moral
/moˈɾal/
The Spanish word for morals is moral.
moral refers to the standards of behavior that distinguish right from wrong. In Spanish, the word is versatile and can function as both a noun meaning morality and as an adjective meaning moral.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'moral' is primarily an adjective and 'morals' is the noun. In Spanish, moral serves both purposes, acting as both the noun and the adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to the abstract concept of morality or an individual's moral compass, use the singular feminine form la moral rather than a plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈɾal/
Did you know?
- While la moral refers to ethics, the word moral can also mean 'morale' in the sense of confidence or spirit. A team or army can have moral alta or 'high morale'.
- If you feel a sudden loss of confidence or spirit, you might say se me cayó la moral. This uses the verb 'caer' to describe your motivation or spirit 'falling'.
- The Spanish word moral shares its roots with the Latin word 'mōs', which originally referred to 'custom' or 'manner' rather than just abstract right and wrong.
Examples in context
- Limpia tu cabeza de prejuicio y moral.Purge your head of morals and prejudice.This sentence shows how to use moral in the context of purging prejudice.Tatoeba #2473793 by francisco, translation #9241137 by DJ_Saidez
- Ella es una tierna chica de dudosa moral.She is a tender girl of questionable morals.This sentence demonstrates using moral to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #1294031 by marcelostockle, translation #778328 by corvard
- Lo que sé de moral, se lo debo al fútbol.What I know about morals, I owe to soccer.This sentence shows how to express what one has learned about moral through a specific activity.Tatoeba #3458681 by cueyayotl, translation #411020 by Scott
- Es importante tener una moral sólida en la vida.It is important to have strong morals in life.
- En mi familia, nos enseñaron buenos valores desde pequeños.In my family, we were taught good morals from a young age.
- Siempre me he guiado por mis principios morales.I have always been guided by my moral principles.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a difficult ethical dilemma.
- JavierNo sé qué hacer, es un problema de moral.I don't know what to do, it's a matter of morals.
- SofíaTienes que hacer lo correcto, Javier.You have to do the right thing, Javier.
- JavierPero mi moral me dice que sea honesto.But my morals tell me to be honest.
- SofíaEntonces sigue tu moral y di la verdad.Then follow your morals and tell the truth.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry moral, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moral, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
