Inklingo

How to Say "charity" in Spanish

English → Spanish

caridad

kah-ree-DAHDka.ɾiˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'caridad' when referring to the general act of giving aid to those in need, or when speaking of charity as a virtue (especially in a religious context).
A close-up view of one hand gently placing a piece of bread into the open palm of another hand, symbolizing giving aid.

Examples

La organización vive de la caridad de sus miembros.

The organization survives on the charity of its members.

Hicieron una colecta de caridad para los damnificados.

They held a charity collection for the disaster victims.

Las tres virtudes teologales son fe, esperanza y caridad.

The three theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.

Feminine Noun

Even though it ends in '-d', 'caridad' is always a feminine noun, meaning you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

benéfico

adjectiveB2general
Use 'benéfico' as an adjective to describe events, activities, or organizations that are organized to raise money for a good cause.

Examples

Asistimos a una gala benéfica para recaudar fondos.

We attended a charity gala to raise funds.

limosna

lee-MOHS-nahliˈmosna

nounB1general
Use 'limosna' specifically for a small amount of money or food given to a poor person, often as a direct, individual act of giving.
A kind person placing a silver coin into the weathered hands of another person.

Examples

El hombre pedía limosna en la puerta de la iglesia.

The man was asking for alms at the church door.

Mucha gente da limosna durante las fiestas de Navidad.

Many people give charity during the Christmas holidays.

No es suficiente con dar limosna; hay que cambiar el sistema.

Giving handouts isn't enough; the system needs to be changed.

Verbs to use with 'Limosna'

In Spanish, we usually use the verbs 'dar' (to give) or 'pedir' (to ask for) with this word. Unlike in English where you might say 'begging,' in Spanish, the standard phrase is 'pedir limosna.'

Gender is fixed

This word is always feminine ('la limosna'). It doesn't change even if you are giving it to a man or if the person asking is a man.

Don't use 'hacer'

Mistake: “Hacer limosna.”

Correction: Dar limosna. In Spanish, you 'give' charity, you don't 'do' it.

Caridad vs. Benéfico

Learners often confuse 'caridad' and 'benéfico'. Remember that 'caridad' is the general concept or act of charity (noun), while 'benéfico' is an adjective describing something *related to* charity, like an event. You wouldn't say 'una gala caridad', but 'una gala benéfica'.

Related Translations

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