paciencia
“paciencia” means “patience” in Spanish (ability to wait calmly).
patience
Also: endurance, tolerance
📝 In Action
Necesitas mucha paciencia para enseñar a niños pequeños.
A2You need a lot of patience to teach small children.
Perdí la paciencia esperando el autobús que nunca llegó.
B1I lost patience waiting for the bus that never arrived.
Ten paciencia, el proceso es lento pero seguro.
A1Have patience (Be patient), the process is slow but sure.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: paciencia
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish phrase is the most natural way to say 'You need to be patient'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *patientia*, which meant 'suffering' or 'endurance.' Over time, its meaning shifted to focus on the calm ability to wait out difficulties.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use 'paciencia' in a command?
You use the verb 'tener' (to have). To tell a friend, say '¡Ten paciencia!' To tell a boss or someone you don't know well, say '¡Tenga paciencia!'
Is 'paciencia' the same as 'calma'?
They are similar, but 'paciencia' specifically refers to the ability to wait or endure without getting upset, while 'calma' is a more general state of tranquility or lack of agitation.