Spanish Conversation · Level 123
60 words
Spanish word
modales
Pronunciation
IPA/moˈðales/
Meaning
- masculine nounmanners
Example
En la cena, todos respetaron los modales.
At dinner, everyone observed proper manners.
More examples
En el trabajo, los modales son fundamentales.
At work, manners are essential.
Core concept
Social etiquette habits considered proper or polite.
Common phrases
buenos modales
good manners
modales en la mesa
table manners
tener modales
have manners
Similar words
cortesía: Polite words and courteous attitudes that show respect toward others.
educación: Manners and discipline learned at home or school that shape personal conduct.
etiqueta: Formal rules of conduct observed at ceremonies and other official social occasions.
protocolo: Prescribed official procedures and ceremonial formalities for institutional events.
Definition in Spanish
Formas habituales de comportarse consideradas correctas o de buena educación; suele aparecer en plural.
Word origin
From Latin modus 'manner' via Spanish modo, where the plural adjective form modales became a noun referring collectively to polite behavior.
Usage tips
- Used mostly in the plural with adjectives (buenos modales, falta de modales) and not to be confused with the English adjective 'modal'.
Other meanings
- politenessnoun
Opposites
- groseríarudenessnoun
- descortesíadiscourtesynoun