Inklingo

How to Say "disloyal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

infiel

/een-FYEHL//inˈfjel/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'infiel' when referring to a breach of promises, especially in romantic relationships or commitments, implying unfaithfulness.
A sad person sitting on a park bench looking at a wilted flower while two people walk away holding hands in the background.

Examples

Él le fue infiel a su esposa.

He was unfaithful to his wife.

No quiero ser infiel a mis principios.

I don't want to be disloyal to my principles.

One Word for Both Genders

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. You use 'infiel' for both 'él' (he) and 'ella' (she).

Avoid 'infiela'

Mistake: “ella es infiela”

Correction: ella es infiel

traidor

trah-EE-dor/tɾaˈiðoɾ/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'traidor' to describe something or someone that is deceitful or unreliable, often in a more figurative sense, like a memory or a situation that betrays expectations.
An illustration of a beautiful, vibrant green grassy meadow that hides a dangerous, deep sinkhole just beneath the surface, illustrating something treacherous.

Examples

La memoria es traidora cuando uno intenta recordar detalles viejos.

Memory is treacherous/deceitful when one tries to recall old details.

Tuvimos que cruzar un camino traidor lleno de hielo.

We had to cross a treacherous path full of ice.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'traidor' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'camino traidor' (m. singular) but 'sonrisa traidora' (f. singular).

Infiel vs. Traidor

Learners often confuse 'infiel' and 'traidor' by using 'infiel' for general betrayal or deceit. Remember, 'infiel' is primarily for breaking promises or vows, especially romantic ones, while 'traidor' describes something that is inherently unreliable or deceptive.

Related Translations

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