Inklingo

How to Say "attitude" in Spanish

English → Spanish

actitud

ak-tee-TOOD/ak.tiˈtuð/

nounA1general
Use 'actitud' when referring to someone's general mindset, outlook, or disposition towards something or someone.
A young child standing tall with shoulders back and a determined, positive smile, illustrating a mental disposition.

Examples

Necesitas cambiar tu actitud si quieres tener éxito en este proyecto.

You need to change your attitude if you want to be successful in this project.

Ella siempre tiene una actitud positiva, incluso en los días difíciles.

She always has a positive attitude, even on difficult days.

La actitud del jefe nos molestó a todos.

The boss's attitude bothered all of us.

Feminine Ending

Even though 'actitud' ends in the letter 'd', it is a feminine noun. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El actitud”

Correction: La actitud. Most nouns ending in -tud, like 'juventud' (youth) and 'gratitud' (gratitude), are feminine.

aires

AY-rehs/ˈai̯ɾes/

nounB2informal
Use 'aires' when describing someone who is putting on airs, behaving in a superior or affected way, often to impress others.
A cartoonish illustration of a person standing with an exaggeratedly upright and proud posture, chin lifted, representing a haughty manner.

Examples

Esa chica se da aires de superioridad, aunque no lo sea.

That girl puts on airs of superiority, even if she isn't superior.

Tiene unos aires muy elegantes, parece de la realeza.

She has a very elegant look; she seems like royalty.

Figurative Plural

In this meaning, 'aires' is almost always used in the plural, even when referring to one person's manner.

Using Singular for Attitude

Mistake: “Tiene un aire de superioridad.”

Correction: Use the plural: 'Tiene unos aires de superioridad.' This is the standard idiomatic usage.

Confusing Mindset with Bearing

Learners often confuse 'actitud' and 'aires' by using 'actitud' when someone is simply acting superior. Remember, 'actitud' is about internal disposition, while 'aires' specifically refers to the outward display or pretense of superiority.

Related Translations

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