Inklingo

How to Say "honesty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

honestidad

/oh-nes-tee-DAHD//ones-tiˈðað/

nounB1General
Use 'honestidad' when referring to the general quality of being truthful and fair in actions and statements.
A child handing a lost wallet back to a person in a park.

Examples

Valoro mucho tu honestidad.

I value your honesty very much.

Ella respondió con total honestidad.

She answered with total honesty.

La honestidad es fundamental en el trabajo.

Honesty is fundamental at work.

Identifying Feminine Words

Most Spanish words that end in '-dad' are feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' with them, like 'la honestidad'.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “el honestidad”

Correction: la honestidad (words ending in -dad are almost always feminine).

sinceridad

/seen-seh-ree-DAHD//sinθeɾiˈðad/

nounB1General
Choose 'sinceridad' specifically when you want to emphasize the act or quality of speaking the truth openly and frankly.
A person holding their hand over their heart with a warm, honest expression on their face.

Examples

Aprecio mucho tu sinceridad.

I really appreciate your sincerity.

Él habló con total sinceridad sobre sus errores.

He spoke with total honesty about his mistakes.

La sinceridad es importante en una relación.

Sincerity is important in a relationship.

Always Feminine

Words ending in '-dad' in Spanish are almost always feminine, so you should use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Sincerity vs. Honesty

Mistake: “Using 'honestidad' only when you mean someone doesn't lie.”

Correction: While similar, 'sinceridad' is better when describing the quality of being open about your feelings, whereas 'honestidad' often refers to integrity or not stealing.

integridad

/in-te-gri-dad//inteɣriˈðað/

nounB1Formal
Use 'integridad' to describe a person's strong moral character and trustworthiness, especially in professional or ethical contexts.
A simple illustration showing a child standing confidently next to a tall, unshakeable stone pillar, symbolizing strong moral character and integrity.

Examples

La jueza es conocida por su absoluta integridad y justicia.

The judge is known for her absolute integrity and fairness.

Perdió la elección por cuestionar la integridad de su oponente.

He lost the election for questioning his opponent's integrity.

Valoramos su integridad y por eso le ofrecimos el puesto.

We value his integrity and that's why we offered him the position.

Always Feminine

Like many Spanish nouns ending in '-dad' (e.g., ciudad, verdad), 'integridad' is always feminine. Use 'la' before it.

limpieza

/leem-PYEH-sah//limˈpje.sa/

nounB1Figurative
Opt for 'limpieza' when you want to convey a sense of moral purity or incorruptibility, often implying a spotless reputation.
A figure standing resolutely on a solid, unmoving block of white stone, illuminated by a single beam of pure white light, symbolizing unwavering moral integrity.

Examples

Su limpieza de espíritu lo hacía un líder admirable.

His integrity (or purity of spirit) made him an admirable leader.

El presidente destacó la limpieza de sus intenciones.

The president highlighted the purity of his intentions.

Honestidad vs. Sinceridad

Learners often confuse 'honestidad' and 'sinceridad'. While both relate to truth, 'honestidad' is a broader trait of being truthful and fair, whereas 'sinceridad' focuses more narrowly on the act of speaking truthfully.

Related Translations

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