Inklingo

How to Say "bravery" in Spanish

English → Spanish

coraje

/koh-RAH-heh//koˈɾa.xe/

nounA2general
Use 'coraje' when emphasizing the inner strength or spirit needed to face difficult or dangerous situations, often implying a bold or defiant attitude.
A small child standing bravely in front of a slightly intimidating but friendly-looking obstacle, holding a wooden shield.

Examples

Tuvo el coraje de decir la verdad a pesar de las consecuencias.

He had the courage to tell the truth despite the consequences.

Se necesita mucho coraje para empezar un negocio desde cero.

It takes a lot of bravery to start a business from scratch.

Gender Rule

Even though 'coraje' ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el coraje' or 'un coraje'.

Using 'Coraje' for Physical Heart

Mistake: “Me duele el coraje. (I have a pain in my courage.)”

Correction: Use 'corazón' for the physical organ: 'Me duele el corazón.' (I have a pain in my heart.)

valentía

nounB1general
Choose 'valentía' to describe the quality of showing no fear or apprehension when confronting danger or pain, focusing on the outward display of fearlessness.

Examples

Tuvo la valentía de admitir su error delante de todos.

He had the courage to admit his mistake in front of everyone.

valor

vah-LOR/baˈloɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'valor' when highlighting the act of acting despite the presence of fear, focusing on the determination and resolve to proceed in the face of apprehension.
A small child stands bravely and confidently, holding their chin up while facing a very large, non-threatening shadow of a creature in a dimly lit room.

Examples

Necesitas mucho valor para subir esa montaña.

You need a lot of courage to climb that mountain.

Demostró gran valor al ayudar a las víctimas del incendio.

He showed great bravery by helping the fire victims.

La niña tuvo el valor de confesar la verdad.

The girl had the courage to confess the truth.

Using 'Tener'

When you want to say someone 'has courage,' always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo valor' (I have courage).

Mixing Adjective/Noun

Mistake: “Soy valor.”

Correction: Soy valiente. (Valor is the noun [courage]; Valiente is the adjective [brave]. You must say 'I am brave' using the adjective.)

Coraje vs. Valentía vs. Valor

Learners often confuse 'coraje', 'valentía', and 'valor'. While all relate to bravery, 'coraje' often implies an inner spirit or resolve, 'valentía' focuses on acting fearlessly, and 'valor' emphasizes acting despite fear. Pay attention to whether the emphasis is on the internal drive or the external action.

Related Translations

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