Inklingo

How to Say "moderate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “moderate” is “moderado” — use 'moderado' when referring to an amount, intensity, or degree that is not extreme or excessive, like in 'moderate exercise' or 'moderate price'.

moderado🔊A2

Use 'moderado' when referring to an amount, intensity, or degree that is not extreme or excessive, like in 'moderate exercise' or 'moderate price'.

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templado🔊A2

Use 'templado' for mild climate conditions or to describe a person's calm, balanced temperament or opinion, especially when faced with challenges.

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contenido🔊B2

Use 'contenido' when something, like an emotion or reaction, is deliberately kept within limits or restrained.

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razonable🔊B2

Use 'razonable' when referring to a degree or amount that is fair, sensible, or within acceptable limits, often implying a reasonable effort or cost.

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temple🔊B1

Use 'temple' as a verb meaning to soften, calm, or moderate something, often used for temperature or strong emotions.

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English → Spanish

moderado

mo-deh-RAH-dohmoðeˈɾaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'moderado' when referring to an amount, intensity, or degree that is not extreme or excessive, like in 'moderate exercise' or 'moderate price'.
A bowl containing a reasonable portion of fruit, not too much and not too little.

Examples

Es importante hacer ejercicio moderado todos los días.

It is important to do moderate exercise every day.

Vivimos en una ciudad con un clima moderado.

We live in a city with a mild climate.

El restaurante ofrece comida de buena calidad a precios moderados.

The restaurant offers good quality food at reasonable prices.

Los moderados del partido no están de acuerdo con la nueva ley.

The moderates of the party do not agree with the new law.

Matching the Noun

Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to 'moderada' if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'una temperatura moderada'.

Where to put it

In most cases, put 'moderado' after the noun it describes (e.g., 'viento moderado') to sound most natural.

Using it as a Person

When you use 'moderado' to talk about a person, you use the articles 'el', 'la', 'los', or 'las' in front of it.

Don't confuse with 'Moderno'

Mistake: “Un estilo moderno de ejercicio.”

Correction: Un estilo moderado de ejercicio (if you mean not intense). 'Moderno' means modern/new, while 'moderado' means balanced/middle-ground.

Gender for People

Mistake: “Ella es un moderado.”

Correction: Ella es una moderada.

templado

tem-PLAH-dohtemˈplaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'templado' for mild climate conditions or to describe a person's calm, balanced temperament or opinion, especially when faced with challenges.
A sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing through green trees and soft grass.

Examples

Me gusta vivir en un lugar con clima templado.

I like living in a place with a mild climate.

La primavera tiene días templados y muy agradables.

Spring has mild and very pleasant days.

Esta región se encuentra en una zona templada.

This region is located in a temperate zone.

Mantuvo un ánimo templado a pesar de los problemas.

He kept a calm spirit despite the problems.

Matching the Noun

This word must change to 'templada' if you are describing a feminine word like 'zona' (zone) or 'tarde' (afternoon).

Describing Nature

When used with the verb 'ser', it describes a permanent characteristic of a region's climate.

Metaphorical Temperature

Just like a mild climate, a 'templado' person is someone whose emotions are not too 'hot' (angry) or 'cold' (indifferent).

Don't confuse with 'tempestad'

Mistake: “Un clima tempestado.”

Correction: Un clima templado. 'Tempestad' means a storm, while 'templado' means mild.

contenido

kon-teh-NEE-dohkon.teˈni.ðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'contenido' when something, like an emotion or reaction, is deliberately kept within limits or restrained.
A simple, calm character standing upright. A transparent outline shows an intense, swirling blue color trapped inside the character's torso, representing restrained emotion.

Examples

Su alegría era contenida, no quería celebrarlo demasiado pronto.

His joy was restrained; he didn't want to celebrate too soon.

La respuesta del gobierno fue contenida ante la crisis.

The government's response was moderate (or contained) given the crisis.

Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'contenido' must match the thing it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'una reacción contenida,' 'unos límites contenidos.'

razonable

rah-thoh-NAH-bleh (Spain) / rah-soh-NAH-bleh (L. Am.)raθoˈnaβle

adjectiveB2general
Use 'razonable' when referring to a degree or amount that is fair, sensible, or within acceptable limits, often implying a reasonable effort or cost.
A small, open wooden treasure chest overflowing with a massive, impressive mound of bright gold coins, representing a considerable quantity.

Examples

El proyecto requirió un esfuerzo razonable de todo el equipo.

The project required a considerable effort from the entire team.

Hemos visto un avance razonable en las negociaciones.

We have seen moderate/significant progress in the negotiations.

Quantifier

In this meaning, 'razonable' acts like a quantifier, emphasizing that the amount or degree was sufficient or impressive, not just 'sensible'.

moderado

nounB2general
Use 'moderado' as a noun to describe a person who holds centrist or balanced views, particularly in politics.

Examples

Los moderados del partido no están de acuerdo con la nueva ley.

The moderates of the party do not agree with the new law.

temple

TEM-plehˈtem.ple

verbB1general
Use 'temple' as a verb meaning to soften, calm, or moderate something, often used for temperature or strong emotions.
A person gently stroking a large, calm lion to soothe it.

Examples

Espero que el agua se temple un poco antes de ducharme.

I hope the water warms up a bit before I shower.

Es importante que él temple sus nervios antes del examen.

It's important that he calms his nerves before the exam.

¡Temple esa guitarra ahora mismo!

Tune that guitar right now!

The 'Wish' Form

The word 'temple' is the form of the verb 'templar' used for wishes, doubts, or polite commands. Example: 'Quiero que temple el ánimo' (I want him to calm down).

Heating vs. Tempering

Mistake: “Using 'temple' to mean boiling something.”

Correction: To 'templar' means to bring to a moderate, lukewarm temperature, not to boil.

templado

adjectiveB2general
Use 'templado' to describe actions or opinions that are calm, composed, and not extreme, even in difficult situations.

Examples

Mantuvo un ánimo templado a pesar de los problemas.

He kept a calm spirit despite the problems.

Moderado vs. Templado

Learners often confuse 'moderado' and 'templado'. Remember that 'moderado' usually refers to intensity or amount (moderate exercise), while 'templado' is more for climate (mild weather) or a calm disposition (a temperate person).

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