Inklingo

How to Say "charitable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “charitable” is “generoso” — use this word when referring to someone who is naturally inclined to give or share, especially with those less fortunate.

English → Spanish

generoso

heh-neh-ROH-sohxe.neˈɾo.so

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to someone who is naturally inclined to give or share, especially with those less fortunate.
A high quality storybook illustration showing one child happily handing a large, ripe apple to another child, symbolizing the act of giving freely.

Examples

Mi abuelo era un hombre muy generoso que siempre ayudaba a los necesitados.

My grandfather was a very generous man who always helped those in need.

Mi hermana es muy generosa y siempre comparte sus dulces.

My sister is very generous and always shares her candy.

Necesitas ser más generoso con tu tiempo si quieres ayudar a la comunidad.

You need to be more generous with your time if you want to help the community.

Matching Gender and Number

Remember that 'generoso' describes a masculine singular person or thing. If you are describing a woman, use 'generosa'. For groups, use 'generosos' (mixed or all male) or 'generosas' (all female).

Mixing up the Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “La generosidad persona.”

Correction: La persona generosa. ('Generoso' is the describing word (adjective) and usually comes after the person/thing (noun).)

benéfico

adjectiveB2formal
This term is specifically used for events, activities, or organizations whose primary purpose is to raise money or provide aid for a good cause.

Examples

Asistimos a una gala benéfica para recaudar fondos para el hospital.

We attended a charity gala to raise funds for the hospital.

solidario

so-lee-DAH-ryosoliˈdaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Choose this word to describe someone who shows support and empathy towards others, often by participating in collective efforts or social causes.
One person helping another person climb up a small hill by reaching out a hand.

Examples

La comunidad se mostró muy solidaria tras el desastre natural, ofreciendo ayuda a los afectados.

The community showed great solidarity after the natural disaster, offering help to those affected.

Juan es un chico muy solidario; siempre ayuda a los demás.

Juan is a very supportive guy; he always helps others.

Muchos países enviaron ayuda solidaria después del terremoto.

Many countries sent supportive aid after the earthquake.

Buscamos voluntarios con espíritu solidario para este proyecto social.

We are looking for volunteers with a supportive spirit for this social project.

Matching the Person

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the person. Use 'solidario' for men and 'solidaria' for women.

Where to put it

This word almost always comes after the noun it describes, like 'un amigo solidario' (a supportive friend).

The 'Solitario' Mix-up

Mistake: “Using 'solitario' when you mean 'supportive'.”

Correction: Say 'solidario' for supportive. 'Solitario' means lonely or alone.

The 'Supportive' False Friend

Mistake: “Trying to say 'soportivo'.”

Correction: Spanish doesn't use 'soportivo'. Use 'solidario' for emotional or social support.

humanitario

oo-mah-nee-tah-ree-ohumaniˈtaɾjo

adjectiveB1formal
Use this when the focus is on actions or aid aimed at alleviating suffering and promoting human welfare on a larger scale, often in response to crises.
A kind person handing a warm bowl of soup to another person wrapped in a blanket.

Examples

La organización envió ayuda humanitaria a las zonas de conflicto.

The organization sent humanitarian aid to the conflict zones.

La Cruz Roja envió mucha ayuda humanitaria a la región.

The Red Cross sent a lot of humanitarian aid to the region.

El actor es famoso por su labor humanitaria en África.

The actor is famous for his humanitarian work in Africa.

Liberaron al prisionero por razones humanitarias.

They released the prisoner for humanitarian reasons.

Gender Matching

This word changes its ending based on the thing it describes. Use 'humanitario' for masculine words (like 'trabajo') and 'humanitaria' for feminine words (like 'ayuda').

Word Order

In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the noun you are describing. Instead of saying 'humanitarian aid,' you say 'aid humanitarian' (ayuda humanitaria).

Humanitario vs. Humano

Mistake: “Using 'humano' to mean 'charitable'.”

Correction: Use 'humano' for biological things (like 'the human body') and 'humanitario' for actions that help others (like 'humanitarian work').

Generoso vs. Benéfico

Learners often confuse 'generoso' and 'benéfico'. Remember, 'generoso' describes a person's character (giving), while 'benéfico' describes an action or event (charitable purpose), like a fundraising gala.

Related Translations

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