ángel
“ángel” means “angel” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
angel
Also: heavenly messenger
📝 In Action
El niño dibujó un ángel con alas y una aureola.
A2The child drew an angel with wings and a halo.
El arcángel Gabriel es un ángel importante en la tradición cristiana.
B1The archangel Gabriel is an important angel in Christian tradition.
darling, angel
Also: sweetheart
📝 In Action
Gracias por ayudarme con la mudanza, eres un ángel.
B1Thanks for helping me move, you are an angel (a sweetheart).
¡Qué ángel es tu hijo! Siempre está sonriendo.
B1What a darling your son is! He is always smiling.
charm, natural appeal
Also: stage presence
📝 In Action
Aunque no es el cantante más hábil, tiene mucho ángel y el público lo adora.
C1Even though he isn't the most skilled singer, he has a lot of charm/charisma and the public adores him.
Se necesita ángel para triunfar en la televisión.
C2You need charisma/natural appeal to succeed on television.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ángel
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ángel' to mean charisma or charm?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin word 'angelus,' which itself was borrowed from the Greek word 'ángelos.' Originally, the Greek word simply meant 'messenger' or 'herald.'
First recorded: Pre-10th century (in Old Spanish variants)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
If I am talking about a female person, should I say 'la ángela'?
No. The Spanish noun 'ángel' is fixed as masculine. You must always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un,' even if the person you are describing is female: 'Mi tía es un ángel' (My aunt is an angel).
¿Tener ángel? What does this common phrase really mean?
If someone 'tiene ángel,' it means they have a natural, captivating presence or charm. They might be attractive, but usually, it refers to an inner light or magnetic personality, not just looks.