Inklingo

How to Say "reliable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reliable” is “confiable” — use this word for systems, machines, or even people that consistently perform as expected and can be depended upon..

confiable🔊B1

Use this word for systems, machines, or even people that consistently perform as expected and can be depended upon.

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seguro🔊A2

This is the best translation when 'reliable' means safe, dependable, and trustworthy, especially concerning personal safety or security.

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formal🔊B1

Use 'formal' when referring to a person who is dependable because they are serious about their commitments and always follow through.

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estable🔊B1

Choose 'estable' when 'reliable' implies stability and predictability, often used for jobs, situations, or lifestyles.

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serio🔊B1

Use 'serio' for people or companies that are trustworthy due to their seriousness and integrity, implying they are not to be trifled with.

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auténticoB2

This word translates 'reliable' when it means genuine, official, or undisputed, typically used for documents or evidence.

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English → Spanish

confiable

/kon-FYAH-bleh//konˈfjaβle/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word for systems, machines, or even people that consistently perform as expected and can be depended upon.
A sturdy blue car driving smoothly on a winding road through a bright, sunny landscape.

Examples

Mi coche viejo es muy confiable, nunca me ha dejado tirado.

My old car is very reliable, it has never broken down on me.

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.

seguro

/seh-GOO-roh//seˈɣu.ɾo/

adjectiveA2general
This is the best translation when 'reliable' means safe, dependable, and trustworthy, especially concerning personal safety or security.
A child safely riding a bicycle with a helmet and knee pads in a park.

Examples

Es un lugar seguro para caminar incluso de noche.

It's a reliable place to walk even at night.

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-MAHL/foɾˈmal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'formal' when referring to a person who is dependable because they are serious about their commitments and always follow through.
A storybook illustration of a person sitting upright at a desk, looking directly ahead with a serious, composed expression, illustrating a serious demeanor.

Examples

Ella es una empleada muy formal; siempre entrega sus informes a tiempo.

She is a very reliable employee; she always turns in her reports on time.

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-bleh/esˈtaβle/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'estable' when 'reliable' implies stability and predictability, often used for jobs, situations, or lifestyles.
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 permita planificar mi futuro.

I am looking for a stable job that allows me to plan my future.

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-ryoh//ˈse.ɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'serio' for people or companies that are trustworthy due to their seriousness and integrity, implying they are not to be trifled with.
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 que siempre cumple con sus contratos.

It is a reliable company that always fulfills its contracts.

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 word translates 'reliable' when it means genuine, official, or undisputed, typically used for documents or evidence.

Examples

El documento presentado era auténtico y fue aceptado por el tribunal.

The document presented was authentic/reliable and was accepted by the court.

Confusing 'confiable' and 'seguro'

Learners often confuse 'confiable' and 'seguro'. Remember that 'confiable' is for things or people that work consistently, while 'seguro' emphasizes safety and trustworthiness, especially in a security context.

Related Translations

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