Inklingo

How to Say "indecisive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

indeciso

/een-deh-SEE-soh//indeˈsiso/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word to describe a person's general personality trait of hesitating when making choices, such as what to eat or wear.
A person standing at a fork in a forest path, looking at two different directions with a thoughtful expression.

Examples

Soy muy indeciso cuando tengo que elegir qué comer.

I am very indecisive when I have to choose what to eat.

Ella está indecisa sobre qué carrera estudiar.

She is undecided about which career to study.

El resultado del partido sigue indeciso.

The result of the game is still unsettled.

Matching Gender

This word changes its ending based on who you are talking about. Use 'indeciso' for men and 'indecisa' for women.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally an indecisive person (personality). Use 'estar' if they are just having trouble picking something right now (temporary state).

The 'Indecisivo' Trap

Mistake: “Él es muy indecisivo.”

Correction: Él es muy indeciso. In Spanish, 'indeciso' is the standard word for people; 'indecisivo' is much less common and often sounds like an English mistake.

ambiguo

am-BEE-gwoh/amˈbi.ɣwo/

adjectiveC1formal
Choose this term when referring to someone, especially a public figure, who avoids taking a clear stance or committing to a particular side.
A person standing with their arms crossed and a neutral expression, wearing a plain grey cloak that blends into a grey background.

Examples

Es un político muy ambiguo que nunca toma partido.

He is a very non-committal politician who never takes a side.

No seas tan ambiguo, dime si te gusta el plan o no.

Don't be so non-committal, tell me if you like the plan or not.

Describing People

When you call a person 'ambiguo,' you are usually being a bit critical of their lack of clarity or honesty.

tibio

/TEE-byoh//ˈti.βjo/

adjectiveB2general
Employ this word to describe a response or stance that lacks firmness or enthusiasm, often implying a lack of strong conviction.
A person giving a small, weak clap with a bored and indifferent facial expression.

Examples

Su respuesta fue un poco tibia; esperaba más entusiasmo.

His response was a bit half-hearted; I expected more enthusiasm.

No seas tibio y toma una decisión ahora.

Don't be indecisive and make a decision now.

El público le dio un tibio aplauso al final de la obra.

The audience gave him a lukewarm applause at the end of the play.

Using 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Use 'ser tibio' to describe a person's permanent indecisive personality. Use 'estar tibio' to describe a specific reaction or the temperature of an object right now.

Thinking it only applies to water

Mistake: “Only using 'tibio' for drinks.”

Correction: Remember that in Spanish, people's opinions and politics can also be 'tibias' if they don't take a side.

Choosing Between 'Indeciso' and 'Ambiguo'

Learners often use 'ambiguo' when they simply mean 'indeciso'. Remember that 'ambiguo' specifically relates to not taking sides or being unclear in one's position, while 'indeciso' refers to general difficulty in making personal choices.

Related Translations

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