Inklingo

How to Say "mediocre" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mediocre” is “mediocre” — use 'mediocre' when directly translating the English word 'mediocre' to describe something that is not very good or is only average in quality, often with a slightly negative connotation.

English → Spanish

mediocre

meh-dee-oh-krehmeˈðjo.kɾe

adjectiveB1
Use 'mediocre' when directly translating the English word 'mediocre' to describe something that is not very good or is only average in quality, often with a slightly negative connotation.
A simple drawing of a single small, plain gray stone sitting among several large, shiny, colorful gemstones.

Examples

La comida en ese restaurante fue bastante mediocre.

The food at that restaurant was quite mediocre.

No te conformes con un resultado mediocre; tú puedes hacerlo mejor.

Don't settle for a mediocre result; you can do better.

Muchos críticos consideraron que su actuación fue mediocre.

Many critics considered his performance to be mediocre.

One Form for All

This word ends in 'e', which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for both 'el libro' (the book) and 'la película' (the movie) without changing the ending.

Using it as a Person

You can use this word as a name for a person by adding 'un' or 'una' before it (e.g., 'es un mediocre'). This is a very strong way to call someone uninspired or lazy.

Thinking it just means 'average'

Mistake: “Using 'mediocre' as a polite way to say 'okay'.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'mediocre' usually sounds more negative than in English. If something is just 'okay', use 'regular' or 'pasable' instead.

mediano

meh-dee-AH-nohmeˈðjanon

adjectiveB1
Use 'mediano' when referring to something that is average in size, quantity, or success, implying a middle ground rather than a lack of quality.
A simple, cheerful plant that is neither wilting nor overgrown, representing an average or middle-ground state.

Examples

La película fue de un éxito mediano.

The movie had average success.

Es un jugador mediano; no es el mejor del equipo.

He is an average player; he's not the best on the team.

Tiene una inteligencia mediana.

He has average intelligence.

Describing abstract concepts

When used with abstract ideas like 'success' or 'intelligence,' it often implies that something is sufficient but not outstanding.

Confusing with 'Regular'

Mistake: “Su trabajo es regular.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'regular' often means 'bad' or 'so-so'. Use 'mediano' or 'promedio' if you specifically mean 'average' in a statistical or quality sense.

regular

rreh-goo-LAHRreɣuˈlaɾ

adjectiveA2informal
Use 'regular' as a colloquial way to say something was 'so-so,' 'okay,' or of low quality, often used as a concise, sometimes slightly dismissive, evaluation.
A plain gray, unexciting cookie rests by itself on a white plate, symbolizing mediocre or so-so quality.

Examples

—¿Te gustó la película? —Estuvo regular.

—Did you like the movie? —It was so-so/average.

Mi nota en el examen fue regular, no suspendí pero tampoco saqué un diez.

My grade on the exam was average; I didn't fail, but I didn't get a ten either.

La comida era bastante regular, no volvería a ese restaurante.

The food was quite mediocre/average; I wouldn't go back to that restaurant.

Expressing Feeling

When asked how you feel ('¿Cómo estás?'), answering 'Estoy regular' means you are feeling just okay or maybe slightly unwell, but not terrible.

promedio

proh-MEH-deeohpɾoˈmeðjo

adjectiveC1
Use 'promedio' when referring to an average or typical level, often in a statistical or general sense, and typically without a strong negative judgment.
A row of five identical, simple red apples lined up neatly, illustrating a typical or standard example.

Examples

El nivel promedio de habilidad es bastante alto.

The average skill level is quite high.

No queremos un resultado promedio; queremos algo excepcional.

We don't want an average result; we want something exceptional.

Ella es una corredora promedio para su edad.

She is an average runner for her age.

Adjective Placement

When used to describe a noun, 'promedio' usually comes after the noun it is describing: 'el estudiante promedio' (the average student).

Agreement with Noun

Mistake: “Using 'promedia' for feminine nouns (e.g., 'la nota promedia').”

Correction: The adjective form often acts as an invariable descriptor and usually stays 'promedio': 'la nota promedio' (the average grade). Treat it like 'estándar' (standard).

Mediocre vs. Mediano vs. Regular

Learners often confuse 'mediocre' and 'mediano.' Remember that 'mediocre' usually implies a lack of quality, while 'mediano' simply means average or middle-sized. 'Regular' is a common informal response for 'so-so'.

Related Translations

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