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How to Say "tact" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tact” is “delicadeza” — use this when emphasizing gentle consideration and sensitivity in how you say or do something, especially when delivering difficult news or handling a delicate situation.

English → Spanish

delicadeza

deh-lee-kah-deh-sahdelikaˈðeθa

nounB1general
Use this when emphasizing gentle consideration and sensitivity in how you say or do something, especially when delivering difficult news or handling a delicate situation.
A person with a kind expression gently offering a single flower to a friend in a polite gesture.

Examples

Le dio la noticia con mucha delicadeza.

He gave her the news with great tact.

Tienes que tocar el cristal con delicadeza.

You have to touch the glass with gentleness.

La delicadeza de este encaje es impresionante.

The fineness of this lace is impressive.

Using 'Con' to Describe How

To turn this word into a description of how someone does something, just put 'con' (with) before it. 'Con delicadeza' works just like the English word 'gently'.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. You must always use 'la' or 'una' with it, even if you are talking about a man's behavior.

The 'Delicia' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'delicadeza' to mean 'delicious'.”

Correction: Use 'delicia' for a delight or 'delicioso' for tasty food. 'Delicadeza' is only for tact or fragility.

tacto

TAK-tohˈtakto

nounB2general
This is a direct equivalent and is used for general diplomacy and sensitivity in interpersonal interactions, especially when dealing with potentially awkward or sensitive topics.
An illustration of one person placing a comforting hand on another person's shoulder during a conversation.

Examples

Tienes que tener tacto cuando hables con él sobre su despido.

You need to have tact when you talk to him about his dismissal.

El jefe no tiene ningún tacto para dar noticias malas.

The boss has no tact at all when giving bad news.

Manejó la discusión con mucho tacto y diplomacia.

She handled the discussion with a lot of tact and diplomacy.

Verbs used with 'tacto'

This meaning is almost always used with the verb 'tener' (to have) or 'faltar' (to lack).

Missing the preposition

Mistake: “No tiene tacto hablar con ella.”

Correction: No tiene tacto para hablar con ella.

diplomacia

dee-plo-mah-syahdiploˈmasja

nounB1general
Use this when highlighting the skill and cleverness in managing people or situations, especially in professional or formal contexts to avoid conflict.
A person gently offering a warm cup of tea to a friend who looks upset.

Examples

Ella usó su diplomacia para calmar a su jefe.

She used her diplomacy to calm her boss down.

Hay que tener diplomacia al dar malas noticias.

One must have tact when giving bad news.

Su falta de diplomacia le causó problemas con los vecinos.

His lack of diplomacy caused him problems with the neighbors.

Using 'con' and 'sin'

To describe how someone does something, use 'con diplomacia' (with tact) or 'sin diplomacia' (without tact).

Overusing 'diplomacia'

Mistake: “Él es muy diplomacia.”

Correction: Él tiene mucha diplomacia or Él es muy diplomático. Remember that 'diplomacia' is the noun (the thing), not the description (the adjective).

discreción

nounB1general
Choose this when the focus is on showing good judgment and keeping confidences, particularly in situations where revealing information could be problematic.

Examples

Valoro mucho tu discreción con este secreto.

I really value your discretion with this secret.

Tact vs. Diplomacy vs. Discretion

Learners often confuse 'tacto' and 'diplomacia'. While both relate to skillful interaction, 'tacto' is more about general sensitivity and politeness, whereas 'diplomacia' specifically implies a strategic skill in handling people or negotiations, often in more formal settings.

Related Translations

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