Inklingo

How to Say "uncertain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dudoso

/doo-DOH-soh//duˈðoso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'dudoso' when referring to a result, outcome, or fact that is not clear or is questionable.
A hiker standing at a fork in a forest path, looking unsure and looking between two different trails.

Examples

El éxito del proyecto es dudoso.

The success of the project is doubtful.

Juan está dudoso sobre qué coche comprar.

Juan is undecided about which car to buy.

Es un resultado dudoso y necesitamos revisarlo.

It is an uncertain result and we need to check it.

Matching the word to the noun

Since this is a describing word, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'dudoso' for masculine items and 'dudosa' for feminine items.

Choosing between 'Ser' and 'Estar'

Use 'ser' when the thing itself is naturally uncertain (un futuro dudoso). Use 'estar' when a person is currently feeling unsure (estoy dudoso).

Confusing 'undecided' with 'doubtful'

Mistake: “Using 'estoy dudoso' to mean 'I am a shady person.'”

Correction: Say 'estoy dudoso' for 'I'm undecided' and 'soy dudoso' if you mean you are a questionable character (though this is rare to say about oneself!).

problemático

adjectiveB1general
Use 'problemático' to describe a result, situation, or person that is difficult, unreliable, or not guaranteed.

Examples

Ella es una persona muy problemática.

She is a very difficult/troublesome person.

Dudoso vs. Problemático

Learners often confuse 'dudoso' and 'problemático' because both can imply uncertainty. Remember that 'dudoso' focuses on the lack of certainty or clarity of a specific outcome or fact, while 'problemático' describes something or someone that causes problems or is difficult to deal with.

Related Translations

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