discreto
/disˈkɾeto/
The English phrase low key can be translated into Spanish as discreto.
The Spanish term discreto is used to convey the idea of being unobtrusive or moderate. While the English 'low key' can sometimes imply being subtle or relaxed, discreto focuses more on the sense of being unobtrusive, cautious or not attracting attention.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'low key' can mean several things, but the Spanish discreto emphasizes the quality of being unobtrusive or not drawing notice. For descriptions of a relaxed or laid-back atmosphere, other terms like tranquilo/a or relajado/a are more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, discreto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form discreta for feminine nouns, the masculine plural discretos for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural discretas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/disˈkɾeto/
Did you know?
- Using discreto to describe a party might suggest that the guests are trying to hide the event from the police.
- In English, 'low key' often describes a vibe or an event, but in Spanish, discreto is frequently used as a high compliment for a person's character. It marks someone as being exceptionally trustworthy and someone who does not gossip.
- The Latin root of discreto is 'discretus', which means 'separated' or 'distinct'. This historical connection explains why the word conveys the sense of being 'set apart' from a loud or noticeable crowd.
Examples in context
- La celebración fue bastante discreta, sin alardes ni excesos.The celebration was quite low key, without any showiness or excesses.
- La empresa busca mantener un perfil moderado en sus estrategias de marketing.The company aims to maintain a low key profile in its marketing strategies.
- El diseño del nuevo edificio es sobrio y elegante, sin excesos innecesarios.The design of the new building is low key and elegant, without unnecessary extravagance.
- No te preocupes, la fiesta será muy tranquila, sin estrés ni presión.Don't worry, the party will be very low key, without stress or pressure.
- Quedémonos en casa, en un ambiente relajado y sin complicaciones.Let's stay at home, in a low key and uncomplicated environment.
- una fiesta discretaA low key party
- Él es un hombre muy discreto.He is a very low-key man.
- Necesito un plan más discreto.I need a more low-key plan.
- Prefiero un estilo discreto y elegante.I prefer a low-key and elegant style.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are planning a birthday dinner.
- Javier¿Invitamos a mucha gente?Should we invite a lot of people?
- LucíaNo, quiero algo más discreto.No, I want something more low key.
- JavierEstá bien, solo los mejores amigos.That's fine, just the best friends.
- LucíaPerfecto, así será más tranquilo.Perfect, it will be more relaxed that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry discreto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries discreto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
