guste.

I took the liberty of ordering a coffee for you, I hope you like it.

Don't use for 'free time'

Mistake: “No tengo mucha libertad esta tarde.”

Correction: To talk about unscheduled time, use 'tiempo libre'. Say: 'No tengo mucho tiempo libre esta tarde.' (I don't have much free time this afternoon).

Confusing 'Criterio' with 'Discreción'

Learners often confuse 'criterio' (judgment) with 'discreción' (confidentiality). Remember, 'criterio' is about making a wise choice, while 'discreción' is about keeping quiet. They are not interchangeable.

Related Translations

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