Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| humilde | /uˈmilde/ | |
| modesto | /moˈdesto/ | |
| humildoso | /umildoso/ (from spelling rules) | uncommon |
When describing a person's character or a lack of vanity, use modesto. In contrast, humilde is often used to describe things of low material value or social status, such as a humilde hogar (humble home).
Which one should you use?
While both words can be translated as humble, humilde often carries a connotation of low social status or a lack of resources. Modesto specifically refers to a person's character and their lack of vanity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective humilde is invariant for gender, meaning it remains humilde whether you are describing a man or a woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈmilde/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the verb humillar. While it may look like it means 'to make humble,' in Spanish it almost always means 'to humiliate' or 'to degrade' someone. If you want to express the idea of making someone humble or 'bringing them down to earth,' it is more natural to use the phrase dar una lección de humildad.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, claiming to be modesto can paradoxically be seen as a sign of vanity, as true modesty is expected to be silent.
- The word humilde is derived from the Latin humilis, which literally means 'low' or 'close to the ground' and is the same root as the English word 'humus'.
- While humilde can mean 'humble' in spirit, it is frequently used as a polite euphemism to describe poverty or a lack of money without using the word pobre.
Examples in context
- ¿Soy el más modesto?Am I the most humble?This sentence is useful for asking if you are the most humble using modesto.Tatoeba #6677426 by arh, translation #7715444 by Objectivesea
- Sí, soy el más modesto.Yes, I'm the most humble.This sentence is useful for answering that you are the most humble using modesto.Tatoeba #6677427 by arh, translation #9814557 by DJ_Saidez
- Bienvenidos a mi humilde morada.Welcome to my humble abode.This sentence is useful for welcoming someone to a humble abode using humilde.Tatoeba #9764456 by Eremon, translation #7221545 by Hybrid
- La humildad es una virtud admirable que todos debemos cultivarHumility is an admirable virtue that we should all cultivate
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a famous person's personality.
- María¿Conoces al nuevo director?Do you know the new director?
- AlejandroSí, es una persona muy humilde.Yes, he is a very humble person.
- MaríaMe alegra mucho escuchar eso.I am very glad to hear that.
- AlejandroÉl trata a todos con respeto.He treats everyone with respect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humble” translations and entries humilde, modesto, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries humilde, modesto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
