Personality Vocabulary in Spanish
A collection of Spanish vocabulary words related to personality traits and characteristics.
curioso
Funny.
The Spanish word 'curioso' doesn't actually mean 'funny' in English. 'Curioso' in English can be translated as 'curious' or 'odd'. It can refer to someone who has a desire to learn or know things or it can be used to describe something as strange or unusual. 'Funny' in Spanish is more commonly translated to 'divertido' or 'gracioso'.
discreto
discreet
The Spanish word 'discreto' directly translates to 'discreet' in English. In both languages, this adjective is used to describe someone or something that is careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. It is often associated with a sense of caution, prudence, subtlety or the ability to avoid drawing attention.
egoísmo
selfishness
The Spanish word 'egoísmo' translates to 'selfishness' in English. It is used to describe the trait of being concerned, sometimes excessively or exclusively, for oneself or one's own advantage, pleasure, or welfare, regardless of others. This term is often used in context to criticize or rebuke such characteristics in a person, as being 'selfish' is generally considered a negative trait in many cultures.
egoísta
selfish
The Spanish word 'egoísta' translates to 'selfish' in English. It's an adjective used to describe someone who is primarily concerned with their own interests, benefits, and wellbeing, even at the expense of others. It is often associated with a lack of consideration for other people. The term can be used in different contexts and it's generally not seen as a positive trait. Even though it's a single word, it carries a lot of connotations depending on the situation.
estar como una cabra
being like a goat
The Spanish phrase 'estar como una cabra' does not literally mean 'being like a goat' in English. While directly translated, it indeed conveys this message, in common usage it expresses a completely different sentiment. It is a colloquial idiom used in Spain, which means to act in a manner that's considered crazy, eccentric or bizarre. It is typically used to refer to someone's unconventional behavior or peculiar personality, highlighting misconceptions and unexpected singularities in their acts or thoughts.
estar loco
being crazy
'Estar loco' is a Spanish phrase that translates to 'being crazy' in English. It is typically used to describe someone's erratic, unconventional, or unpredictable behavior that deviates from societal norms. In a less formal context, it's also employed in a friendly or playful manner, to depict someone as fun-loving or quirky. However, the meaning may change based on the context in which it is used.
Example sentences with estar loco →estar tonto
to be foolish
The Spanish phrase 'estar tonto' roughly translates into English as 'to be foolish'. This term is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a way that lacks sense or judgement. The usage of 'estar' instead of 'ser' in this context emphasizes a temporary state or condition. Thus, it implies that the person is not always foolish, but is acting foolish at that particular moment.
Example sentences with estar tonto →evolucionar
evolve
The Spanish word 'evolucionar' translates to 'evolve' in English. In science, 'evolve' refers to the process of development or growth, often in context of natural selection and genetic adaptation over time. However, it can also be used in a more general sense to describe any process of gradual, progressive change, improvement or development. Thus, 'evolucionar' holds the same connotation in Spanish, used commonly in both scientific and everyday contexts.
expresión frío
cold expression
The word 'expresión frío' is a Spanish term that is translated into English as 'cold expression'. Generally, it refers to a facial expression that comes off as unemotional, impersonal, or distantly professional. It can be used to describe someone who is not showing any warm or friendly feelings. It may be used metaphorically, to say that someone isn't expressing any emotions, or literally, to mean that someone's face is physically cold. Note that 'frío' actually means 'cold', and 'expresión' means 'expression'. The concept is somewhat similar to the English term 'poker face'.
frívolo
frivolous
The Spanish word 'frívolo' corresponds to the English term 'frivolous'. In general usage, both words describe something or someone not having any serious purpose or value. It is often used to describe superficial individuals, actions, or subjects, those that lack the depth, importance or substance. 'Frívolo' or 'frivolous' can also refer to light-hearted and non-serious behaviour, conversations, or matters.
generosidad
generosity
The word 'generosidad' in Spanish is used much like its English counterpart, 'generosity'. It refers to the quality of being kind and generous. It can incorporate sharing time, money, or resources with others. It is often used to praise someone's willingness to give or share unselfishly.
Example sentences with generosidad →generoso
generous
The Spanish word 'generoso' translates to 'generous' in English. It is an adjective used to describe someone who is willing to give and share unstintingly, someone who shows a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is strictly necessary or expected.
hablador
Speaker
The Spanish term 'hablador' typically translates to 'speaker' in English. It is a noun which is primarily used in reference to someone who talks or speaks. Unlike the English term which may refer to both a person who speaks or a device that emits sound, 'hablador' in Spanish is usually used to describe a person who communicates by speaking. Therefore, it is a commonly used term in contexts related to communication and conversation.
hacer el vago
to be lazy
The Spanish phrase 'hacer el vago' translates to 'to be lazy' in English. This is often used in contexts where someone is avoiding work, not doing anything productive, or generally exhibiting lazy behavior.
hipocondriaco
hypochondriac
The Spanish word 'hipocondriaco' translates to 'hypochondriac' in English. A hypochondriac is a person who is excessively worried about their health and often believes they are sick, even when there are no medical reasons to support this belief. They have mental distress related to fear of having serious illness, which often persists despite medical reassurance. This fear or belief might interfere with their daily life. The word 'hipocondriaco' originates from the Greek word 'hypokondrios', which means 'under the cartilage (of the sternum)', in reference to the ancient belief that this area was the seat of melancholy and anxiety.
humildad
humility
The Spanish word 'humildad' translates to 'humility' in English. It encapsulates the concept of having a modest view of one's own importance. This is not to be mistaken with low self-esteem, but rather understanding and acknowledging one's limitations. It is considered a virtue in many cultures and religions, encouraging respectful behavior towards others.
humilde
humble
The Spanish word 'humilde' translates to 'humble' in English. It is used to describe a person who has an unpretentious or modest viewpoint about oneself. In a broader sense, it can also represent simplicity or lack of vanity in one's lifestyle. 'Humilde' is an adjective in Spanish and generally used to compliment a person's modest attitude or behavior. It shows respect and admiration for their ability to stay grounded, irrespective of the achievements they might have. Furthermore, it can be used in various contexts to portray humility, which is considered a virtue.
indiferencia
indifference
The Spanish word 'indiferencia' translates to 'indifference' in English. Indifference refers to a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. This term is often used in a variety of contexts, indicating a person's lack of concern about the events that are going on around them. It's a state of mind in which the individual doesn't care about the effects of an event or action because they have no preference for any specific outcome.
integridad
integrity
The Spanish word 'integridad' translates to 'integrity' in English. It is a noun which refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is also used to describe the state of being whole and undivided. The term is often used in both personal and professional contexts to describe individuals or organizations that adhere to ethical standards and values.
inteligente
Smart.
'Inteligente' is a Spanish adjective that translates to 'smart' in English. It is used to refer to someone who has a good understanding or a high mental capacity. Frequently, it is attached to individuals who have the ability to easily learn or understand things, or deal with new or difficult situations.
intransigencia
intransigence
The Spanish word 'intransigencia' translates to 'intransigence' in English. This term is used to illustrate a trait of being stubborn, unwilling to change one's views, or showing an extreme unwillingness to accept views that are different from one's own. The principle usage is often related to politics to depict individuals or parties who refuse to change their position or compromise on issues.
intransigente
intransigent
The Spanish word 'intransigente' translates to 'intransigent' in English. It is often used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their views or to agree about something. This word is usually applied to a person who is stubborn, uncompromising, and rigid in their beliefs or views, refusing to alter them even in the face of persuasive arguments or evidence to the contrary.
introvertido
introverted
The Spanish word 'introvertido' translates to 'introverted' in English. It is an adjective used to describe a person who is shy, reticent, and typically self-focused. Introverted people often prefer solitary activities over social ones, and may feel drained by social interactions. They often engage in activities that allow them to work independently and may need alone time to recharge.
juguetón
playful
Juguetón translates to 'playful'. It refers to a person who is fond of playing, amusing and lighthearted. For example, 'El niño es juguetón' translates to 'The child is playful'.
Example sentences with juguetón →justo
fair
The Spanish word 'justo' translates to 'fair' in English. It is used to denote something that is in accordance with the rules or standards. It can be used to describe a person who treats everybody equally as well as a situation or judgment that is equitable and just. For instance, in a sentence, it can be used like 'El juez fue justo en su veredicto' meaning 'The judge was fair in his verdict'.
nervioso
nervous.
The Spanish word 'nervioso' translates to 'nervous' in English. It is an adjective that describes a state of feeling anxious, worried, or scared, usually due to something that is happening or might happen. This term is commonly used in both languages to convey emotional states or reactions in certain situations that may cause unease or fear. For instance, one might feel 'nervioso' before giving a public speech or during stressful situations.
optimismo
optimism
The Spanish word 'optimismo' is generally used in the same context as its English equivalent 'optimism'. It can refer to a positive or hopeful outlook on life, situations, or future events. It is used in a sentence in the same way as the English word. For example, in the sentence 'I have optimism that things will improve,' 'optimism' would be replaced with 'optimismo' in Spanish.
Example sentences with optimismo →optimista
optimistic
The Spanish word 'optimista' translates to 'optimistic' in English. The term refers to the tendency or inclination to look at the positive side of things or expect the best possible outcome. It is used to describe people who have a positive outlook on life and believe that good things will happen. Much like in English, 'optimista' can be used in various contexts -- for example, to describe a person's general demeanor or attitude in life, or their perspective on a particular situation.
patience
paciencia
'Paciencia' means the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed. In learning, patience plays a key role as not all subjects or skills can be mastered instantly and require consistent practice.
Example sentences with patience →pesimismo
pessimism
The Spanish word 'pesimismo' translates to 'pessimism' in English. It is a noun and refers to the tendency to see, anticipate, or emphasize only bad or undesirable outcomes, results, conditions, problems, etc. The connotation is generally negative, as it denotes a sense of hopelessness or an expectation that the worst will happen in any situation.