How to Say "doubtful" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “doubtful” is “dudoso” — use 'dudoso' when you want to express that the outcome of something is uncertain or not guaranteed.
dudoso
doo-DOH-sohduˈðoso
Examples
El éxito del proyecto es dudoso.
The success of the project is doubtful.
Juan está dudoso sobre qué coche comprar.
Juan is undecided about which car to buy.
Es un resultado dudoso y necesitamos revisarlo.
It is an uncertain result and we need to check it.
Matching the word to the noun
Since this is a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'dudoso' for masculine items and 'dudosa' for feminine items.
Choosing between 'Ser' and 'Estar'
Use 'ser' when the thing itself is naturally uncertain (un futuro dudoso). Use 'estar' when a person is currently feeling unsure (estoy dudoso).
Confusing 'undecided' with 'doubtful'
Mistake: “Using 'estoy dudoso' to mean 'I am a shady person.'”
Correction: Say 'estoy dudoso' for 'I'm undecided' and 'soy dudoso' if you mean you are a questionable character (though this is rare to say about oneself!).
sospechoso
soh-speh-CHOH-sohsospeˈtʃoso
Examples
Encontraron un paquete sospechoso debajo de la mesa.
They found a suspicious package under the table.
Su comportamiento era muy sospechoso cuando le preguntamos por el dinero.
His behavior was very suspicious when we asked him about the money.
Me parece sospechosa esa oferta de trabajo; pagan demasiado.
That job offer seems doubtful to me; they pay too much.
Matching Endings
As an adjective, 'sospechoso' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. For a feminine noun like 'persona,' you must say 'persona sospechosa.'
Dudoso vs. Sospechoso
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.