Inklingo

How to Say "knowledgeable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “knowledgeable” is “entendido” — use this when someone has a deep, often specialized, understanding or expertise in a particular subject, implying they 'know their stuff' very well..

English → Spanish

entendido

/en-ten-DEE-doh//en.ten̪ˈdi.ðo/

AdjectiveB2Informal to Neutral
Use this when someone has a deep, often specialized, understanding or expertise in a particular subject, implying they 'know their stuff' very well.
A distinguished person wearing a monocle and holding a large magnifying glass to closely examine a detailed, antique gold coin, symbolizing deep expertise.

Examples

Mi tío es muy entendido en historia del arte.

My uncle is very knowledgeable in art history.

Para reparar el reloj, tuvimos que llamar a un entendido.

To repair the clock, we had to call an expert.

Solo los más entendidos notaron el sutil detalle en la pintura.

Only the biggest connoisseurs noticed the subtle detail in the painting.

experto

ess-PAIR-toh/eksˈpeɾto/

AdjectiveB1Neutral
This term is best for describing someone who possesses a high level of skill or deep knowledge in a practical area, often gained through experience.
A smiling carpenter in a workshop, demonstrating high skill by smoothly carving a detailed wooden object using a small chisel.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy experto en jardinería.

My brother is very skilled in gardening.

Necesitamos un equipo de técnicos expertos para esta reparación.

We need a team of expert technicians for this repair.

Ella es experta en la cocina italiana.

She is expert (or skilled) in Italian cuisine.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'experto' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'experto' (masculine singular), 'experta' (feminine singular), 'expertos' (masculine plural), and 'expertas' (feminine plural).

Forgetting Gender

Mistake: “La doctora es experto.”

Correction: La doctora es experta. (Remember to use the -a ending when describing a female person.)

informado

/in-for-MAH-doh//in.foɾˈma.ðo/

AdjectiveB1Neutral
Choose this when someone has been made aware of facts or details on a particular topic, meaning they are up-to-date and aware of current information.
A cheerful, simple figure sitting and reading a large, open book, illustrating the concept of being informed and having knowledge.

Examples

Necesitas estar más informado sobre la política local antes de votar.

You need to be more informed about local politics before voting.

Ella es una persona muy informada, sabe de todo.

She is a very knowledgeable person; she knows about everything.

El informe dice que los ciudadanos están bien informados sobre la crisis.

The report says that the citizens are well informed about the crisis.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'informado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'informada' (feminine singular), 'informados' (masculine plural), 'informadas' (feminine plural).

Using 'Estar'

We almost always use 'informado' with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe the state of having knowledge: 'Estamos informados' (We are informed).

Forgetting the Gender Change

Mistake: “La periodista es muy informado.”

Correction: La periodista es muy informad*a*. (The journalist is feminine, so the adjective must end in -a.)

sabio

/sah-bee-ah//ˈsaβja/

AdjectiveB1Neutral to Formal
This word implies profound wisdom and good judgment, often gained through life experience, rather than just factual knowledge.
A serene woman sitting peacefully under a large, leafy tree, holding an open book on her lap, symbolizing wisdom and good judgment.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre fue muy sabia y me dio el mejor consejo.

My grandmother was always very wise and gave me the best advice.

Tomaste una decisión sabia al ahorrar ese dinero.

You made a wise decision by saving that money.

La respuesta sabia es esperar y ver qué sucede.

The knowledgeable answer is to wait and see what happens.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'sabia' ends in -a, it is the feminine form. You must use it when describing a feminine noun (like 'mujer', 'decisión', or 'respuesta'). For masculine nouns, use 'sabio'.

Entendido vs. Experto

Learners often confuse 'entendido' and 'experto'. While both mean knowledgeable, 'entendido' often implies a deeper, more academic or theoretical grasp of a subject. 'Experto' usually points to practical skill and hands-on experience.

Related Translations

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