How to Say "honest" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “honest” is “honesto” — use 'honesto' when referring to someone or something that is truthful, does not lie, or is not deceitful in their actions or words..
honesto
oh-NES-toh/oˈnesto/
Examples
Mi hermano es muy honesto y nunca miente.
My brother is very honest and never lies.
¿Puedes darme tu opinión honesta sobre este vestido?
Can you give me your honest opinion on this dress?
Necesitamos un gobierno honesto que trabaje para el pueblo.
We need an honest government that works for the people.
Gender and Number
Since 'honesto' is a describing word, it must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'un hombre honesto,' 'una mujer honesta,' 'unos chicos honestos,' 'unas chicas honestas'.
Using ESTAR instead of SER
Mistake: “Soy honesto (I am honest) vs. Estoy honesto (Incorrect).”
Correction: Always use 'ser' (Soy, Eres, Es, etc.) with 'honesto' because honesty is considered a permanent part of someone's character, not a temporary mood or state.
honrado
ohn-RAH-doh/onˈraðo/
Examples
Mi abuelo era un sastre honrado que siempre cobraba un precio justo.
My grandfather was an honest tailor who always charged a fair price.
Necesitamos políticos honrados que digan la verdad.
We need honorable politicians who tell the truth.
Ella es una mujer honrada, puedes confiar en ella.
She is an honest woman, you can trust her.
Changing Endings
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'honrado' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'honrada' (feminine singular), 'honrados' (masculine plural), and 'honradas' (feminine plural).
Confusing 'Honesto' and 'Honrado'
Mistake: “Using 'honesto' only, when 'honrado' might be better.”
Correction: 'Honrado' often carries a stronger sense of integrity and respectability, especially regarding business or public life, while 'honesto' focuses more on simple truthfulness.
sincero
sin-CEH-roh/sinˈse.ɾo/
Examples
Mi abuela siempre fue una persona muy sincera.
My grandmother was always a very sincere person.
Te doy mi opinión más sincera sobre el proyecto.
I'm giving you my most honest opinion about the project.
Aunque la verdad era dolorosa, agradeció que el doctor fuera sincero.
Although the truth was painful, he appreciated that the doctor was truthful.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'sincero' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use '-a' for feminine nouns (sincera) and add '-s' for plural nouns (sinceros/sinceras).
Using 'Ser'
This word almost always pairs with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes a fundamental quality or personality trait: 'Ella es sincera' (She is sincere).
Forgetting Feminine Form
Mistake: “La profesora es sincero.”
Correction: La profesora es sincera. (Since 'profesora' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
limpio
LIM-pyoh/ˈlimpjo/
Examples
Él tiene un historial limpio.
He has a clean record.
Fue un juego limpio y sin trampas.
It was a fair game without cheating.
Ella quiere tener su conciencia limpia.
She wants to have a clear conscience.
recto
REK-toh/ˈrek.to/
Examples
Es un hombre recto y siempre cumple su palabra.
He is an upright man and always keeps his word.
Buscamos un líder con un carácter recto y principios firmes.
We are looking for a leader with an honest character and firm principles.
Permanent Quality
When describing permanent moral qualities, 'recto' is always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it defines the person's nature.
Honesto vs. Sincero
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