Inklingo

How to Say "morals" in Spanish

English → Spanish

valores

vah-LOH-rehs/baˈlo.ɾes/

nounB1general
Use 'valores' when referring to the fundamental principles or beliefs that guide a person's or a society's sense of right and wrong, often seen as positive ideals.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of perfectly balanced scales, with a glowing heart resting on one pan and a small, stylized book on the other, symbolizing fairness and ethical principles.

Examples

Para nosotros, el respeto y la honestidad son valores fundamentales.

For us, respect and honesty are fundamental values.

Es importante enseñar buenos valores a los niños desde pequeños.

It is important to teach good values to children from a young age.

Always Plural for Ethics

When talking about moral beliefs or principles, use 'valores' (plural). The singular 'valor' usually means 'courage' or a single numerical value.

ética

nounB1general
Use 'ética' when discussing a person's personal standards of behavior, professional conduct, or a system of moral principles related to a specific field or activity.

Examples

Su ética de trabajo es admirable.

His work ethic is admirable.

Values vs. Ethics

Learners often confuse 'valores' and 'ética'. Remember that 'valores' refers to broader, shared principles (like respect, honesty), while 'ética' is more about specific standards of conduct, especially in a professional context.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.