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How to Say "prudent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “prudent” is “prudente” — use 'prudente' when referring to someone or something that shows care and thought for the future, often involving saving or avoiding risks..

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prudente

proo-DEN-teh/pɾuˈðente/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'prudente' when referring to someone or something that shows care and thought for the future, often involving saving or avoiding risks.
A person wearing a sturdy raincoat and boots, carrying a large umbrella and looking at a small dark cloud in the distance.

Examples

Es prudente ahorrar un poco de dinero cada mes.

It is wise to save a little money every month.

Ella es una conductora muy prudente.

She is a very cautious driver.

Fue una decisión prudente no salir durante la tormenta.

It was a sensible decision not to go out during the storm.

One Form for Everyone

In Spanish, adjectives ending in '-e' usually don't change for gender. You can use 'prudente' for a man, a woman, or an object without changing the ending.

Prudent vs. Cautious

Mistake: “Using only 'con cuidado' when describing a person.”

Correction: Use 'prudente' to describe a person's character or a specific action.

avisado

/ah-bee-SAH-doh//aβiˈsaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'avisado' for someone who is shrewd, well-informed, and not easily fooled due to their carefulness and good judgment.
A small fox looking thoughtfully at a complex wooden puzzle box, holding a key it found nearby.

Examples

Es un hombre avisado que no se deja engañar fácilmente.

He is a shrewd man who isn't easily fooled.

The 'Wise' Meaning

In this context, the word usually comes after the noun (e.g., 'un inversor avisado') to describe a permanent quality of being smart and careful.

mirado

mee-RAH-doh/miˈɾa.ðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'mirado' when describing someone who is very careful and sensible, especially concerning practical matters like spending money.
A small hedgehog carefully walking across a puddle using a wooden plank, illustrating caution and prudence.

Examples

Mi abuelo es muy mirado con su dinero, nunca gasta de más.

My grandfather is very careful with his money; he never overspends.

Fue una decisión miradísima, pensada por meses.

It was a very considered decision, thought about for months.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'mirado' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'mirada' for feminine singular, 'mirados' for masculine plural, and 'miradas' for feminine plural.

conveniente

kohn-veh-nee-EN-teh/kombeˈnjente/

adjectiveB1general
Opt for 'conveniente' when 'prudent' means advisable or appropriate in a given situation, often implying a wise course of action.
A young hiker carefully choosing the smooth, sunlit path instead of the dark, steep, rocky path, illustrating an advisable choice.

Examples

Es conveniente que firmemos el contrato hoy.

It is advisable that we sign the contract today.

No es conveniente tomar decisiones bajo presión.

It is not wise/advisable to make decisions under pressure.

Debes buscar un momento conveniente para hablar con tu jefe.

You should look for a suitable time to speak with your boss.

Using 'Conveniente' with Actions

When you say it is 'conveniente' (advisable) that someone else does something, Spanish requires a special verb form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Es conveniente que llegues temprano.'

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Es conveniente que llegas temprano. (Incorrect verb form)”

Correction: Es conveniente que llegues temprano. (Use the special verb form when expressing advice or necessity for another person.)

Prudente vs. Conveniente

Learners often confuse 'prudente' and 'conveniente'. Remember that 'prudente' focuses on personal foresight and carefulness, while 'conveniente' emphasizes what is advisable or fitting in a situation.

Related Translations

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