modesto
/moˈdesto/
The English word "modest" can be translated into Spanish as modesto. If unsure, use modesto. Wiktionary also lists humilde.
Meaning: not bragging or boasting about oneself or one's achievements (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| modesto | /moˈdesto/ |
| humilde | /uˈmilde/ |
The term is used to describe someone who is not bragging or boasting about themselves or their achievements. You may use synonyms such as recatado/a (reserved), discreto/a (discreet) or comedido/a (moderate). A common idiom is hacerse el modesto, which describes someone who is feigning modesty, often when they actually want recognition.
Which one should you use?
While modesto refers specifically to a lack of vanity or boasting, humilde can also mean "humble" in the sense of low social status or living in modest/poor conditions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective modesto must agree in gender with the noun it describes, changing to modesta for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈdesto/
Did you know?
- The word humilde shares its roots with the English word 'humiliate', as both trace back to the Latin 'humilis', meaning 'lowly' or 'close to the ground'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, being too modesto in a professional setting might actually be viewed as a lack of confidence rather than a virtue.
- When describing a house or a meal that is 'modest' in size or cost, Spanish speakers often prefer the word sencillo/a rather than modesto/a.
Examples in context
- Sí, soy el más modesto.Yes, I'm the most modest.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are the most modest.Tatoeba #6677427 by arh, translation #9814556 by DJ_Saidez
- No te hagas el modesto.Don't be so modest.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to act modest.Tatoeba #12303176 by Serrot, translation #2216861 by Hybrid
- Oh, no seas tan modesto.Oh, don't be so modest.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be so modest.Tatoeba #4772805 by alegarvid, translation #2396309 by CK
- Juan es modesto.Juan is modest.
- Ana es modesta.Ana is modest.
- Muchas gracias, pero no es para tanto.Thank you very much, but it's not a big deal.
- No quiero presumir.I don't want to brag.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a coworker's promotion.
- AlejandroJuan es muy inteligente y modesto.Juan is very intelligent and modest.
- MaríaEs cierto, él nunca presume de sus logros.It's true, he never boasts about his achievements.
- AlejandroPor eso todos lo respetan tanto.That is why everyone respects him so much.
- MaríaTienes razón, es una gran cualidad.You are right, it is a great quality.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “modest” translations and entries modesto, humilde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries humilde, modesto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
