sabiduría
/sabiduˈɾia/
The Spanish word for wisdom is sabiduría.
sabiduría is the most common and straightforward term used to describe the ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way.
Meaning: ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, there is a distinction between conocimiento, which refers to knowledge or the facts themselves and sabiduría, which refers to the wisdom used to apply that knowledge.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun sabiduría is feminine and is used with the definite article la. If you wish to use the adjective form, you would use sabio for masculine subjects or sabia for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/sabiduˈɾia/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word sabio is sometimes used ironically to describe someone who thinks they know everything but is actually mistaken, similar to calling someone a 'know-it-all'.
- While sabiduría is the standard noun, Spanish speakers often use the phrase tener sentido común to describe the practical wisdom of 'common sense', which is viewed as a separate skill from intellectual wisdom.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of sabiduría is strongly linked to the abuelos, where the elderly are not just older but are viewed as the primary keepers of ancestral wisdom.
Examples in context
- Ella habla con sabiduría.She speaks with wisdom.This sentence shows how to describe someone speaking with wisdom using sabiduría.Tatoeba #1139932 by Shishir, translation #9741412 by DJ_Saidez
- Adquirimos sabiduría con la edad.We gain wisdom with age.This sentence illustrates the idea of gaining sabiduría through aging.Tatoeba #10082376 by saverius, translation #248734 by CM
- Primero la estupidez, después la sabiduría.First stupidity, then wisdom.This sentence provides a contrast between stupidity and sabiduría.Tatoeba #4986441 by Shishir, translation #12982273 by rul
- La sabiduría es el resultado de la experiencia acumulada a lo largo de los años.Wisdom is the result of accumulated experience over the years.
- Aquel anciano posee una gran sapiencia acerca de la naturaleza humana.That old man possesses great wisdom about human nature.
- Para tomar una decisión inteligente, necesitas tener un buen criterio.To make an intelligent decision, you need to have good judgment.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about a piece of advice from a grandparent.
- MaríaMi abuelo siempre comparte su sabiduría conmigo.My grandfather always shares his wisdom with me.
- AlejandroEso es muy valioso, María.That is very valuable, María.
- MaríaSí, su sabiduría me ayuda a tomar decisiones.Yes, his wisdom helps me make decisions.
- AlejandroTienes mucha suerte de escucharlo.You are very lucky to listen to him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sabiduría, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
