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cortesía

/kor-teh-SEE-ah/

courtesy

A smiling cartoon character holding a wooden door wide open, gesturing politely for another person to enter.

Cortesía, meaning courtesy, is shown through good manners like holding the door for someone.

cortesía(noun)

fA2

courtesy

?

politeness, good manners

,

politeness

?

general behavior

Also:

civility

?

formal politeness

📝 In Action

Siempre saluda con mucha cortesía a sus vecinos.

A2

He always greets his neighbors with great courtesy.

La cortesía es esencial para una buena convivencia.

B1

Politeness is essential for living together well.

Agradeció el gesto de cortesía del mesero.

B2

He appreciated the waiter's gesture of courtesy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • educación (good manners)
  • amabilidad (kindness)

Antonyms

  • descortesía (discourtesy)
  • grosería (rudeness)

Common Collocations

  • muestra de cortesía – sign of courtesy
  • falta de cortesía – lack of politeness

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'cortesía' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine words with it, like 'la cortesía' or 'mucha cortesía'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong article

Mistake: "El cortesía es importante."

Correction: La cortesía es importante. (Always use 'la' because it is feminine.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Informal

While 'cortesía' is neutral, using it often implies a higher level of respect and formality than just 'amabilidad' (kindness).

A pair of hands presenting a small, neatly wrapped gift box tied with a ribbon, symbolizing a complimentary item.

Cortesía can also refer to a complimentary item or service, something given for free.

cortesía(noun)

fB1

complimentary item/service

?

something given for free

Also:

free gift

?

promotional item

📝 In Action

El hotel nos ofreció el desayuno de cortesía.

B1

The hotel offered us the breakfast free of charge (as a courtesy).

Este aperitivo es cortesía de la casa.

B1

This appetizer is complimentary from the house.

Recibimos entradas de cortesía para el concierto.

B2

We received complimentary tickets for the concert.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • por cortesía de – courtesy of
  • bebida de cortesía – complimentary drink

💡 Grammar Points

The 'Free' Phrase

When 'cortesía' means 'free,' it almost always appears in the phrase 'por cortesía de...' (courtesy of...) or 'de cortesía' (complimentary).

⭐ Usage Tips

Advertising Context

You will often see 'cortesía' used in marketing or customer service to describe a bonus or item that doesn't cost extra.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cortesía

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'cortesía' to mean 'something free'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cortés(polite, courteous) - adjective
descortesía(discourtesy) - noun
cortesanía(courtliness) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'cortesía' different from 'amabilidad'?

'Amabilidad' is general kindness or friendliness, often warm and personal. 'Cortesía' is more focused on respect, etiquette, and proper behavior, especially in public or formal situations.

Can I use 'cortesía' to mean 'thank you'?

No, you should use 'gracias.' However, you can say 'Le agradezco la cortesía' (I thank you for the courtesy) to acknowledge a polite action or favor.