How to Say "modest" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “modest” is “humilde” — use this word to describe someone who is not boastful or arrogant, especially when they have achieved success or recognition.
humilde
oo-MEEL-dehuˈmil.de
Examples
A pesar de su fama, el actor es muy humilde con sus fans.
Despite his fame, the actor is very humble with his fans.
Ella siempre tiene una actitud humilde y escucha a los demás.
She always has a modest attitude and listens to others.
Necesitas ser más humilde y reconocer tus errores.
You need to be more humble and recognize your mistakes.
Adjective Agreement (The -e ending)
Since 'humilde' ends in an -e, it is used for both masculine and feminine people or things. You only need to change the ending when making it plural: 'humildes'.
Confusing 'humilde' and 'orgulloso'
Mistake: “Using 'orgulloso' (proud) when you mean 'humilde' (humble). Remember, 'orgulloso' can sometimes mean overly arrogant.”
Correction: Use 'humilde' for someone who is modest and doesn't boast.
modesto
mo-DEHS-tohmoˈðesto
Examples
Él es un hombre muy modesto a pesar de su éxito.
He is a very humble man despite his success.
No seas tan modesta, ¡tu dibujo es increíble!
Don't be so modest, your drawing is incredible!
Siempre mantiene un perfil modesto en las reuniones.
He always keeps a modest profile in meetings.
Vivimos en una casa modesta en las afueras.
We live in a modest house on the outskirts.
Matching the Person
This word must change to match the person it describes: use 'modesto' for men and 'modesta' for women.
Describing Personality
When describing someone's character, use this with the verb 'ser' (to be) because personality is considered a lasting trait.
Word Order
When describing an object (like a house), 'modesto' usually comes after the noun.
The 'o' to 'a' switch
Mistake: “Ella es modesto.”
Correction: Say 'Ella es modesta' because the word must change to a female ending for women.
Using 'pequeño' for everything
Mistake: “Es una casa pequeña.”
Correction: While 'pequeño' means small, 'modesta' sounds more sophisticated and implies the house is simple but dignified.
sencillo
sen-SEE-yohsenˈθiʎo
Examples
A pesar de su fama, el actor lleva una vida muy sencilla.
Despite his fame, the actor leads a very modest life.
Me gusta la decoración sencilla de su casa, sin muchos adornos.
I like the plain decoration of her house, without many ornaments.
discreto
dees-KREH-tohdisˈkɾeto
Examples
Llevaba un vestido discreto de color azul oscuro.
She was wearing a simple, unobtrusive dark blue dress.
Hicieron una fiesta discreta en su casa con pocos invitados.
They had a low-key party at their house with a few guests.
El hotel tiene una entrada discreta para que no lo vea todo el mundo.
The hotel has a discreet entrance so that not everyone sees it.
Adjective Placement
When describing objects like 'colores' or 'ropa', this word almost always comes after the noun.
Simple vs. Discreto
Mistake: “Saying 'simple' when you mean something that doesn't want to be noticed.”
Correction: Use 'discreto' when the goal is to avoid attention; use 'simple' for something that isn't complex.
decente
deh-SEHN-tehdeˈθen̪.te
Examples
Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre decente y honesto con todos.
My grandfather was always a respectable and honest man with everyone.
Ella se comporta de manera decente en público.
She behaves in a proper manner in public.
The False Friend Trap
Mistake: “Using 'decente' primarily to mean 'clean' or 'okay' when talking about moral character in a formal context (e.g., *'Ella es una persona decente,'* meaning 'She is okay').”
Correction: In formal contexts, remember 'decente' implies a strong moral quality: respectable, honorable. If you just mean 'okay,' use *'bien'* or *'agradable'*.
pequeña
Examples
Es solo una pequeña duda, pero quiero estar segura.
It's just a small doubt, but I want to be sure.
sobrio
so-brioˈso.βɾjo
Examples
La decoración de la oficina era sobria y elegante.
The office decor was simple/understated and elegant.
Prefiere vestir con colores sobrios, como el gris y el azul marino.
She prefers to dress in plain/neutral colors, like grey and navy blue.
Su comportamiento siempre fue sobrio y discreto.
His behavior was always modest and discreet.
Use with 'Ser'
When describing style or personality, this is usually a characteristic, so use the verb 'ser' (to be permanent): 'El diseño es sobrio' (The design is understated).
recogida
rre-ko-HEE-dahrekoˈxiða
Examples
Después de limpiar, la cocina quedó muy recogida.
After cleaning, the kitchen looked very tidy.
Lleva una vida recogida y tranquila en el campo.
She leads a secluded and quiet life in the countryside.
Hoy lleva la melena recogida en un moño.
Today she is wearing her hair gathered in a bun.
Feminine Agreement
Since this is the word 'recogida', it must describe a feminine thing (like 'la casa' or 'la vida'). If you were describing a masculine thing, you would change it to 'recogido'.
Don't confuse with 'collected'
Mistake: “Ella es una persona recogida.”
Correction: Ella es una persona calmada/serena.
simple
seem-pleh'simple
Examples
Las instrucciones son muy simples.
The instructions are very simple.
Es una solución simple a un problema complicado.
It's a simple solution to a complicated problem.
Me gusta la decoración simple, sin muchos colores.
I like plain decor, without a lot of colors.
One Form for Masculine and Feminine
Good news! simple doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. It's un problema simple (a masculine problem) and una solución simple (a feminine solution). You just add an 's' for plural: simples.
Describing People
Mistake: “Calling a person `simple` can sometimes be misunderstood.”
Correction: While `una persona simple` can mean 'a humble, down-to-earth person', it can also sometimes mean 'a simple-minded person'. The word `sencillo/a` is often a safer and more positive choice to describe a person's personality as 'simple' or 'unpretentious'.
Humilde vs. Modesto
Related Translations
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