Inklingo

How to Say "tolerant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

liberal

lee-beh-RAHL/li.βeˈɾal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'liberal' when describing someone who is open-minded and accepting of different behaviors, opinions, or lifestyles.
A group of diverse people from different cultures standing together in a friendly circle.

Examples

Mis abuelos son muy liberales y aceptan todo tipo de ideas.

My grandparents are very open-minded and accept all kinds of ideas.

Tiene una actitud liberal ante la vida.

He has a tolerant attitude toward life.

Es una ciudad muy liberal con mucha diversidad.

It is a very progressive city with a lot of diversity.

One Form for Everyone

This word doesn't change its ending for gender. You use 'liberal' for both men (un hombre liberal) and women (una mujer liberal).

Plural Rule

To make this word plural, add '-es' to the end: 'liberales'. This applies to both masculine and feminine groups.

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: “Using 'liberal' to only mean 'left-wing' in a US political sense.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'liberal' often refers to someone who is socially open-minded or specifically supports 'free market' economics, which can sometimes be the opposite of the US meaning.

adjectiveA1general
Use 'paciente' when describing someone's ability to endure difficult situations, delays, or suffering without getting upset.

Examples

Los maestros deben ser muy pacientes con los niños pequeños.

Teachers must be very patient with small children.

Confusing Acceptance with Endurance

Learners often confuse 'liberal' (accepting of ideas/people) with 'paciente' (enduring hardship). Remember, 'liberal' relates to open-mindedness, while 'paciente' is about patience in difficult circumstances.

Related Translations

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