Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| moderado | /modeˈɾado/ |
| comedido | /komeˈdido/ |
| módico | /ˈmodiko/ |
The term is used to describe something that is not excessive. You can also use the related verb moderar to express the action of acting as a moderator or the act of becoming less excessive.
Which one should you use?
While moderado is a general term for something not excessive, Spanish uses more specific words depending on the context. Use módico when you are specifically referring to a low or reasonable price. Use comedido to describe a person who is moderate, restrained or temperate in their speech or actions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word templado is used specifically to describe moderate temperatures or mild weather.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, moderado must agree with the noun it modifies in both gender and number. Use moderada for feminine singular nouns, moderados for masculine plural nouns and moderadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/modeˈɾado/
Did you know?
- While moderado describes an amount, the word comedido shares a root with the verb comer, meaning 'to eat'. It evokes the idea of someone who knows when to stop eating and remains restrained.
- The term módico is a 'learned borrowing' from the Latin modicus. This means it didn't evolve naturally over centuries but was consciously re-introduced into Spanish by scholars.
Examples in context
- Mi abuelo hace ejercicio moderado todas las mañanas, que es por lo que está fuerte y sano.My grandfather does moderate exercise every morning, which is why he is strong and healthy.This sentence uses moderado to describe physical exercise.Tatoeba #1635964 by teskmon, translation #273886 by CM
- El ejercicio moderado es necesario para tener buena salud.Moderate exercise is necessary for good health.Tatoeba #973022 by hundo, translation #542831 by CK
- El ejercicio moderado estimula la circulación de la sangre.Moderate exercise stimulates the circulation of blood.Tatoeba #667221 by darinmex, translation #278710 by CK
- El crecimiento económico del país ha sido moderado.The country's economic growth has been moderate.
- El clima de la ciudad es templado durante el invierno.The climate of the city is moderate during winter.
- La velocidad del automóvil era moderada o intermedia.The car's speed was moderate.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their diet at lunch.
- LucíaTengo que comer un consumo moderado de azúcar.I have to have a moderate consumption of sugar.
- MateoYo también, Mateo intenta comer más frutas.Me too, Mateo is trying to eat more fruits.
- LucíaLo importante es mantener un ritmo moderado.The important thing is to maintain a moderate pace.
- MateoTienes razón, Lucía, es mejor así.You are right, Lucía, it is better that way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moderate” translations and entries moderado, comedido, módico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comedido, moderado, módico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
