How to Say "bold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “bold” is “atrevido” — use 'atrevido' for actions, plans, or people that show bravery and confidence, or for something that is slightly risqué or unconventional in taste.
atrevido
ah-treh-VEE-dohatɾeˈβiðo
Examples
Fue un plan atrevido, pero funcionó.
It was a daring plan, but it worked.
Me gusta la gente atrevida que viaja sola.
I like bold people who travel alone.
Contó un chiste un poco atrevido para la cena.
He told a slightly risqué joke for the dinner.
Ese color de pelo es muy atrevido.
That hair color is very bold.
Gender Changes
Since this is a word that describes things, it changes to 'atrevida' when talking about a girl, a woman, or a feminine object.
audaz
ow-DAHS/ or /ow-DAHTHauˈdaθ
Examples
Ella es una exploradora audaz que no teme a nada.
She is a bold explorer who fears nothing.
El arquitecto presentó un diseño audaz para el nuevo museo.
The architect presented a daring design for the new museum.
Fue una maniobra audaz que cambió el resultado del partido.
It was an audacious maneuver that changed the outcome of the match.
One word for both genders
Unlike words that end in 'o' or 'a', audaz stays the same whether you are describing a man or a woman. For example: 'el hombre audaz' and 'la mujer audaz'.
Plural Spelling Change
When making this word plural, the 'z' changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one person is 'audaz', but two people are 'audaces'.
Avoid 'audaza'
Mistake: “La niña es audaza.”
Correction: La niña es audaz. Adjectives ending in 'z' don't change their ending for female subjects.
lanzado
lan-SAH-dohlanˈsado
Examples
No tuvo miedo de pedirle una cita, es un chico muy lanzado.
He wasn't afraid to ask her on a date; he's a very daring guy.
Si quieres el trabajo, tienes que ser más lanzada.
If you want the job, you have to be more bold.
Describing People
When describing a person, this word must match the gender of the person. Use 'lanzado' for men and 'lanzada' for women.
Lanzado vs. Atrevido
Mistake: “Using 'lanzado' only for physical throwing.”
Correction: In social contexts, 'lanzado' is a compliment or a description of someone's gutsy personality, not just about physical objects.
arriesgado
a-rrees-GAH-doha.rjesˈɣa.ðo
Examples
Es un diseñador muy arriesgado; siempre usa colores que nadie más se atreve a combinar.
He is a very bold designer; he always uses colors no one else dares to combine.
Mi hermana es arriesgada y siempre prueba deportes extremos.
My sister is daring and always tries extreme sports.
Fue una decisión arriesgada dejar su trabajo para empezar su propio negocio.
It was an adventurous/bold decision to quit her job to start her own business.
Used with 'Ser'
When describing a permanent trait of a person (like being daring or bold), use the verb 'ser': 'Ella es arriesgada' (She is a daring person).
agresivo
ah-greh-SEE-boha.ɣɾeˈsi.βo
Examples
Necesitamos un plan de marketing más agresivo para ganar clientes.
We need a more bold marketing plan to win customers.
Es un jugador muy agresivo en la cancha.
He is a very forceful player on the court.
determinado
deh-tehr-mee-NAH-dohdeteɾmiˈnaðo
Examples
Ella es una mujer muy determinada y valiente.
She is a very determined and brave woman.
Dio un paso determinado hacia la puerta.
He took a resolute step toward the door.
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' if you are describing a person's character (they are a determined person). Use 'estar' if they have made up their mind about a specific goal right now.
Examples
No seas tan fresca y pide disculpas a tu madre.
Don't be so cheeky and apologize to your mother.
Boldness vs. Rudeness
Related Translations
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