Inklingo

How to Say "studious" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estudioso

es-too-dee-OH-so/estuˈðjoso/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'estudioso' to describe someone who generally spends a lot of time studying or has a strong inclination towards learning.
A young student sitting at a wooden desk, focused on reading a large open book under a warm lamp.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy estudioso y siempre saca buenas notas.

My brother is very studious and always gets good grades.

Si quieres ser médico, tendrás que ser un joven estudioso.

If you want to be a doctor, you will have to be a studious young man.

A pesar de ser muy inteligente, no es nada estudioso.

Despite being very intelligent, he isn't studious at all.

Gender Changes

Even though this entry is for the masculine 'estudioso,' remember to change the ending to 'estudiosa' when talking about a girl or woman.

Placement with 'Ser'

Since being studious is usually seen as a personality trait, you should use the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

Don't confuse with 'Estudiante'

Mistake: “Soy muy estudiante.”

Correction: Soy muy estudioso.

aplicado

/ah-plee-KAH-doh//a.pli.ˈka.ðo/

adjectiveA2academic
Use 'aplicado' specifically when referring to a student's diligence and hard work in their studies, implying they are conscientious and dedicated to their schoolwork.
A young student sitting at a desk with a stack of books, focused on writing in a notebook.

Examples

Juan es el estudiante más aplicado de la clase.

Juan is the most hard-working student in the class.

Si eres aplicada con tus estudios, sacarás buenas notas.

If you are studious with your studies, you will get good grades.

Buscamos a alguien aplicado y responsable para este puesto.

We are looking for someone diligent and responsible for this position.

Matching the Person

Like most words describing people, this word changes its ending. Use 'aplicado' for a boy, 'aplicada' for a girl, and add an 's' for groups.

Describing Character

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) with this word because it describes a person's lasting personality or habit, not just a temporary mood.

Job Applications

Mistake: “He aplicado para el trabajo.”

Correction: He solicitado el trabajo.

General vs. Academic Effort

Learners often confuse 'estudioso' and 'aplicado' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'estudioso' describes a general love for or habit of studying, while 'aplicado' focuses specifically on the hard work and diligence put into academic tasks.

Related Translations

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