Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| fiable | /ˈfjable/ |
| bienqueda | /bjenˈkeda/ |
Fiable is used to describe something or someone that is fit to be relied on. It is the standard term for describing the reliability of information, data or news sources, such as a fuente fiable (reliable source). Other words may imply reliability depending on the context: seguro (secure or safe), estable (stable), responsable (responsible) or cumplidor (someone who fulfills their commitments and can be trusted to deliver on promises).
Which one should you use?
While fiable is a standard term, confiable is also used to mean reliable or trustworthy. The choice between them often depends on the region.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, fiable is more common and you may also encounter the phrase de fiar to mean reliable or trustworthy. In some Latin American countries, including Mexico, confiable is used more often than fiable.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fiable must agree in number with the noun it modifies. For example, it becomes fiables when modifying plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfjable/
Did you know?
- While fiable describes reliability, the related verb fiar is used in Spanish markets to describe a transaction based on trust where the customer pays later.
- Spanish has two distinct words for 'trust': confianza (the feeling of trust) and fiabilidad (the quality of being reliable), separating emotional trust from technical reliability.
- While fiable describes something you can trust, the word bienqueda describes a person who is 'reliable' only in a superficial, socially agreeable way.
Examples in context
- Por lo que sé, Tom es fiable.As far as I know, Tom is reliable.This sentence uses fiable to describe a person's reliability.Tatoeba #10060750 by manufrutos, translation #9999331 by CK
- ¿Crees que tus fuentes son fiables?Do you think that your sources are reliable?This sentence uses fiables to ask about the reliability of multiple sources.Tatoeba #10168064 by manufrutos, translation #10165343 by CK
- El pronóstico del tiempo no es necesariamente fiable.The weather forecast is not necessarily reliable.This sentence uses fiable to describe the reliability of a weather forecast.Tatoeba #5785940 by albrusgher, translation #278919 by CK
- El informe presentado es fiable y respaldado por datos reales.The presented report is reliable and supported by real data.
- ¿Puedo contar contigo? Eres una persona de confianza.Can I count on you? You are a reliable person.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a potential new employee.
- MaríaNecesitamos a alguien que sea muy fiable.We need someone who is very reliable.
- AlejandroJuan es un hombre muy fiable.Juan is a very reliable man.
- María¿Tú crees que es fiable para este puesto?Do you think he is reliable for this position?
- AlejandroSí, puedes confiar plenamente en él.Yes, you can trust him completely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reliable” translations and entries fiable, bienqueda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
