Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| confiable | /konˈfjable/ |
| fidedigno | /fideˈdiɡno/ |
| de confianza | /de konˈfjanθa/ /de konˈfjansa/ |
| de fiar | /de fjaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| fehaciente | /feaˈθjente/ /feaˈsjente/ |
To describe someone or something as reliable, dependable or trustworthy, you can use several different terms depending on the context. Confiable is the most versatile option, as it applies to both people and inanimate objects like machines or systems. You may also use fiable to express that someone or something is reliable or dependable.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on what you are describing. While confiable works for people and objects, fidedigno is a formal term specifically used for information, sources or evidence. If you are describing evidence or proof that is indisputable and irrefutable, use fehaciente.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual or colloquial settings, you can use the phrase de fiar to describe a person. If you need to be more formal when describing a person's character, you might use honesto.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, the term cumplidor is used to describe someone who is trustworthy and specifically keeps their word.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective confiable changes its ending to agree in gender when describing a person. However, the phrase de confianza is an invariable adjectival phrase, meaning it remains the same regardless of gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈfjable/
Did you know?
- The verb fiar is used in shops and markets to describe the act of giving goods on credit to a customer who is trusted to pay later.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone de confianza can imply they are not just trustworthy, but a close confidant who has access to private areas of a home or business.
- Although confiable and fiable are synonyms, fiable is used much more frequently in Spain, whereas confiable is more common in Latin America.
Examples in context
- Yo pienso que él es de fiar.I believe that he's trustworthy.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief about whether someone is de fiar.Tatoeba #1160566 by marcelostockle, translation #301948 by CK
- Jamás sabremos si él es digno de confianza.We will never know if he is trustworthy.This sentence is useful for stating that it is impossible to know if someone is de confianza.Tatoeba #1323182 by hayastan, translation #3412130 by Dejo
- Eres confiable.You're trustworthy.This sentence is useful for telling someone that they are confiable.Tatoeba #2469257 by arnxy20, translation #2203471 by CK
- Él es una persona de gran confiabilidadHe is a highly trustworthy person
- Esta empresa es fiable y siempre cumple con sus promesasThis company is trustworthy and always keeps its promises
- El abogado es conocido por ser honesto y confiableThe lawyer is known for being honest and trustworthy
- No te preocupes, él es de fiarDon't worry, he is trustworthy
- Mi amiga es muy confiable, siempre puedo contar con ellaMy friend is very trustworthy, I can always rely on her
- Es un hombre muy cumplidor, siempre hace lo que prometeHe is a very trustworthy man, he always keeps his promises
- Ella es confiableShe is trustworthy
- Él es de fiarHe is trustworthy
- Mi vecino es muy confiable, siempre cuida de mi casa cuando estoy fueraMy neighbor is very trustworthy, he always takes care of my house when I'm away
- Este perro es siempre de fiar, nunca te traicionaríaThis dog is always trustworthy, it would never betray you
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing who to hire for a job.
- JavierNecesitamos a alguien que sea realmente confiable.We need someone who is truly trustworthy.
- LucíaCreo que mi primo es una buena opción.I think my cousin is a good option.
- Javier¿Él es confiable con el dinero?Is he trustworthy with money?
- LucíaSí, Javier, él siempre es muy honesto.Yes, Javier, he is always very honest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trustworthy” translations and entries confiable, fidedigno, de confianza, de fiar, fehaciente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
