escéptico
/esˈθebtiko/
The English word skeptical is translated into Spanish as escéptico.
The term is used to describe someone who is having or expressing doubt. In a more colloquial setting, you can use the expression No tragarse algo, which literally means "not to swallow something" and implies not believing or being skeptical.
Meaning: having, or expressing doubt (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, No le creo ni tantito. means "I don't believe him/her even a little bit." In Spain, Tengo mis peros con ese plan. means "I have my doubts about that plan."
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is escéptica. The masculine plural form is escépticos. The feminine plural form is escépticas.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈθebtiko/
Did you know?
- If someone is being stubbornly skeptical or refusing to accept a reality, a common idiom is No hay que cerrarse en banda, meaning 'One should not close oneself in a band'.
- The Greek root of escéptico originally meant 'to observe' or 'to look at', rather than just 'to doubt'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, being too escéptico in a business meeting might be viewed as a lack of enthusiasm or 'ganas', rather than just a critical mindset.
Examples in context
- Tom dijo que era escéptico.Tom said that he was skeptical.This sentence shows how to use escéptico to report a state of doubt.Tatoeba #10233408 by manufrutos, translation #6438170 by CK
- No soy pesimista sino escéptico.I'm not pessimistic, but skeptical.This sentence highlights the distinction between being pessimistic and being escéptico.Tatoeba #11931768 by Seael, translation #11931185 by CK
- Era escéptico.I was skeptical.This sentence demonstrates the use of escéptico in the past tense.Tatoeba #6614142 by arh, translation #2247516 by CK
- Soy escéptico/a sobre esa afirmaciónI am skeptical about that statement.
- Dudo de su versión de los hechosI doubt their version of the events.
- No estoy convencido/a de esa teoría.I am not convinced of that theory.
- Tengo mis reservas acerca de ese proyecto.I have reservations about that project.
- Eres incrédulo/a si piensas que eso es posibleYou are skeptical if you think that is possible.
- No me trago su excusaI don't buy his/her excuse.
- No te creo ni una palabra.I don't believe a word you say.
- No me convencesYou don't convince me
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new health trend.
- AlejandroDicen que este té cura todo.They say this tea cures everything.
- ElenaYo soy un poco escéptico con eso.I am a bit skeptical about that.
- AlejandroPero tiene muchas reseñas positivas, Elena.But it has many positive reviews, Elena.
- ElenaSigo siendo escéptico hasta ver pruebas.I remain skeptical until I see proof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skeptical” translations and entries escéptico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escéptico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
