How to Say "skilled" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “skilled” is “entrenado” — use 'entrenado' when referring to competence acquired through specific, often repetitive, practice or training, like an animal or a person in a specialized task..
entrenado
en-treh-NAH-doh/en.tɾeˈna.ðo/
Examples
El perro policía está muy entrenado para detectar explosivos.
The police dog is highly trained to detect explosives.
Para este trabajo se necesita personal entrenado en seguridad.
For this job, personnel trained in security are needed.
La gimnasta se siente entrenada y lista para la competencia.
The gymnast feels trained and ready for the competition.
Agreement Rule
Since 'entrenado' is an adjective, its ending must match the noun it describes. If the noun is feminine and plural (e.g., las atletas), you must say entrenadas.
Using Ser vs. Estar
Use estar (e.g., está entrenado) to talk about a current condition or state resulting from the training process. Use ser (e.g., es entrenado) less often, usually to describe the type of person/animal (a trained one).
Forgetting Gender/Number
Mistake: “La policía es entrenado.”
Correction: La policía es entrenada. (The police force/officer is trained). Remember to match the feminine noun.
experto
ess-PAIR-toh/eksˈpeɾto/
Examples
Mi hermano es muy experto en jardinería.
My brother is very skilled in gardening.
Necesitamos un equipo de técnicos expertos para esta reparación.
We need a team of expert technicians for this repair.
Ella es experta en la cocina italiana.
She is expert (or skilled) in Italian cuisine.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'experto' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'experto' (masculine singular), 'experta' (feminine singular), 'expertos' (masculine plural), and 'expertas' (feminine plural).
Forgetting Gender
Mistake: “La doctora es experto.”
Correction: La doctora es experta. (Remember to use the -a ending when describing a female person.)
preparados
preh-pah-RAH-dohs/pɾepaˈɾaðos/
Examples
Los estudiantes están preparados para el examen final.
The students are ready for the final exam.
Todos los documentos están preparados, podemos empezar.
All the documents are prepared, we can start.
Son unos profesionales muy preparados y eficientes.
They are very skilled and efficient professionals.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'preparados' ends in '-os', it must describe a group of masculine people or things (plural). If you are talking about one girl, you would use 'preparada'.
Using Ser vs. Estar
Mistake: “Somos preparados.”
Correction: Estamos preparados. Use 'estar' (to be) because being 'prepared' is usually a temporary state, not an inherent quality.
profesional
/proh-feh-syoh-nahl//pɾofesjoˈnal/
Examples
Necesitamos un equipo profesional para este proyecto.
We need a professional team for this project.
Su actitud profesional siempre ayuda a resolver problemas.
Her professional attitude always helps solve problems.
Esto no es un trabajo amateur, es un trabajo profesional.
This is not amateur work, it is professional work.
Adjective Agreement (The -L Rule)
Since 'profesional' ends in L, its form doesn't change based on gender. Use it for both men and women or masculine and feminine things (e.g., 'el servicio profesional', 'la carrera profesional'). You only need to add 'es' for the plural ('profesionales').
Confusing Spanish/English
Mistake: “Using 'profesionalmente' when you mean the noun 'profesional'.”
Correction: Make sure you use the adjective 'profesional' to describe a quality, or the noun 'el/la profesional' for the person. 'Profesionalmente' is the adverb meaning 'in a professional manner'.
Entrenado vs. Experto
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.