Inklingo

How to Say "ethical" in Spanish

English → Spanish

moral

moh-RAHLmoˈɾal

adjectiveA2general
Use 'moral' when referring to an action or person that possesses good principles or adheres to a widely accepted standard of right and wrong.
A split image showing a simple, cheerful person on the left gently placing a coin into a donation box (representing 'right'), and on the right, the same person frowning while taking a coin out of the box (representing 'wrong').

Examples

Tomar esa decisión fue un acto muy moral.

Making that decision was a very moral act.

Necesitamos un líder moral que nos guíe.

We need an ethical leader to guide us.

Su comportamiento siempre ha sido moralmente correcto.

His behavior has always been morally correct.

Adjective Form

As an adjective, 'moral' is one of those words that stays the same whether the thing you are describing is masculine ('el acto moral') or feminine ('la obligación moral').

Confusing Adjective and Noun

Mistake: “La persona tiene mucho moral.”

Correction: La persona es muy moral. (The person is very ethical.) The noun 'moral' usually means 'morale' or 'ethics,' not 'ethical person.'

ético

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ético' when the context is specifically about a system of moral principles, often in a professional, academic, or philosophical context.

Examples

Él es un hombre muy ético.

He is a very ethical man.

honorable

oh-noh-RAH-bleho.noˈɾa.βle

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'honorable' to describe a person or their conduct that demonstrates high integrity, respectability, and adherence to a personal code of honor.
A young person bowing slightly to an elderly, distinguished man, symbolizing respect and honor.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre honorable en su comunidad.

My grandfather was always an honorable man in his community.

Tomaron la decisión más honorable, aunque fuera la más difícil.

They made the most honorable decision, even if it was the most difficult one.

Adjective Ending

Since 'honorable' ends in -e, it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'hombre honorable' and 'mujer honorable').

False Cognate Misuse

Mistake: “Using 'honorable' to mean 'honorary' (like an honorary degree).”

Correction: Use 'honorario' for things like degrees or positions given as an honor, not 'honorable'. 'Honorable' means 'worthy of respect'.

Choosing Between 'Moral' and 'Ético'

Learners often confuse 'moral' and 'ético'. Remember that 'moral' is broader, referring to general good conduct, while 'ético' is more specific, relating to established codes of conduct, especially in professional settings. If it's about a personal sense of right and wrong, 'moral' is usually the better fit.

Related Translations

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