Inklingo

How to Say "ethical" in Spanish

English → Spanish

moral

moh-RAHL/moˈɾal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'moral' when referring to actions or principles that are good and right according to one's conscience or a widely accepted sense of virtue.
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.'

ética

adjectiveA2general
Use 'ética' specifically when describing a feminine noun (like 'decisión' or 'conducta') as being in line with established rules of conduct or professional standards.

Examples

No fue una decisión ética.

It wasn't an ethical decision.

honorable

oh-noh-RAH-bleh/o.noˈɾa.βle/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'honorable' to describe a person or their actions as being worthy of respect and admiration due to integrity and upright character.
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'.

Moral vs. Ética

Learners often confuse 'moral' and 'ética'. Remember that 'moral' refers to general goodness and principles, while 'ética' is often used to describe actions that follow specific rules or standards, especially when modifying a feminine noun like 'decisión'.

Related Translations

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