Inklingo

How to Say "justified" in Spanish

English → Spanish

justificado

/hoos-tee-fee-KAH-doh//xustifiˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this when something has a good reason or is logically sound.
A child helping an elderly person carry groceries, showing a clear good reason for their action.

Examples

Su enfado está totalmente justificado.

His anger is totally justified.

No creo que ese gasto extra esté justificado.

I don't think that extra expense is justified.

El retraso está justificado por la huelga de trenes.

The delay is warranted due to the train strike.

Por favor, entrega el documento con el texto justificado.

Please, submit the document with the text justified (aligned).

Matching the Noun

Since this is a describing word, it must change to match the gender and number of the thing you are talking about. Use 'justificado' for masculine things and 'justificada' for feminine things.

Using it with 'Estar'

We usually use this word with 'estar' because being justified is seen as a state or a result of a specific reason, rather than a permanent personality trait.

The 'Completed Action' form

This word is actually the 'past participle' of the verb 'justificar.' While it acts as a description here, it literally means 'having been justified.'

Justificado vs. Justo

Mistake: “Esa decisión no es justificada.”

Correction: Esa decisión no es justa.

justificado

adjectiveB2technical
Use this specifically when referring to text alignment in typography or document formatting.

Examples

Por favor, entrega el documento con el texto justificado.

Please, submit the document with the text justified (aligned).

motivado

/mo-tee-BAH-doh//motiˈβaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use this when a decision, verdict, or action is explained with clear reasons, evidence, or causes.
A stack of neatly organized books with a magnifying glass resting on top of a clear document.

Examples

El juez dio un veredicto muy bien motivado.

The judge gave a very well-reasoned verdict.

Su ausencia estaba motivada por razones de salud.

His absence was caused by health reasons.

Presentaron un informe motivado sobre los riesgos.

They presented a reasoned report about the risks.

The 'Cause' Meaning

In formal Spanish, when something is 'motivado por', it simply means it was caused by or triggered by that thing.

Justificado vs. Motivado

Learners often confuse 'justificado' and 'motivado' when describing reasons. Remember that 'justificado' implies a good or valid reason, while 'motivado' means the reasons have been clearly explained or presented. A verdict can be 'motivado' (well-explained) and also 'justificado' (valid).

Related Translations

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