Inklingo

How to Say "morality" in Spanish

English → Spanish

moral

moh-RAHLmoˈɾal

nounB2general
Use 'moral' when referring to the lesson or underlying message of a story, fable, or experience, distinct from a person's or society's ethical principles.
A wide, clear, stone path leading straight through a simple, green landscape toward a distant, glowing source of light, symbolizing a guiding ethical system.

Examples

La moral de la fábula es que la honestidad es la mejor política.

The moral of the fable is that honesty is the best policy.

Estudiamos la moral y las costumbres de esa época.

We studied the morality and customs of that era.

Abstract Noun

When referring to the general concept of right and wrong (morality), 'moral' acts as a feminine noun ('la moral').

moralidad

mo-rah-lee-dahdmoɾaliˈðad

nounB2general
Choose 'moralidad' to discuss the abstract concept of right and wrong, ethical principles, or the quality of being morally good, often in a philosophical or societal context.
A child helping an elderly person cross the street, showing kindness and ethical behavior.

Examples

Muchos se preocupan por la moralidad de la inteligencia artificial.

Many people worry about the morality of artificial intelligence.

Sus acciones demostraron una falta de moralidad.

His actions showed a lack of morality.

La moralidad varía entre diferentes culturas del mundo.

Morality varies among different cultures in the world.

The '-dad' Ending

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Using the Article

Unlike English, Spanish usually uses 'la' before 'moralidad' when talking about it as a general concept. Example: 'La moralidad es importante' (Morality is important).

Gender Error

Mistake: “El moralidad es necesaria.”

Correction: La moralidad es necesaria. (Because it ends in -dad, it is feminine.)

Confusing with 'Moral'

Mistake: “Me preocupa su moralidad de trabajo.”

Correction: Me preocupa su ética de trabajo. (Use 'moralidad' for general right/wrong; use 'ética' for professional settings or 'moral' for mood/spirit.)

ética

nounB1academic
Use 'ética' specifically when referring to the philosophical study or discipline of morality and ethical conduct, rather than the principles themselves.

Examples

La ética es una rama de la filosofía que estudia la conducta humana.

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies human behavior.

Confusing 'moral' and 'moralidad'

The most common mistake is using 'moral' when you mean the abstract system of right and wrong ('moralidad'). Remember, 'moral' in Spanish is typically the lesson from a story, while 'moralidad' refers to the broader ethical principles.

Related Translations

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