Inklingo

How to Say "trustworthy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “trustworthy” is “confiable” — use 'confiable' when describing a person, place, or thing that can be relied upon due to their dependable character or nature.

English → Spanish

confiable

kon-FYAH-blehkonˈfjaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use 'confiable' when describing a person, place, or thing that can be relied upon due to their dependable character or nature.
A sturdy blue car driving smoothly on a winding road through a bright, sunny landscape.

Examples

Mi mejor amigo es una persona muy confiable.

My best friend is a very trustworthy person.

Necesito un coche que sea confiable para viajar.

I need a car that is reliable for traveling.

Esa no me parece una fuente de noticias confiable.

That doesn't seem like a reliable news source to me.

One size fits all

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for men or women. You can say 'un hombre confiable' or 'una mujer confiable'.

Confiable vs. Confiado

Mistake: “Using 'confiado' to mean reliable.”

Correction: Use 'confiable' for someone you can trust. 'Confiado' usually means someone who is too trusting or overconfident.

fiable

fyah-blayˈfja.βle

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'fiable' when referring to objects, systems, or plans that are dependable and function as expected, though it can also describe a person's reliability.
A sturdy red tractor driving smoothly through a green field under a bright sun.

Examples

Mi coche tiene diez años pero todavía es muy fiable.

My car is ten years old but it is still very reliable.

Necesitamos encontrar a un testigo que sea fiable.

We need to find a witness who is trustworthy.

Esta página web no parece una fuente de información fiable.

This website does not seem like a reliable source of information.

One ending for everyone

Unlike many Spanish words, 'fiable' doesn't change its ending for men or women. You can say 'un hombre fiable' or 'una mujer fiable'.

Using 'ser' vs 'estar'

We almost always use 'fiable' with the verb 'ser' because reliability is seen as a permanent quality of a person or thing.

Don't say 'fiablo' or 'fiabla'

Mistake: “El coche es fiablo.”

Correction: El coche es fiable. Remember, adjectives ending in -e stay the same regardless of gender.

responsables

reh-spon-SAH-blehsres.ponˈsa.βles

adjectiveA2general
Use 'responsables' to describe people who are dependable and conscientious in fulfilling their duties or obligations.
A friendly bear wearing a small vest stands confidently, holding a large, shiny golden key firmly in both hands, symbolizing control and accountability.

Examples

Los empleados responsables siempre llegan a tiempo.

The responsible employees always arrive on time.

Necesitamos personas responsables para manejar las finanzas.

We need responsible people to handle the finances.

Las decisiones que tomaron fueron muy responsables.

The decisions they made were very responsible.

Adjective Agreement

Since this word describes a group of people or things (plural), it must end in 's'. Because the singular form 'responsable' ends in 'e', the plural is the same whether you are describing a masculine group (los niños) or a feminine group (las niñas).

Using the Singular Form Incorrectly

Mistake: “Los directores son responsable.”

Correction: Los directores son responsables. (Remember to make the description plural if the group is plural.)

honrado

ohn-RAH-dohonˈraðo

adjectiveB1formal
Select 'honrado' to describe someone who is honest and acts with integrity, often in professional or business contexts, implying fairness.
A child with an open, sincere expression, holding a single transparent glass marble in their hand, symbolizing truth and sincerity.

Examples

Mi abuelo era un sastre honrado que siempre cobraba un precio justo.

My grandfather was an honest tailor who always charged a fair price.

Necesitamos políticos honrados que digan la verdad.

We need honorable politicians who tell the truth.

Ella es una mujer honrada, puedes confiar en ella.

She is an honest woman, you can trust her.

Changing Endings

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'honrado' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'honrada' (feminine singular), 'honrados' (masculine plural), and 'honradas' (feminine plural).

Confusing 'Honesto' and 'Honrado'

Mistake: “Using 'honesto' only, when 'honrado' might be better.”

Correction: 'Honrado' often carries a stronger sense of integrity and respectability, especially regarding business or public life, while 'honesto' focuses more on simple truthfulness.

honesta

oh-NESS-tahoˈnesta

adjectiveA1general
Use 'honesta' specifically for people who are truthful and morally upright, emphasizing their lack of deceit.
A young girl with a sincere and open expression holding an empty, transparent glass jar directly in front of her chest, symbolizing honesty and having nothing to hide.

Examples

Ella es una persona muy honesta y siempre dice la verdad.

She is a very honest person and always tells the truth.

Necesitas dar una respuesta honesta a la pregunta del profesor.

You need to give an honest answer to the teacher's question.

Su reputación honesta la precede en la comunidad.

Her honest reputation precedes her in the community.

Gender Agreement

Since 'honesta' ends in -a, it is used to describe feminine things (like mujer or opinión). If you were describing a man, you would use 'honesto' (with an -o).

Mixing Genders

Mistake: “El jueza es honesta.”

Correction: La jueza es honesta. (The adjective must match the feminine noun 'jueza' and the feminine article 'La'.)

Confusing 'Confiable' and 'Fiable'

Learners often confuse 'confiable' and 'fiable'. While both mean reliable, 'confiable' is more often used for people's character, whereas 'fiable' leans towards the dependability of things or systems. Think 'confiable' for a friend, 'fiable' for a car.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.