Inklingo
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aliento

/ah-LYEN-toh/

breath

A profile view of a simplified cartoon character gently exhaling a visible, stylized puff of white air.

In Spanish, aliento can mean "breath," like the air we inhale and exhale.

aliento(noun)

mA1

breath

?

air inhaled or exhaled

Also:

halitosis

?

usually used in the phrase 'mal aliento' (bad breath)

📝 In Action

Tomé un aliento profundo antes de saltar a la piscina.

A2

I took a deep breath before jumping into the pool.

El corredor se quedó sin aliento después de la carrera.

A2

The runner was left breathless after the race.

Siempre mastico chicle para evitar el mal aliento.

A1

I always chew gum to avoid bad breath.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • respiración (the act of breathing)
  • aire (air)

Common Collocations

  • tomar aliento – to take a breath
  • mal aliento – bad breath

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse sin aliento – to be out of breath or astonished

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though it starts with 'a,' 'aliento' is a masculine noun, so you use 'el' and 'un' (el aliento, un aliento).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Aliento vs. Respiración

Mistake: "Using 'aliento' when you mean the continuous action of breathing."

Correction: Use 'respiración' for the *act* of breathing ('Mi respiración es lenta'). Use 'aliento' for the *air* or a single puff ('Tomé un aliento').

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'Tener'

To say someone has bad breath, use the verb 'tener': 'Tengo mal aliento' (I have bad breath).

A simplified storybook scene showing one smiling figure placing a supportive hand on the shoulder of a smaller figure, who looks uplifted and encouraged.

Aliento also translates to "encouragement," representing motivation and support given to others.

aliento(noun)

mB1

encouragement

?

support or motivation

Also:

spirit

?

inner strength or vigor

,

hope

?

in the context of giving someone hope

📝 In Action

Sus palabras de aliento me ayudaron a no rendirme.

B1

His words of encouragement helped me not to give up.

El equipo necesita un poco de aliento de los aficionados.

B1

The team needs a little spirit/encouragement from the fans.

Recuperó el aliento y decidió seguir adelante con el proyecto.

B2

He recovered his spirit/strength and decided to move forward with the project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • desánimo (discouragement)

Common Collocations

  • dar aliento – to give encouragement
  • perder el aliento – to lose hope/spirit

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'aliento' as a metaphor for an inner life force or strength. Think of breath as the essence of life and vigor.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Encouragement Verb

The verb form 'alentar' (to encourage) is often used instead of the noun 'dar aliento' in everyday speech: 'Me alentó a seguir' (He encouraged me to continue).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: aliento

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'aliento' to mean 'encouragement'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

alentar(to encourage, to cheer on) - verb
alentador(encouraging) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'aliento' and 'respiración'?

'Aliento' refers to the air itself (the puff of air, or the smell), while 'respiración' refers to the continuous, ongoing *action* of breathing. Think of 'aliento' as the noun for the air, and 'respiración' as the noun for the process.

Why is 'aliento' masculine if it ends in '-o'?

'Aliento' is masculine (el aliento) because the vast majority of Spanish nouns ending in '-o' are masculine. There are no exceptions for this word.