Inklingo

How to Say "character" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “character” is “letra” — use this word for a single written symbol, like a letter of the alphabet or a character in a text.

letra🔊A1

Use this word for a single written symbol, like a letter of the alphabet or a character in a text.

Learn more →
persona🔊A1

Use this when referring to a human being, especially in the context of a story, play, or film.

Learn more →
personalidad🔊A1

Use this to describe someone's moral and ethical nature, their inner strength and character.

Learn more →
carácterA2

Use this for a person's personality or temperament, or for a symbol or sign in a text or password.

Learn more →
personaje🔊A2

Use this for a character in a fictional work, such as a book, film, or play.

Learn more →
avatar🔊A2

Use this specifically for a digital representation of a user, especially in online games or virtual worlds.

Learn more →
figura🔊B1

Use this for an important or influential person, especially in history or a specific field.

Learn more →
individuo🔊B2

Use this for a person, especially when they seem suspicious, peculiar, or when you want to emphasize their individuality.

Learn more →
color🔊B2

Use this to describe the tone, nature, or atmosphere of a situation or event.

Learn more →
elemento🔊C1

Use this informally and negatively to refer to a suspicious person or individual.

Learn more →
raza🔊C1

Use this to refer to the inherent quality or nature of something, often used for wine or other fine products.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

letra

LEH-trahˈle.tɾa

nounA1general
Use this word for a single written symbol, like a letter of the alphabet or a character in a text.
A single, brightly colored, geometric shape floating against a plain background, representing an abstract alphabet symbol.

Examples

La primera letra del abecedario es la 'A'.

The first letter of the alphabet is 'A'.

¿Cuántas letras tiene la palabra 'paraguas'?

How many letters does the word 'umbrella' have?

Escribí mi nombre en letras mayúsculas.

I wrote my name in capital letters.

It's Feminine

Remember that 'letra' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la letra' or 'una letra'.

persona

per-SOH-nahpeɾˈso.na

nounA1general
Use this when referring to a human being, especially in the context of a story, play, or film.
A colorful illustration of one person standing alone, representing an individual.

Examples

Hay una persona en la puerta.

There is a person at the door.

Es una persona muy amable.

He/She is a very kind person.

Necesitamos tres personas para el equipo.

We need three people for the team.

Always Feminine

The word 'persona' is always treated as a feminine word in grammar, even if you're talking about a man. This means you always use 'la', 'una', and any describing words must also be in their feminine form (like 'alta' instead of 'alto').

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “Mi padre es un persona muy inteligente.”

Correction: Mi padre es una persona muy inteligente. The word 'persona' itself is always feminine, so you must use 'una', not 'un'.

Incorrect Adjective Agreement

Mistake: “El profesor es una persona muy simpático.”

Correction: El profesor es una persona muy simpática. Because 'persona' is feminine, the describing word ('simpática') also needs to be feminine to match it.

personalidad

per-so-na-li-dadpeɾsonaliˈðað

nounA1general
Use this to describe someone's moral and ethical nature, their inner strength and character.
A simplified human figure composed of several distinct, brightly colored geometric shapes representing different traits merging into one form.

Examples

Ella tiene una personalidad muy fuerte y decidida.

She has a very strong and determined personality.

Su personalidad amable hace que todos quieran trabajar con él.

His kind personality makes everyone want to work with him.

El niño está desarrollando su propia personalidad.

The child is developing their own personality.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-dad', which often means 'quality of,' remember that 'personalidad' is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Confusing Personality and Person

Mistake: “La persona es buena.”

Correction: La personalidad es buena. (The personality is good.) 'Persona' means 'person'; 'personalidad' is the set of traits.

carácter

nounA2general
Use this for a person's personality or temperament, or for a symbol or sign in a text or password.

Examples

La contraseña debe incluir al menos un carácter especial.

The password must include at least one special character (symbol).

personaje

per-soh-NA-hehpeɾsoˈnaxe

nounA2general
Use this for a character in a fictional work, such as a book, film, or play.
A colorful storybook illustration of a fantasy character, specifically a brave knight wearing shining silver armor and holding a sword, standing on a small wooden stage.

Examples

El personaje principal es muy valiente.

The main character is very brave.

Crearon un personaje inolvidable para la serie.

They created an unforgettable character for the series.

Masculine Gender Rule

Even if 'personaje' refers to a woman or a girl, the word itself is always masculine (el personaje). You must use the masculine article 'el' or 'un'.

Incorrect Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La personaje principal.”

Correction: El personaje principal. Remember, the word 'personaje' is masculine, no matter the gender of the character.

avatar

ah-bah-TARaβaˈtaɾ

nounA2gaming
Use this specifically for a digital representation of a user, especially in online games or virtual worlds.
A friendly 3D cartoon character head floating above a circular base.

Examples

He diseñado un avatar nuevo para el juego.

I have designed a new avatar for the game.

No reconocí a Juan porque cambió su avatar en el chat.

I didn't recognize Juan because he changed his profile picture in the chat.

Tu avatar es muy original, ¿lo dibujaste tú?

Your avatar is very original, did you draw it yourself?

Using 'el' with Avatar

Even though it ends in 'r', it is a male word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “La avatar.”

Correction: El avatar. Spanish uses the masculine form for this word regardless of whether the image looks like a man or a woman.

figura

fee-GOO-rahfiˈɣuɾa

nounB1general
Use this for an important or influential person, especially in history or a specific field.
A simple illustration of a person standing on a small stage, illuminated by a bright spotlight, signifying prominence.

Examples

Es una figura clave en la política de este país.

She is a key figure in this country's politics.

La figura del presidente es muy respetada aquí.

The president's figure (role/person) is highly respected here.

individuo

in-dee-VEE-dwoin.diˈβi.ðwo

nounB2general
Use this for a person, especially when they seem suspicious, peculiar, or when you want to emphasize their individuality.
A friendly illustration of a man wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans, smiling and giving a friendly wave.

Examples

¿Quién es ese individuo que está mirando por la ventana?

Who is that guy looking through the window?

Llamaron a la policía por un individuo sospechoso en la calle.

They called the police about a suspicious character on the street.

color

koh-lohrkoˈloɾ

nounB2general
Use this to describe the tone, nature, or atmosphere of a situation or event.
A simple illustration of a uniquely dressed individual wearing brightly patterned and mismatched clothes, demonstrating a distinctive personality.

Examples

La reunión tomó un color inesperado cuando empezaron a gritar.

The meeting took on an unexpected character when they started shouting.

Sus palabras dieron un nuevo color a la situación.

His words gave a new aspect to the situation.

Es un asunto de un fuerte color político.

It's an issue with a strong political tinge.

elemento

eh-leh-MEN-tohe.leˈmen.to

nounC1informal
Use this informally and negatively to refer to a suspicious person or individual.
A single individual wearing a uniform standing out slightly from a small, unified group of three other people in matching uniforms.

Examples

La seguridad detuvo a un elemento sospechoso cerca de la entrada principal.

Security detained a suspicious individual near the main entrance.

Necesitamos identificar a los elementos más influyentes del equipo.

We need to identify the most influential members of the team.

Referring to People

Using 'elemento' to refer to a person is usually quite formal or impersonal, often used by police or authorities. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, like 'a bad element' in English.

raza

RAH-sahˈraθa

nounC1general
Use this to refer to the inherent quality or nature of something, often used for wine or other fine products.
A simple storybook illustration showing three stylized figures of descending size, representing a grandparent, parent, and child, connected by a stylized root structure at their base, symbolizing lineage.

Examples

Ese vino tiene una raza excelente; es de la mejor cosecha.

That wine has an excellent quality/character; it's from the best harvest.

Demostró la raza de un verdadero campeón al no rendirse.

He showed the mettle (lineage/quality) of a true champion by not giving up.

Character vs. Personality

Learners often confuse 'carácter' (personality/temperament, or symbol) with 'personalidad' (moral strength) or 'personaje' (fictional character). Remember that 'carácter' can refer to both personality and symbols, while 'personaje' is exclusively for fictional roles and 'personalidad' for inner moral qualities.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.