Inklingo

How to Say "shaky" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inestable

ee-nes-TAH-blehinesˈtaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inestable' when referring to physical objects that lack stability and might fall or move unpredictably.
A stack of unevenly shaped wooden blocks leaning precariously to one side on a flat surface.

Examples

Esta silla vieja es muy inestable.

This old chair is very shaky.

Esta mesa es un poco inestable.

This table is a bit shaky.

El clima está muy inestable hoy; podría llover en cualquier momento.

The weather is very unstable today; it could rain at any moment.

La situación política en la región sigue siendo inestable.

The political situation in the region remains unstable.

One Form for Everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el clima) or a feminine noun (la mesa).

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if something is naturally unstable (like a bad personality trait) and 'estar' if it's currently unstable (like the weather or a wobbly chair).

Don't use 'inestabla'

Mistake: “La silla está inestabla.”

Correction: La silla está inestable. Adjectives ending in -e don't change to -a for feminine things.

movido

moh-VEE-dohmoˈβi.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'movido' specifically for blurry or unsteady visual recordings, like photos or videos, due to movement.
A simplified illustration of a person running quickly across a field, rendered with horizontal streaks of motion blur, making the figure look indistinct and blurry.

Examples

El video de la graduación salió movido porque se me temblaba la mano.

The graduation video came out shaky because my hand was trembling.

La foto de mi perro salió movida porque no se quedó quieto.

The photo of my dog came out blurry because he wouldn't stay still.

Necesitas un trípode; el video se ve muy movido.

You need a tripod; the video looks very shaky.

precario

pre-KAH-ryohpɾeˈkaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'precario' to describe situations or conditions that are uncertain, unstable, or not well-established, often related to safety or security.
A precarious stack of wooden blocks leaning to one side on a flat surface.

Examples

El equilibrio de poder en la región es precario.

The balance of power in the region is shaky.

Muchos jóvenes tienen contratos precarios hoy en día.

Many young people have unstable contracts nowadays.

El equilibrio de la empresa es muy precario.

The company's balance is very shaky.

Su situación legal en el país es precaria.

His legal situation in the country is precarious.

Changing endings

This word changes to match what it describes. Use 'precario' for masculine things and 'precaria' for feminine things.

Where to put it

Usually, this word comes after the thing it is describing, like 'un trabajo precario'.

Not just for heights

Mistake: “Using 'precario' only to describe a dangerous height.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'precario' is most often used for social situations like jobs or health, not just physical danger.

Physical vs. Situational Shaky

Learners often confuse 'inestable' and 'precario'. Remember that 'inestable' usually describes a physical object's lack of balance, while 'precario' refers to a more abstract or situational lack of stability, like an uncertain job or political climate.

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