How to Say "wishy-washy" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “wishy-washy” is “tibio” — B2 level.
Examples
Su respuesta fue un poco tibia; esperaba más entusiasmo.
His response was a bit half-hearted; I expected more enthusiasm.
No seas tibio y toma una decisión ahora.
Don't be indecisive and make a decision now.
El público le dio un tibio aplauso al final de la obra.
The audience gave him a lukewarm applause at the end of the play.
Using 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser tibio' to describe a person's permanent indecisive personality. Use 'estar tibio' to describe a specific reaction or the temperature of an object right now.
Thinking it only applies to water
Mistake: “Only using 'tibio' for drinks.”
Correction: Remember that in Spanish, people's opinions and politics can also be 'tibias' if they don't take a side.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.