conservador
/konseɾbaˈdoɾ/
The English word 'conservative' is translated into Spanish as conservador.
The word is used to describe someone who supports fiscal, political or social conservatism. While it often refers to political views, it can also describe a person's cautious or traditional approach to style, behavior or finances. As a noun, conservador can refer to one who favors the status quo or, in a UK context, a member of the Conservative party.
Meaning: supporting fiscal, political or social conservatism (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use tradicionalista as an alternative to conservador. In Mexico, the word reaccionario is sometimes used to indicate a reactionary type of conservatism.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use conservadora for feminine subjects, conservadores for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and conservadoras for groups consisting only of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/konseɾbaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- In several Latin American countries, the term conservador was once the formal name of political parties that engaged in violent civil wars against the liberales.
- Beyond politics, a Spanish speaker might use conservador to describe a medical or dental treatment that focuses on keeping as much natural tissue or tooth as possible.
- While it can mean 'cautious', calling someone conservador in a social context in many Spanish-speaking regions can be a subtle way to call them 'stuffy' or 'old-fashioned'.
Examples in context
- Tom solía ser conservador.Tom used to be conservative.This sentence shows how to use the masculine singular form of conservador to describe a person's past state.Tatoeba #1508899 by marcelostockle, translation #1092596 by CK
- Ellos eran hombres conservadores.They were conservative men.This sentence demonstrates the masculine plural form conservadores used with a noun.Tatoeba #1148217 by marcelostockle, translation #802192 by Source_VOA
- Su padre es conservador y anticuado.His father is conservative and old-fashioned.This sentence illustrates the use of the masculine singular form conservador to describe a subject.Tatoeba #1684124 by marcelostockle, translation #1669132 by Spamster
- El partido político es conocido por su postura conservadora en temas sociales y económicos.The political party is known for its conservative stance on social and economic issues.
- Mi abuelo es bastante tradicionalista y tiende a resistirse a los cambios en la sociedad.My grandfather is quite traditionalist and tends to resist societal changes.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing their political views.
- SofíaTú eres muy conservador con el dinero.You are very conservative with money.
- JavierSí, prefiero no tomar riesgos innecesarios.Yes, I prefer not to take unnecessary risks.
- SofíaYo tengo un pensamiento más liberal.I have a more liberal way of thinking.
- JavierEs normal que seamos diferentes, Sofía.It is normal that we are different, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conservative” translations and entries conservador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
