Inklingo

How to Say "harmless" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inofensivo

ee-no-fen-SEE-boinofenˈsiβo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'inofensivo' when describing something or someone that is physically incapable of causing damage or hurt, often implying they pose no threat.
A tiny, fluffy yellow chick sitting peacefully in a green meadow.

Examples

El gato bebé es muy juguetón pero completamente inofensivo.

The baby cat is very playful but completely harmless.

No tengas miedo, el perro es pequeño e inofensivo.

Don't be afraid, the dog is small and harmless.

Fue solo una broma inofensiva, no quería molestarte.

It was just a harmless joke, I didn't want to upset you.

Muchos creen que este químico es inofensivo para el medio ambiente.

Many believe this chemical is harmless to the environment.

Changing for gender

Remember to change the last letter to 'a' (inofensiva) when describing something feminine, like 'una mentira' (a lie).

Word order

In Spanish, this word usually goes after the thing you are describing: say 'un juego inofensivo' rather than 'an inofensivo juego'.

Spelling Trap

Mistake: “inoffensivo”

Correction: inofensivo (only one 'f' in Spanish!)

Agreement Error

Mistake: “Las serpientes son inofensivo.”

Correction: Las serpientes son inofensivas. (The word must match the plural and feminine subject 'serpientes').

inocente

ee-noh-SEHN-tayi.noˈsen.te

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'inocente' when referring to a person's lack of guilt or culpability for a wrongdoing, or when describing something as naive and lacking malice.
A simple illustration of a person standing in a bright field, holding a white dove, symbolizing innocence and freedom from guilt.

Examples

El jurado declaró al acusado inocente de todos los cargos.

The jury declared the defendant innocent of all charges.

El abogado demostró que su cliente era totalmente inocente.

The lawyer proved that their client was totally innocent (not guilty).

Parece una mentira inocente, pero causó problemas.

It seems like a harmless lie, but it caused problems.

Adjective Form

Since 'inocente' ends in '-e', the form is the same for masculine and feminine: 'el niño inocente' and 'la niña inocente'.

Inofensivo vs. Inocente

Learners often confuse 'inofensivo' and 'inocente' by using 'inocente' when they mean something cannot physically hurt you. Remember, 'inofensivo' is about the lack of physical danger, while 'inocente' relates more to guilt or a lack of malicious intent.

Related Translations

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