Inklingo

How to Say "wisdom" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sabiduría

nounB2general
Use 'sabiduría' when referring to profound understanding, knowledge gained from experience, and a deep, often philosophical, insight.

Examples

La sabiduría popular a menudo contiene verdades universales.

Folk wisdom often contains universal truths.

prudencia

/proo-DEN-syah//pɾuˈden.sja/

nounB1general
Choose 'prudencia' to describe carefulness, good judgment in avoiding risks, and acting with caution, especially in practical or dangerous situations.
A person carefully testing the stability of a wooden bridge with their foot before crossing a small stream.

Examples

Actuó con gran prudencia al invertir todo su dinero.

He acted with great prudence when investing all his money.

Debes manejar con mucha prudencia cuando hay niebla.

You must drive with great caution when it is foggy.

La prudencia es necesaria antes de tomar una decisión importante.

Prudence is necessary before making an important decision.

Actuó con prudencia y no le contó a nadie el secreto.

He acted with discretion and didn't tell anyone the secret.

Always Feminine

Since this word ends in '-cia,' it is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Used as an Adverb

In Spanish, we often say 'con prudencia' (with prudence) instead of using an adverb like 'prudently.' It sounds much more natural.

Prudencia vs. Prudente

Mistake: “Él maneja con prudente.”

Correction: Él maneja con prudencia. (Use the noun 'prudencia' after 'con,' not the adjective 'prudente').

acierto

/ah-SYEHR-toh//aˈsjeɾto/

nounB1general
Employ 'acierto' to denote a correct choice, a successful outcome, or a moment of good judgment that leads to a positive result, often in a specific task or decision.
A hiker standing on a mountain peak under a bright sun, symbolizing a successful journey.

Examples

Fue un acierto contratar a ese experto para el proyecto.

It was a wise decision to hire that expert for the project.

He tenido cinco aciertos en el examen de conducir.

I had five correct answers on the driving test.

Contratar a esa nueva empleada fue un gran acierto.

Hiring that new employee was a great success.

Sus palabras estuvieron llenas de acierto y prudencia.

His words were full of wisdom and caution.

Masculine Naming Word

Acierto is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el acierto').

Specific vs. General Success

Use 'acierto' for a specific correct action or answer, whereas 'éxito' is used for general fame or broad achievement.

Acierto vs. Éxito

Mistake: “Tuve muchos éxitos en mi examen.”

Correction: Tuve muchos aciertos en mi examen. 'Éxito' sounds like you won an award for the exam; 'acierto' means you got the questions right.

Wisdom vs. Correctness

Learners often confuse 'sabiduría' (deep understanding) with 'acierto' (a correct choice or success). Remember that 'sabiduría' implies a broader, more ingrained quality, while 'acierto' refers to a specific instance of good judgment or a lucky outcome.

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