Inklingo

How to Say "compliment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cumplido

koom-PLEE-dohkumˈpliðo

nounB1general
Use 'cumplido' when referring to a specific, often positive, remark or observation made directly to someone, such as praising their appearance or actions.
A happy character giving a single brightly colored flower to a second character who is blushing, illustrating a compliment or piece of praise.

Examples

Le di un cumplido a mi colega por su presentación.

I gave my colleague a compliment on his presentation.

Ella me hizo un cumplido muy bonito sobre mi vestido.

She gave me a very nice compliment about my dress.

A veces, recibir un cumplido sincero te alegra el día.

Sometimes, receiving a sincere compliment brightens your day.

No te lo tomes en serio, solo es un cumplido para quedar bien.

Don't take it seriously, it's just a compliment (flattery) to look good.

elogio

eh-LOH-hyoheˈloxjo

nounB2general
Choose 'elogio' for more formal or significant praise, often expressed in a public or written context, highlighting someone's merits or achievements.
A smiling person giving a thumbs up and clapping for someone else.

Examples

El profesor hizo un elogio del trabajo de investigación de la estudiante.

The professor made a compliment on the student's research work.

El director tuvo palabras de elogio para el equipo.

The director had words of praise for the team.

Su última película ha recibido muchos elogios de la crítica.

His latest movie has received a lot of praise from critics.

El primer ministro pronunció un elogio en el funeral.

The prime minister delivered a eulogy at the funeral.

Using 'Elogio' with Verbs

To say you are praising someone using this noun, common partners are 'hacer un elogio' (to give a compliment) or 'dedicar un elogio' (to dedicate a praise).

Always Masculine

Even if the person being praised is a woman, the word 'elogio' is always a masculine noun ('el elogio').

Elogio vs. Alabanza

Mistake: “Using 'elogio' for religious worship.”

Correction: Use 'alabanza' for religious worship; 'elogio' is better for professional or social achievements.

Spelling Confusion

Mistake: “Writing 'elegy' (a sad poem) as 'elogio'.”

Correction: In Spanish, a sad poem is an 'elegía'. An 'elogio' is strictly positive praise.

felicitación

nounA2general
Use 'felicitación' specifically for an expression of good wishes or admiration, most commonly seen on cards for holidays, birthdays, or achievements.

Examples

Recibí una felicitación por mi nuevo trabajo.

I received a compliment on my new job.

Cumplido vs. Elogio vs. Felicitación

Learners often confuse 'cumplido' and 'elogio'. Remember that 'cumplido' is usually a direct, personal remark, while 'elogio' implies more formal or public praise. 'Felicitación' is distinct and usually refers to good wishes or congratulations, often in written form.

Related Translations

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