Inklingo

How to Say "tactful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diplomático

adjectiveB1formal
Use 'diplomático' when you need to be careful and considerate in your words or actions to avoid causing offense, especially in formal or sensitive social situations.

Examples

Tienes que ser diplomático cuando hables con tu jefe.

You have to be tactful when you speak with your boss.

discreto

/dees-KREH-toh//disˈkɾeto/

adjectiveA2
Choose 'discreto' when referring to someone who is careful about what they say or do, particularly in keeping secrets or handling private matters without revealing them.
A person placing a finger over their closed lips in a gesture of keeping a secret.

Examples

Mi mejor amigo es muy discreto; nunca cuenta mis secretos.

My best friend is very discreet; he never tells my secrets.

Fue muy discreto al darme la noticia para no ponerme triste delante de todos.

He was very tactful when giving me the news so as not to make me sad in front of everyone.

Para trabajar en esta oficina, tienes que ser una persona discreta.

To work in this office, you have to be a discreet person.

Matching Gender and Number

This word must change to match the person you are describing. Use 'discreto' for a man, 'discreta' for a woman, and add an 's' for groups.

Using with Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if being discreet is part of a person's personality. Use 'estar' if they are just acting discreetly in a specific moment.

Confusing with 'Discrete'

Mistake: “Using 'discreto' only for math or separate parts.”

Correction: In Spanish, the most common use is about personality and keeping secrets, while in English 'discrete' usually means 'separate'.

Diplomático vs. Discreto

Learners often confuse 'diplomático' and 'discreto' because both imply carefulness. Remember, 'diplomático' is about avoiding offense in communication, while 'discreto' is about keeping secrets or handling private information quietly.

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