Inklingo

How to Say "reliable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reliable” is “confiable” — use this word when referring to a person, system, or even a machine that you can trust to work consistently or behave as expected.

confiable🔊B1

Use this word when referring to a person, system, or even a machine that you can trust to work consistently or behave as expected.

Learn more →
fiable🔊B1

This term is best used for mechanical objects, systems, or processes that function consistently and without failure.

Learn more →
seguro🔊A2

Use 'seguro' to describe something or someone that is dependable and can be trusted, often in the sense of safety or security.

Learn more →
formal🔊B1

This word applies to a person who can be trusted to follow through on their commitments or promises; someone dependable and responsible.

Learn more →
estable🔊B1

Choose this when referring to something predictable and steady, like a job, income, or situation that doesn't change erratically.

Learn more →
serio🔊B1

Use this to describe a person, company, or situation that is trustworthy and can be taken seriously due to their consistency or gravity.

Learn more →
auténticoB2

This translates to 'authentic' or 'certified' and is used for proof, documents, or items that are genuine and officially recognized.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

confiable

kon-FYAH-blehkonˈfjaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to a person, system, or even a machine that you can trust to work consistently or behave as expected.
A sturdy blue car driving smoothly on a winding road through a bright, sunny landscape.

Examples

Mi amigo Juan es muy confiable; siempre me ayuda cuando lo necesito.

My friend Juan is very reliable; he always helps me when I need him.

Mi mejor amigo es una persona muy confiable.

My best friend is a very trustworthy person.

Necesito un coche que sea confiable para viajar.

I need a car that is reliable for traveling.

Esa no me parece una fuente de noticias confiable.

That doesn't seem like a reliable news source to me.

One size fits all

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for men or women. You can say 'un hombre confiable' or 'una mujer confiable'.

Confiable vs. Confiado

Mistake: “Using 'confiado' to mean reliable.”

Correction: Use 'confiable' for someone you can trust. 'Confiado' usually means someone who is too trusting or overconfident.

fiable

fyah-blayˈfja.βle

adjectiveB1general
This term is best used for mechanical objects, systems, or processes that function consistently and without failure.
A sturdy red tractor driving smoothly through a green field under a bright sun.

Examples

A pesar de su antigüedad, el motor del coche sigue siendo muy fiable.

Despite its age, the car's engine remains very reliable.

Mi coche tiene diez años pero todavía es muy fiable.

My car is ten years old but it is still very reliable.

Necesitamos encontrar a un testigo que sea fiable.

We need to find a witness who is trustworthy.

Esta página web no parece una fuente de información fiable.

This website does not seem like a reliable source of information.

One ending for everyone

Unlike many Spanish words, 'fiable' doesn't change its ending for men or women. You can say 'un hombre fiable' or 'una mujer fiable'.

Using 'ser' vs 'estar'

We almost always use 'fiable' with the verb 'ser' because reliability is seen as a permanent quality of a person or thing.

Don't say 'fiablo' or 'fiabla'

Mistake: “El coche es fiablo.”

Correction: El coche es fiable. Remember, adjectives ending in -e stay the same regardless of gender.

seguro

seh-GOO-rohseˈɣu.ɾo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'seguro' to describe something or someone that is dependable and can be trusted, often in the sense of safety or security.
A child safely riding a bicycle with a helmet and knee pads in a park.

Examples

Es un conductor muy seguro, nunca va a más velocidad de la permitida.

He is a very reliable driver; he never goes over the speed limit.

Este barrio es muy seguro por la noche.

This neighborhood is very safe at night.

Guarda tus documentos en un lugar seguro.

Keep your documents in a secure place.

Necesitamos una escalera más segura que esta.

We need a more stable ladder than this one.

Use 'Ser' for Inherent Safety

To describe something that has the quality of being safe (like a city or a car), use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'El coche es seguro' (The car is safe).

formal

for-MAHLfoɾˈmal

adjectiveB1general
This word applies to a person who can be trusted to follow through on their commitments or promises; someone dependable and responsible.
A storybook illustration of a person sitting upright at a desk, looking directly ahead with a serious, composed expression, illustrating a serious demeanor.

Examples

Siempre puedes contar con ella para terminar el proyecto a tiempo, es muy formal.

You can always count on her to finish the project on time; she is very dependable.

Mi jefe es una persona muy formal, siempre cumple su palabra.

My boss is a very dependable person; he always keeps his word.

Necesitamos un socio comercial que sea formal y comprometido.

We need a business partner who is serious and committed.

estable

es-TAH-blehesˈtaβle

adjectiveB1general
Choose this when referring to something predictable and steady, like a job, income, or situation that doesn't change erratically.
A massive, ancient oak tree with deep, visible roots anchoring it securely into the ground, symbolizing lasting security and permanence.

Examples

Busco un puesto de trabajo estable que me ofrezca seguridad a largo plazo.

I am looking for a stable job that offers me long-term security.

Necesito un trabajo estable con buen salario.

I need a stable job with a good salary.

Su estado de ánimo se mantuvo estable a pesar de los problemas.

Her mood remained stable despite the problems.

El país tiene una economía más estable que antes.

The country has a more stable economy than before.

The Meaning of 'Ser'

When describing something that is stable by nature or design (like a personality trait or a long-term job), always use the verb SER: 'Su carácter es estable' (His character is stable).

Confusing 'Estable' and 'Fijo'

Mistake: “Tengo un trabajo fijo.”

Correction: Tengo un trabajo estable. ('Fijo' means 'fixed' or 'set' (like a fixed salary), but 'estable' is much better for describing security and permanence in employment.

serio

seh-ryohˈse.ɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use this to describe a person, company, or situation that is trustworthy and can be taken seriously due to their consistency or gravity.
A tiny, fragile green plant struggling to grow out of heavily cracked, dry, reddish earth, illustrating the severity of a problem like drought.

Examples

Es una empresa seria con una larga trayectoria en el mercado.

It is a serious/reliable company with a long track record in the market.

La falta de agua es un problema serio en esta región.

The lack of water is a serious problem in this region.

Cometió un error serio en el informe.

He made a serious mistake in the report.

Necesitamos encontrar una empresa seria para este trabajo.

We need to find a reliable company for this job.

auténtico

adjectiveB2formal
This translates to 'authentic' or 'certified' and is used for proof, documents, or items that are genuine and officially recognized.

Examples

El certificado de nacimiento debe ser auténtico y estar debidamente sellado.

The birth certificate must be authentic/certified and properly stamped.

Confusing 'confiable' and 'fiable'

Learners often confuse 'confiable' and 'fiable' because both relate to things working well. Remember, 'confiable' is broader and can apply to people, while 'fiable' is typically used for machines and systems that perform dependably.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.