buenos modales
/bwenos modales/from spelling rulesmasculine, plural
The English phrase 'good manners' is translated into Spanish as buenos modales.
buenos modales refers to the treatment of other people with courtesy and politeness.
Meaning: treatment of other people with courtesy and politeness (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective buenos (good) and the noun modales (manners/ways).
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing someone's behavior, Spanish speakers use the verb tener (to have) to say one 'has' good manners, rather than using the verb ser (to be) to say one 'is' good-mannered.
When do people say it?
Practicing good manners in Spanish includes using common polite expressions such as por favor (please), gracias (thank you) and buen provecho (enjoy your meal). Standard greetings like buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon) and buenas noches (good evening/night) are also essential, as is saying hasta luego (see you later) when departing.
Did you know?
- In Spain, buenos modales often include the social custom of 'dos besos', or two kisses on the cheeks. Failing to offer these when introduced to a woman in a social setting can be perceived as a lack of courtesy.
- While buenos modales describes general politeness, Spanish uses the specific term educación to describe a person's upbringing. If someone says no tiene educación, they are often criticizing the person's parents rather than just their current behavior.
- The word modales comes from the Latin modus, meaning 'measure' or 'manner'. In Spanish, this implies that 'good manners' are not just about politeness but about behaving with the correct 'measure' and proportion.
Examples in context
- Ella tiene muy buenos modales.She has very good manners.This sentence shows how to describe someone having very good manners using buenos modales.Tatoeba #997154 by hayastan, translation #501257 by CK
- Los saludos son la base de los buenos modales.Greetings are the basis of good manners.This sentence highlights that greetings are the foundation of buenos modales.Tatoeba #1355040 by marcelostockle, translation #28679 by Swift
- Tú puedes enseñar buenos modales a los niños sin recurrir al castigo.You can teach good manners to children without resorting to punishment.This sentence illustrates teaching buenos modales to children.Tatoeba #1710612 by teskmon, translation #273686 by CK
- María tiene muy buenos modales.María has very good manners.
- Es importante seguir la etiqueta durante una cena formal.It's important to follow etiquette during a formal dinner.
- Juan tiene muy buena educación.Juan has very good manners.
- ¿Podrías pasarme la sal, por favor?Could you pass me the salt, please?
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are talking about a dinner party they attended.
- SofíaEl camarero no tenía muy buenos modales.The waiter did not have very good manners.
- DanielEs verdad, fue un poco grosero con nosotros.It's true, he was a bit rude to us.
- SofíaEs una lástima que no tuviera educación.It's a shame he wasn't polite.
- DanielSí, todos merecemos un trato respetuoso.Yes, we all deserve respectful treatment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good manners” translations and entries buenos modales, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
