Inklingo

How to Say "fair" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fair” is “justo” — use 'justo' when referring to fairness in terms of justice, equality, or impartiality, especially concerning people's treatment or outcomes.

justo🔊B1

Use 'justo' when referring to fairness in terms of justice, equality, or impartiality, especially concerning people's treatment or outcomes.

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razonable🔊A2

Use 'razonable' for things that are sensible, logical, or acceptable, such as prices, explanations, or amounts.

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feria🔊A2

Use 'feria' to talk about a public festival, carnival, or market, often held annually in a town or city.

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decente🔊A2

Use 'decente' to describe something that is adequate, respectable, or meets a minimum standard, often related to quality or behavior.

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limpios🔊B1

Use 'limpios' when 'fair' means honest, transparent, and free from corruption, particularly in business or competition.

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democrático🔊A2

Use 'democrático' when 'fair' refers to a process or system that is representative and gives everyone an equal voice or vote.

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válido🔊B1

Use 'válido' when 'fair' means having a sound basis, logical, or reasonable, often used when agreeing with a point or argument.

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festival🔊A2

Use 'festival' for organized events, often cultural or artistic, that can be similar to a fair but might be more specific in theme.

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rubio🔊A1

Use 'rubio' exclusively when 'fair' describes hair color (blond) or, less commonly, a light complexion.

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English → Spanish

justo

HOOS-tohˈxusto

adjectiveB1
Use 'justo' when referring to fairness in terms of justice, equality, or impartiality, especially concerning people's treatment or outcomes.
A perfectly balanced antique scale of justice, with two identical, simple weights resting evenly on the pans, symbolizing fairness and equality.

Examples

El árbitro fue justo en su decisión.

The referee was fair in his decision.

El profesor es muy justo con todos los estudiantes.

The teacher is very fair with all the students.

Necesito la cantidad justa de azúcar para la receta.

I need the exact amount of sugar for the recipe.

Estos pantalones me quedan un poco justos.

These pants are a bit tight on me.

Making it Match: Gender and Number

When 'justo' is used to describe something (as an adjective), it needs to match the thing it's describing. It changes its ending: justo (for masculine things), justa (for feminine things), justos (for masculine plural), and justas (for feminine plural).

Using 'justo' for 'only'

Mistake: “Quiero justo un café.”

Correction: Quiero solo un café. (I only want one coffee.) Use 'solo' or 'solamente' when you mean 'only' or 'just' in the sense of quantity.

razonable

rah-thoh-NAH-bleh (Spain) / rah-soh-NAH-bleh (L. Am.)raθoˈnaβle

adjectiveA2
Use 'razonable' for things that are sensible, logical, or acceptable, such as prices, explanations, or amounts.
A simplified cartoon figure successfully placing the final block on a stable, perfectly balanced structure, indicating a sensible and well-thought-out approach.

Examples

Pedimos un precio razonable por el trabajo.

We asked for a fair price for the work.

Su explicación sobre el retraso fue muy razonable.

His explanation for the delay was very sensible.

Necesitamos llegar a un acuerdo razonable para ambas partes.

We need to reach a reasonable agreement for both parties.

Ese restaurante tiene precios muy razonables.

That restaurant has very reasonable prices (affordable).

Agreement

Since 'razonable' ends in -e, it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el acuerdo razonable) or feminine (la propuesta razonable). Just add -s for plural.

Confusing with 'Rational'

Mistake: “Using 'racional' when you mean 'sensible' or 'fair price'.”

Correction: 'Racional' usually refers to thinking process or math. Use 'razonable' for fairness and general sensibility.

feria

FEH-ree-ahˈfe.ɾja

nounA2
Use 'feria' to talk about a public festival, carnival, or market, often held annually in a town or city.
A large, brightly colored Ferris wheel at a fairground, reaching high into a clear blue sky.

Examples

La feria del pueblo tiene atracciones para toda la familia.

The town fair has attractions for the whole family.

Todos los años vamos a la feria del pueblo en agosto.

Every year we go to the town fair in August.

Me encantan las atracciones de la feria, especialmente la rueda gigante.

I love the rides at the carnival, especially the Ferris wheel.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'feria' is always treated as a feminine word, so you must use 'la feria' or 'una feria'.

decente

deh-SEHN-tehdeˈθen̪.te

adjectiveA2
Use 'decente' to describe something that is adequate, respectable, or meets a minimum standard, often related to quality or behavior.
A simple, well-made sandwich consisting of turkey and lettuce, neatly cut in half and placed on a plain white plate, illustrating acceptable quality.

Examples

Le ofrecieron un sueldo decente para el puesto.

They offered him a fair salary for the position.

Necesitamos un sueldo decente para pagar las cuentas.

We need a decent salary to pay the bills.

La comida no era gourmet, pero era decente.

The food wasn't gourmet, but it was decent/acceptable.

El apartamento es pequeño, pero está en condiciones decentes.

The apartment is small, but it is in decent condition.

Always Ends in -e

Since 'decente' ends in '-e', it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el trabajo decente) or feminine (la casa decente). Only change the ending for plural: 'decentes'.

limpios

LEEM-pyohsˈlimpjos

adjectiveB1
Use 'limpios' when 'fair' means honest, transparent, and free from corruption, particularly in business or competition.
Two children shaking hands over a board game.

Examples

Esperamos un proceso electoral limpio.

We expect a fair electoral process.

Queremos unos negocios limpios y transparentes.

We want fair and transparent business deals.

Fueron unos combates limpios.

They were fair fights.

Figurative Meaning

When describing a person's history or a game, it means they haven't done anything wrong or illegal.

democrático

deh-mo-KRAH-tee-kodemoˈkɾatiko

adjectiveA2
Use 'democrático' when 'fair' refers to a process or system that is representative and gives everyone an equal voice or vote.
A diverse group of people raising their hands together in a bright, friendly setting to show agreement.

Examples

La votación fue justa y democrática.

The vote was fair and democratic.

Vivimos en un país democrático.

We live in a democratic country.

Es importante seguir un proceso democrático para elegir al líder.

It is important to follow a democratic process to choose the leader.

Las reformas buscan fortalecer los valores democráticos de la sociedad.

The reforms seek to strengthen the democratic values of society.

Matching the Noun

Since this word ends in '-o', it must change to '-a' if the thing you are describing is feminine. For example: 'un sistema democrático' (masculine) but 'una nación democrática' (feminine).

Word Order

In Spanish, describing words like 'democrático' almost always come after the noun they are describing.

Describing a Person

Mistake: “Él es un hombre democrático.”

Correction: Él es un hombre demócrata (if referring to his political affiliation).

válido

BAH-lee-dohˈbalido

adjectiveB1
Use 'válido' when 'fair' means having a sound basis, logical, or reasonable, often used when agreeing with a point or argument.
A golden key fitting perfectly into a lock.

Examples

Tu argumento es válido, pero hay otros factores a considerar.

Your point is fair, but there are other factors to consider.

Tienes un punto válido, pero no estoy de acuerdo.

You have a valid point, but I don't agree.

Esa es una excusa válida por llegar tarde.

That is a valid excuse for arriving late.

Su argumento es válido en este contexto.

His argument is valid in this context.

Abstract Meanings

When talking about ideas or arguments, 'válido' functions just like 'reasonable' in English.

festival

fes-tee-VAHLfestiˈβal

nounA2
Use 'festival' for organized events, often cultural or artistic, that can be similar to a fair but might be more specific in theme.
A simple storybook illustration of a lively outdoor music festival. A performer is on a large stage, and a diverse crowd of tiny, colorful people are gathered below, cheering.

Examples

Fuimos al festival de música en el parque.

We went to the music festival in the park.

El festival de cine de San Sebastián es muy famoso.

The San Sebastián film festival is very famous.

Este verano asistiremos al festival de música electrónica.

This summer we will attend the electronic music festival.

Hubo un festival gastronómico con comida de todo el mundo.

There was a food festival with cuisine from all over the world.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'festival' ends in -al, it is always a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it (el festival, un festival).

Misusing Gender

Mistake: “Saying 'La festival' (The festival).”

Correction: The correct form is 'El festival' because the word is masculine.

rubio

ROO-beeoh'ru.βjo

adjectiveA1
Use 'rubio' exclusively when 'fair' describes hair color (blond) or, less commonly, a light complexion.
A close-up illustration of a thick, wavy braid of bright golden yellow hair.

Examples

Tiene el pelo rubio y los ojos azules.

She has fair hair and blue eyes.

Mi hermana es pelirroja, pero mi hermano es rubio.

My sister is red-haired, but my brother is blond.

Necesitas crema solar si tienes la piel rubia.

You need sunblock if you have fair skin.

Compró un tinte para el pelo de color rubio ceniza.

She bought an ash blond hair dye.

Changing for Gender

As an adjective, 'rubio' must match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'rubia' when describing a female person or a feminine noun (e.g., 'la camisa rubia').

Forgetting Gender Agreement

Mistake: “Mi amiga es rubio.”

Correction: Mi amiga es rubia. (The adjective must end in -a because 'amiga' is feminine.)

Fairness vs. Events vs. Appearance

The most common confusion is between 'justo' (just/impartial) and 'feria'/'festival' (event). Remember that 'justo' relates to equity and justice, while 'feria' and 'festival' refer to public gatherings. Also, don't confuse 'fair' meaning just with 'fair' meaning light-skinned ('rubio').

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