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"Polite" is an adjective which is often translated as "educado", and "formal" is an adjective which is often translated as "formal". Learn more about the difference between "polite" and "formal" below.
polite(
puh
-
layt
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (respectful)
a. educado
The boy was very polite; he didn't misbehave once.El niño fue muy educado; no se portó mal ni una vez.
formal(
for
-
muhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (dressy)
2. (official)
a. formal
I'm not happy with the service, so I am going to file a formal complaint.No estoy contento con el servicio, así que voy a presentar una queja formal.
b. oficial
We need to sign a formal contract before we can do business with you.Necesitamos firmar un contrato oficial antes de hacer negocios con ustedes.
c. protocolario
The formal swearing-in ceremony will be on Thursday at 3 pm.La toma de protesta protocolaria será el jueves a las 3 pm.
3. (regulated)
a. formal
Ruby had no formal training but worked her way up to the top of the movie industry.Ruby no recibió capacitación formal pero llegó a la cumbre de la industria cinematográfica a base de sus esfuerzos.