How to Say "inappropriate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “inappropriate” is “inapropiado” — use this word when referring to behavior or comments that are not suitable for a particular social or professional setting, like the workplace.
inapropiado
ee-nah-pro-pyah-dohinapɾoˈpjaðo
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.
inadecuado
ee-nah-deh-kwah-dohinaðeˈkwaðo
Examples
Llevar pantalones cortos a la boda fue inadecuado.
Wearing shorts to the wedding was inappropriate.
Este software es inadecuado para nuestras necesidades.
This software is unsuitable for our needs.
El espacio es inadecuado para tantas personas.
The space is inadequate for so many people.
Matching the word to the subject
Remember to change the ending to match what you are talking about. Use 'inadecuado' for masculine items (el libro) and 'inadecuada' for feminine items (la ropa).
Using it with 'Ser'
We almost always use this word with 'ser' because we are describing a characteristic or quality of something.
Spelling with a 'q'
Mistake: “inadequado”
Correction: inadecuado (In Spanish, we use 'c' before 'u' in this word, unlike English which uses 'q' in 'inadequate'.)
incorrecto
een-koh-RREK-tohiŋkoˈrekto
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.
inconveniente
een-kon-be-nyen-teinkombeˈnjente
Examples
Llamaste en un momento muy inconveniente.
You called at a very inconvenient time.
Ese comentario fue un poco inconveniente dada la situación.
That comment was a bit inappropriate given the situation.
One form for both
This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing (it always ends in 'e').
desafortunado
de-sah-for-too-NAH-dohdesafortuˈnaðo
Examples
El político hizo un comentario desafortunado sobre la economía.
The politician made an inappropriate comment about the economy.
Fue una decisión desafortunada que le costó el trabajo.
It was an ill-advised decision that cost him his job.
Abstract Nouns
When describing abstract ideas like a 'choice' (elección) or 'comment' (comentario), this word acts as a polite way to say someone made a mistake.
Choosing Between Inapropiado, Inadecuado, and Incorrecto
Related Translations
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