Inklingo

How to Say "improper" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “improper” is “inapropiado” — use 'inapropiado' when referring to conduct, speech, or behavior that is not suitable or fitting for a particular social setting or situation.

English → Spanish

inapropiado

ee-nah-pro-pyah-dohinapɾoˈpjaðo

adjectiveB1formal
Use 'inapropiado' when referring to conduct, speech, or behavior that is not suitable or fitting for a particular social setting or situation.
A person wearing a brightly colored swimming suit and goggles inside a formal, quiet library.

Examples

Su comentario fue totalmente inapropiado para la oficina.

His comment was totally inappropriate for the office.

Es un momento inapropiado para hacer bromas.

It is an unsuitable time to make jokes.

Llevar ropa deportiva a una boda es inapropiado.

Wearing sports clothes to a wedding is inappropriate.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending to match the person or thing you are talking about. Use 'inapropiado' for masculine things (el momento) and 'inapropiada' for feminine things (la conducta).

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La situación es inapropiado.”

Correction: La situación es inapropiada. Because 'situación' is feminine, the ending must change to -a.

incorrecto

een-koh-RREK-tohiŋkoˈrekto

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'incorrecto' when an action or behavior deviates from what is considered proper, right, or acceptable in a specific context, often implying a breach of rules or etiquette.
A person wearing bright swim trunks and a snorkel mask at a formal dinner party.

Examples

Su comportamiento en la reunión fue incorrecto.

His behavior at the meeting was inappropriate.

Es incorrecto hablar con la boca llena.

It is improper to talk with your mouth full.

Un trato incorrecto a los clientes puede dañar la empresa.

Improper treatment of customers can damage the company.

Describing actions with 'Es'

When you want to say 'It is wrong to...', use 'Es incorrecto' followed by the action in its base form (like 'Es incorrecto mentir').

Using 'incorrecto' for 'rude'

Mistake: “Él es un hombre incorrecto.”

Correction: Él es un hombre maleducado. Use 'incorrecto' to describe an action or behavior, but use 'maleducado' to describe a person's general character.

irregular

ee-rre-goo-larireɣuˈlaɾ

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'irregular' to describe situations, procedures, or activities that do not follow established rules, norms, or legal standards, often suggesting something is questionable or under investigation.
A person wearing a dark cloak sneaking past a closed gate with a large lock.

Examples

La policía investiga una situación irregular en la empresa.

The police are investigating an improper situation at the company.

Muchos inmigrantes están en situación irregular.

Many immigrants are in an undocumented/unauthorized status.

Hubo un manejo irregular de los fondos públicos.

There was a mishandling of public funds.

Softening Legal Terms

In Spanish, 'irregular' is often used as a slightly softer or more technical way to say 'illegal' when talking about paperwork or immigration status.

Inapropiado vs. Incorrecto

Learners often confuse 'inapropiado' and 'incorrecto'. While both describe something not fitting, 'inapropiado' leans more towards social unsuitability, whereas 'incorrecto' implies a violation of rules or proper conduct, making it a stronger term for 'wrong'.

Related Translations

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