Inklingo

How to Say "respectable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “respectable” is “respetable” — use this when referring to someone or something that generally earns esteem, honor, or admiration due to their position, achievements, or character..

English → Spanish

respetable

/rreh-speh-TAH-bleh//respeˈtaβle/

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to someone or something that generally earns esteem, honor, or admiration due to their position, achievements, or character.
An elderly person being helped across a street by a kind child, showing a scene of honor and esteem.

Examples

Es un profesor muy respetable en nuestra comunidad.

He is a very respectable teacher in our community.

Su opinión es perfectamente respetable, aunque no estemos de acuerdo.

Your opinion is perfectly respectable, even if we don't agree.

One Form for All

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change based on gender. You use 'respetable' for both men and women, and for both masculine and feminine objects.

Confusing 'Respectful' and 'Respectable'

Mistake: “Using 'respetable' to say someone shows respect to others.”

Correction: Use 'respetuoso' for someone who gives respect, and 'respetable' for someone who deserves respect.

decente

/deh-SEHN-teh//deˈθen̪.te/

adjectiveB1general
Choose this when 'respectable' implies being morally good, proper, and of good character, often in a conventional sense.
A small child holding open a wooden door for an older adult who is smiling while carrying a basket of fruit, demonstrating moral goodness.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre decente y honesto con todos.

My grandfather was always a respectable and honest man with everyone.

Ella se comporta de manera decente en público.

She behaves in a proper manner in public.

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: “Using 'decente' primarily to mean 'clean' or 'okay' when talking about moral character in a formal context (e.g., *'Ella es una persona decente,'* meaning 'She is okay').”

Correction: In formal contexts, remember 'decente' implies a strong moral quality: respectable, honorable. If you just mean 'okay,' use *'bien'* or *'agradable'*.

honorable

oh-noh-RAH-bleh/o.noˈɾa.βle/

adjectiveB1general
Use this when 'respectable' specifically means morally upright, acting with integrity and honor.
A young person bowing slightly to an elderly, distinguished man, symbolizing respect and honor.

Examples

Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre honorable en su comunidad.

My grandfather was always an honorable man in his community.

Tomaron la decisión más honorable, aunque fuera la más difícil.

They made the most honorable decision, even if it was the most difficult one.

Adjective Ending

Since 'honorable' ends in -e, it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'hombre honorable' and 'mujer honorable').

False Cognate Misuse

Mistake: “Using 'honorable' to mean 'honorary' (like an honorary degree).”

Correction: Use 'honorario' for things like degrees or positions given as an honor, not 'honorable'. 'Honorable' means 'worthy of respect'.

digno

DEEG-noh/ˈdiɣno/

adjectiveB2general
This is best for when 'respectable' means honorable or proper, especially in how someone carries themselves or behaves in a difficult situation.
A wise owl standing straight and composed on a branch, wearing a monocle, symbolizing dignity.

Examples

Ella mantuvo una postura digna a pesar de la situación difícil.

She maintained a dignified stance despite the difficult situation.

Todos merecen un salario digno.

Everyone deserves a respectable/decent wage.

El director actuó de manera muy digna.

The director acted in a very honorable manner.

Describing Quality

In this sense, 'digno' describes an inherent quality or characteristic (like 'tall' or 'smart'), so it is almost always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

reverendo

reh-veh-REN-doh/reβeˈɾendo/

adjectiveC1formal
Use this rare translation when 'respectable' implies a very high degree of respect, often associated with sacredness or deep veneration.
An illustration of an elderly, wise figure with a long white beard, sitting calmly and holding a simple wooden staff, symbolizing deep respect and wisdom.

Examples

El templo era un lugar reverendo y silencioso.

The temple was a venerable and silent place.

Sus palabras tenían un tono reverendo que inspiraba calma.

His words had a reverent tone that inspired calm.

Agreement

As a descriptive adjective, 'reverendo' must match the noun it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'costumbres reverendas' (venerable customs).

Decente vs. Respetable

Learners often confuse 'decente' and 'respetable'. While 'respetable' is a direct cognate and refers to general esteem, 'decente' specifically implies conventional morality and propriety. Use 'respetable' for someone generally admired, and 'decente' for someone who meets moral standards.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.