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How to Say "innocent" in Spanish

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inocente

ee-noh-SEHN-tay/i.noˈsen.te/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inocente' when referring to someone who is not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
A simple illustration of a person standing in a bright field, holding a white dove, symbolizing innocence and freedom from guilt.

Examples

El abogado demostró que su cliente era totalmente inocente.

The lawyer proved that their client was totally innocent (not guilty).

Parece una mentira inocente, pero causó problemas.

It seems like a harmless lie, but it caused problems.

Adjective Form

Since 'inocente' ends in '-e', the form is the same for masculine and feminine: 'el niño inocente' and 'la niña inocente'.

ingenuo

/een-HEH-nwoh//inˈxenwo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'ingenuo' to describe someone who is naive, overly trusting, or has a simple, childlike view of the world.
A wide-eyed child in a colorful garden reaching out to touch a bright red ladybug with a look of pure wonder and trust.

Examples

No seas tan ingenuo, ese correo electrónico es una estafa.

Don't be so naive; that email is a scam.

Ella tiene una mirada ingenua que transmite mucha paz.

She has an innocent look that conveys a lot of peace.

Fue un poco ingenuo al pensar que el trabajo sería fácil.

He was a bit naive to think the job would be easy.

Gender Matching

This word changes its ending based on who you are describing. Use 'ingenuo' for a man and 'ingenua' for a woman.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if being naive is part of someone's personality, and 'estar' if they are just acting naive in a specific situation.

Naive vs. Innocent

Mistake: “Using 'inocente' when you mean someone is easily fooled.”

Correction: While 'inocente' means someone hasn't done anything wrong, 'ingenuo' specifically means they trust others too easily.

bendito

ben-DEE-toh/benˈdito/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'bendito' to describe something or someone as blessed, pure, or blameless, often with a sympathetic or even ironic tone.
A single, plain loaf of rustic bread placed on a simple wooden table, illuminated by a gentle, glowing golden light from above, symbolizing something consecrated or blessed.

Examples

El sacerdote roció agua bendita sobre la multitud.

The priest sprinkled blessed water over the crowd.

¡Qué bendito día hemos tenido! El sol brilló toda la mañana.

What a blessed day we've had! The sun shone all morning.

Mi bendito abuelo siempre me cuenta las mismas historias.

My dear grandfather always tells me the same stories.

Gender and Number

As an adjective, 'bendito' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'bendita' (f), 'benditos' (m plural), 'benditas' (f plural).

Mixing up the Adjective and the Exclamation

Mistake: “Using '¡Bendito!' as a regular adjective after a noun (e.g., 'un hombre bendito').”

Correction: While technically correct, 'bendito' usually comes before the noun when used emotionally ('un bendito hombre'). The exclamation '¡Bendito!' is a fixed phrase.

limpio

LIM-pyoh/ˈlimpjo/

adjectiveB1general
Employ 'limpio' when referring to someone's lack of guilt or suspicion, particularly in relation to their record or past behavior.
A simple, old-fashioned balance scale standing perfectly level and centered, symbolizing honesty and fairness.

Examples

Él tiene un historial limpio.

He has a clean record.

Fue un juego limpio y sin trampas.

It was a fair game without cheating.

Ella quiere tener su conciencia limpia.

She wants to have a clear conscience.

Inocente vs. Ingenuo

Learners often confuse 'inocente' and 'ingenuo'. Remember that 'inocente' primarily means 'not guilty' of a crime, while 'ingenuo' refers to naivete or a lack of worldliness. Using 'inocente' for naivete is incorrect.

Related Translations

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