indecible
/indeθible/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'unspeakable' is translated into Spanish as indecible.
When used to mean 'extremely bad', indecible carries a heavy connotation of something so horrific that it defies words. It can also be used more broadly to describe something that is too great or intense to be described, whether the context is positive or negative. To express that something is 'entirely' unspeakable, you can use the adverb completamente.
Meaning: extremely bad (adj)
Which one should you use?
While indecible is the standard term, there are formal synonyms available depending on your specific nuance. Use inexpresable (inexpressible) or indescriptible (indescribable) to indicate that something cannot be adequately described. You may also use inenarrable, which is a formal term implying that something is beyond description or narration.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, indecible must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, such as using indecibles for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/indeθible/
Did you know?
- While indecible describes something too intense for words, Spanish uses the word inefable specifically for things that are too beautiful or sacred to be described, such as a divine experience.
- To describe an unspeakable tragedy in a casual setting, Spanish speakers often use the idiom no tiene nombre, which literally means 'it has no name'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using the word indecible to describe a person's behavior can be a subtle way of implying their actions were scandalous or shameful.
Examples in context
- El horror vivido por la víctima es inenarrable.The horror experienced by the victim is unspeakable.
- La belleza del paisaje era indescriptible.The beauty of the landscape was indescribable.
- La noticia de su partida resultó indecible.The news of their departure was unspeakable.
- Los crímenes cometidos fueron de una crueldad innombrable.The committed crimes were of an unspeakable cruelty.
- Cometieron un crimen indecible en ese lugar.They committed an unspeakable crime in that place.
- Sintió un dolor indecible después del accidente.He felt an unspeakable pain after the accident.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a news report about a disaster.
- ElenaLas imágenes de la guerra son terribles.The images of the war are terrible.
- JavierSí, es un horror indecible.Yes, it is an unspeakable horror.
- ElenaNo puedo creer que esto pase hoy.I cannot believe this is happening today.
- JavierEs muy triste para todas las familias.It is very sad for all the families.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry indecible, 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.
