Inklingo

How to Say "brave" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “brave” is “valiente” — use 'valiente' for general acts of courage or when describing someone who is not afraid of anything, applicable in most everyday situations.

valiente🔊A2

Use 'valiente' for general acts of courage or when describing someone who is not afraid of anything, applicable in most everyday situations.

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audaz🔊B1

Choose 'audaz' to describe someone who is daring and willing to take risks or face danger, often implying boldness.

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fuerte🔊B1

Use 'fuerte' when 'brave' implies inner strength and resilience, the ability to withstand difficulty or hardship.

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guapo🔊B1

Use 'guapo' specifically when describing someone, often a man in a public performance like a bullfight, who displays courage and a lack of fear.

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bravo🔊C1

Employ 'bravo' to emphasize a more intense, often heroic or fierce, level of courage, particularly in challenging or dangerous situations.

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macho🔊B1

Use 'macho' in specific regions to describe something or someone as tough and courageous, often with a connotation of resilience or durability.

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English → Spanish

valiente

vah-lyen-tehbaˈljen̪te

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'valiente' for general acts of courage or when describing someone who is not afraid of anything, applicable in most everyday situations.
A person is shown carefully climbing a small wooden ladder to rescue an orange kitten stuck in a tree, depicting a brave person.

Examples

Mi hermana es muy valiente y no le tiene miedo a nada.

My sister is very brave and isn't afraid of anything.

Necesitas ser valiente para hablar en público por primera vez.

You need to be courageous to speak in public for the first time.

Los bomberos hicieron un trabajo increíblemente valiente durante el incendio.

The firefighters did an incredibly brave job during the fire.

Adjectives Ending in -e

Valiente ends in 'e,' which means it looks the same whether you are describing a man (el hombre valiente) or a woman (la mujer valiente). Only the plural changes: valientes.

Gender Agreement Error

Mistake: “Using *valienta* or *valiento*.”

Correction: The correct form is always *valiente* (singular) or *valientes* (plural), regardless of the gender of the person you are describing. 'Ella es valiente.'

audaz

ow-DAHS/ or /ow-DAHTHauˈdaθ

adjectiveB1General
Choose 'audaz' to describe someone who is daring and willing to take risks or face danger, often implying boldness.
A small kitten wearing a superhero cape standing bravely on top of a tall wooden fence.

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.

fuerte

FWER-tehˈfweɾte

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'fuerte' when 'brave' implies inner strength and resilience, the ability to withstand difficulty or hardship.
An illustration of a person standing firm and calm while a strong wind and rain batter around them, symbolizing emotional strength.

Examples

Tienes que ser fuerte para superar esta situación.

You have to be strong to get through this situation.

Ella tiene un carácter muy fuerte.

She has a very strong character.

Es una razón muy fuerte para cambiar de opinión.

It's a very strong reason to change one's mind.

guapo

gwah-pohˈɡwapo

adjectiveB1General
Use 'guapo' specifically when describing someone, often a man in a public performance like a bullfight, who displays courage and a lack of fear.
A colorful illustration of a small dog showing bravery by successfully leaping over a large puddle on a path.

Examples

Ese torero es muy guapo, no tiene miedo a nada.

That bullfighter is very brave; he isn't afraid of anything.

No te metas con él, es un guapo del barrio.

Don't mess with him, he's a tough guy in the neighborhood.

Context is Key

When 'guapo' is used to describe character (brave/tough), it often appears in contexts related to conflict, challenges, or physical danger. Listen closely to the situation.

bravo

BRAH-vohˈbɾaβo

adjectiveC1General
Employ 'bravo' to emphasize a more intense, often heroic or fierce, level of courage, particularly in challenging or dangerous situations.
A small, determined knight holding a shield and standing confidently in front of a slightly larger, non-threatening dragon.

Examples

El soldado bravo se lanzó a la batalla sin miedo.

The brave soldier threw himself into the battle without fear.

Fue un acto muy bravo arriesgar su vida por salvar al niño.

It was a very brave act to risk his life to save the child.

Formal Choice

While accurate, using 'bravo' to mean 'brave' is often reserved for literature, historical contexts, or formal speeches. Use 'valiente' in daily conversation.

macho

MAH-chohˈmatʃo

adjectiveB1Regional
Use 'macho' in specific regions to describe something or someone as tough and courageous, often with a connotation of resilience or durability.
A large, sturdy oak tree with thick roots holding firm against a strong wind.

Examples

Ese tornillo es más macho, aguantará más peso.

That screw is tougher, it will hold more weight.

Fue muy macho al enfrentarse solo al problema.

He was very brave/tough in facing the problem alone.

Valiente vs. Audaz

Learners often confuse 'valiente' and 'audaz'. Remember that 'valiente' is the most general term for courage, while 'audaz' specifically implies a willingness to take risks and face danger.

Related Translations

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