ángel
/AHN-hel/
angel
The most common meaning of ángel refers to a celestial being.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Gender Rule
Even though many angels are depicted neutrally or stereotypically as female (like cherubs), the word 'ángel' is always masculine: 'el ángel' or 'un ángel'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Feminine Article
Mistake: "La ángel"
Correction: El ángel. Remember, the word itself is masculine, regardless of how you picture the spiritual being.
⭐ Usage Tips
Religious vs. General Use
This meaning is widely understood in both religious contexts and general conversation when talking about mythology or art.
Ángel can be used affectionately to describe a very sweet, innocent, or kind person (a darling).
ángel(noun)
darling
?A very sweet, innocent, or kind person
,angel
?term of endearment
sweetheart
?addressing a loved one
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
When referring to a person, 'ángel' remains masculine even if the person is female. You say 'Ella es un ángel' (She is an angel), not 'una ángel'.
⭐ Usage Tips
High Praise
This meaning is typically reserved for sincere compliments regarding someone's kindness, patience, or innocence.
The word ángel can also refer to a person's personal charm or charisma (their aura).
ángel(noun)
charm
?personal charisma or aura
,natural appeal
?magnetic personality
stage presence
?performance context
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Idiomatic Use
The most common way to use this meaning is with the verb 'tener' (to have). If someone 'tiene ángel,' it means they possess a natural, attractive quality.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Translating Literally
Mistake: "She has an angel."
Correction: She has charisma/charm. When used with 'tener', 'ángel' almost never means a literal heavenly being, but rather an intangible magnetic quality.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Presence
Use this meaning primarily when describing someone's captivating presence or personality, especially in public roles.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ángel
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ángel' to mean charisma or charm?
📚 More Resources
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.