Inklingo

How to Say "negligent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuidado

des-kwee-DA-dodes.kwi.ˈða.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'descuidado' when referring to a failure to take proper care or attention, especially with possessions or responsibilities.
A child's drawing with messy scribbles outside the lines and a spilled bottle of paint nearby.

Examples

El conductor descuidado causó un accidente por ir demasiado rápido.

The negligent driver caused an accident by going too fast.

No seas descuidado con tu pasaporte.

Don't be careless with your passport.

Es un trabajador muy descuidado y siempre comete errores.

He is a very sloppy worker and always makes mistakes.

Un conductor descuidado puede causar accidentes graves.

A careless driver can cause serious accidents.

Changing the Ending

This word needs to match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'descuidado' for men or masculine objects, and 'descuidada' for women or feminine objects.

Describing Personality vs. State

When you use the word 'ser' (to be) before it, you are saying the person is naturally careless. If you use 'estar' (to be), you are saying they are acting careless in that specific moment.

Using the noun instead of the adjective

Mistake: “Él es muy descuido.”

Correction: Él es muy descuidado. Use 'descuido' for 'a slip-up' and 'descuidado' to describe the person.

echado

eh-CHAH-doheˈt͡ʃa.ðo

adjectiveB1informal, critical
Use 'echado' to describe someone who is negligent in a way that implies laziness, irresponsibility, or a lack of effort, often in personal duties.
A cartoon fox sleeping soundly in a colorful hammock strung between two trees. Beside the hammock is a large pile of dirty dishes and a sponge, completely ignored by the sleeping fox.

Examples

Es un estudiante muy echado y rara vez estudia para los exámenes.

He is a very negligent student and rarely studies for exams.

Es muy echado y nunca ayuda con las tareas de la casa.

He is very lazy and never helps with the housework.

Si eres tan echado, nunca terminarás el proyecto a tiempo.

If you are so idle/lazy, you will never finish the project on time.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning is figurative, suggesting someone is 'laid down' or 'cast aside' due to their unwillingness to act. It is used with the verb 'ser' (to be, permanent quality) when describing a character trait.

Descuidado vs. Echado

Learners often confuse 'descuidado' and 'echado' because both can imply a lack of attention. Remember that 'descuidado' is about a failure to be careful, while 'echado' specifically implies laziness or shirking responsibility.

Related Translations

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