Adjective
/dɛs. kon. fi. ˈa. ðo/
The word "desconfiado" describes a person who is distrustful or skeptical of others' intentions. It implies a lack of trust and often suggests a cautious or guarded approach to situations involving other people.
In the Spanish language, "desconfiado" can be used in various contexts, often relating to interpersonal relationships and situations where trust is crucial. The frequency of use tends to be higher in oral speech compared to written contexts, as it reflects personal attitudes and feelings.
Ella es muy desconfiada con los extraños.
She is very distrustful of strangers.
Siempre ha sido desconfiado respecto a sus compañeros de trabajo.
He has always been suspicious regarding his coworkers.
Un amigo desconfiado puede ser difícil de tratar.
A distrustful friend can be difficult to deal with.
The term "desconfiado" often appears in idiomatic expressions, useful in conveying nuanced meanings. Here are a few examples:
No te olvides de que el perro desconfiado siempre muerde.
Don't forget that the distrustful dog always bites.
(Meaning: Sometimes caution is born out of past experiences.)
Cuando hay humo, hay fuego; un desconfiado siempre tiene razón.
Where there's smoke, there's fire; a suspicious person is always right.
(Meaning: Sometimes, suspicions are justified.)
Es mejor ser desconfiado que ser engañado.
It's better to be distrustful than to be deceived.
(Meaning: Caution can protect one from harm.)
Aquel que es desconfiado no suele tener muchos amigos.
He who is distrustful doesn’t tend to have many friends.
(Meaning: Distrust can hinder social relationships.)
Vivir desconfiado puede ser agotador emocionalmente.
Living in a state of distrust can be emotionally draining.
(Meaning: Continuous skepticism can affect one’s well-being.)
The word "desconfiado" derives from the Spanish verb "desconfiar," which means "to distrust." The prefix "des-" denotes negation or reversal, while "confiar" means "to trust." Thus, "desconfiado" literally translates to "not trusting."