Inklingo

How to Say "unpretentious" in Spanish

English → Spanish

modesto

/mo-DEHS-toh//moˈðesto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'modesto' when describing something that is simple, humble, or not extravagant in its appearance or function, such as a home, a meal, or a gift.
A small, cozy, and clean cottage with a tiny garden.

Examples

A pesar de su éxito, él sigue llevando una vida muy modesta.

Despite his success, he continues to lead a very modest life.

Vivimos en una casa modesta en las afueras.

We live in a modest house on the outskirts.

El equipo celebró un éxito modesto este año.

The team celebrated a modest success this year.

Tiene un sueldo modesto pero le alcanza para vivir bien.

He has a modest salary but it's enough for him to live well.

Word Order

When describing an object (like a house), 'modesto' usually comes after the noun.

Using 'pequeño' for everything

Mistake: “Es una casa pequeña.”

Correction: While 'pequeño' means small, 'modesta' sounds more sophisticated and implies the house is simple but dignified.

sencillo

sen-SEE-yoh/senˈθiʎo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sencillo' when describing a person's personality or way of life as being down-to-earth, uncomplicated, and free from pretense or affectation.
A basic, unadorned wooden chair with straight lines and no decoration, highlighting its plain structure.

Examples

A pesar de su fama, el actor lleva una vida muy sencilla.

Despite his fame, the actor leads a very modest life.

Me gusta la decoración sencilla de su casa, sin muchos adornos.

I like the plain decoration of her house, without many ornaments.

Modesto vs. Sencillo for Personality

Learners often confuse 'modesto' and 'sencillo' when describing people. Remember that 'sencillo' is the preferred term for a person's unpretentious personality or lifestyle, while 'modesto' is more often used for objects or places.

Related Translations

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