Inklingo

How to Say "immature" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inmaduro

een-mah-DOO-rohinmaˈðuɾo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inmaduro' when describing someone's personality or behavior as not being developed or responsible enough for their age or situation.
A person wearing a business suit while jumping into a ball pit.

Examples

Él es muy inmaduro para su edad.

He is very immature for his age.

Fue un comentario inmaduro por su parte.

It was a childish comment on his part.

A veces actúas de forma inmadura.

Sometimes you act in an immature way.

Ser vs. Estar with People

Use 'ser' if being immature is a personality trait. Use 'estar' if someone is just acting immaturely at this specific moment.

Spelling with M

Mistake: “immaduro”

Correction: inmaduro. In Spanish, we use 'in-' as a prefix, not 'im-' like in the English word 'immature'.

infantil

een-fahn-TEELin.fanˈtil

adjectiveB1general
Use 'infantil' specifically when someone's behavior is childish or displays a lack of seriousness expected of an adult.
An illustration of an adult person sitting on the ground, arms crossed, pouting and looking frustrated, symbolizing childish or immature behavior.

Examples

No seas infantil, compórtate como un adulto.

Don't be childish; behave like an adult.

Tuvimos una discusión muy infantil sobre quién usaría el control remoto.

We had a very silly argument about who would use the remote control.

Su excusa era tan infantil que nadie la creyó.

His excuse was so childish that no one believed it.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

When describing someone's typical personality, use 'ser' (e.g., 'Él es infantil'). If describing a temporary behavior, you might use 'estar' (e.g., 'Hoy estás muy infantil').

Inmaduro vs. Infantil

The most common mistake is using 'infantil' when you mean 'inmaduro'. Remember, 'infantil' specifically refers to childish *behavior*, while 'inmaduro' is a broader term for a lack of overall maturity in personality or development.

Related Translations

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