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How to Say "conceit" in Spanish

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orgullo

or-GOO-yohoɾˈɣuʎo

nounB1general
Use 'orgullo' when referring to excessive self-esteem or vanity that makes someone unwilling to admit fault or apologize.
A character stands alone with their nose elevated and chest puffed out, displaying a haughty, dismissive attitude towards the empty space around them.

Examples

Su orgullo le impide pedir disculpas.

His arrogance prevents him from apologizing.

El orgullo fue la causa de su caída.

Conceit (or: hubris) was the cause of his downfall.

Parece que tiene demasiado orgullo para aceptar ayuda.

It seems he has too much pride (arrogance) to accept help.

Orgullo vs. Ego

When referring to a negative, inflated sense of self-importance, 'orgullo' is often interchangeable with 'ego' in Spanish, though 'orgullo' carries a stronger sense of stubbornness.

arrogancia

ah-rro-GAHN-syaharoˈɡansja

nounB2general
Choose 'arrogancia' to describe an overbearing attitude and a sense of superiority that alienates others.
A person wearing a large golden crown, standing tall with their nose pointed upwards and arms crossed, looking down at a small flower.

Examples

Su arrogancia hizo que perdiera a todos sus amigos.

His arrogance caused him to lose all his friends.

No soporto la arrogancia de los políticos que no escuchan al pueblo.

I can't stand the arrogance of politicians who don't listen to the people.

A pesar de su éxito, nunca mostró ni un rastro de arrogancia.

Despite her success, she never showed even a trace of arrogance.

Always Feminine

Even though it refers to a personality trait that anyone can have, the word itself ends in '-ia' and is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using 'Tener' vs 'Ser'

In Spanish, you say someone 'has' arrogance ('tiene arrogancia') to describe the trait, or that they 'are' arrogant ('es arrogante') using the describing word form.

Confusing with 'Orgullo'

Mistake: “Using 'arrogancia' to mean 'proud of an achievement'.”

Correction: Use 'orgullo' for positive pride. 'Arrogancia' is almost always negative and implies looking down on others.

pretensión

nounB2general
Use 'pretensión' when describing a person or thing that lacks pretentiousness or excessive self-importance, often implying humility.

Examples

Es una película sencilla, sin pretensiones.

It's a simple movie, without any pretentiousness.

humo

oo-mohˈumo

nounB2informal
Employ 'humo' metaphorically to describe someone who is full of empty promises or boasts, lacking substance or genuine achievement.
A cartoonish figure stands boastfully, gesturing dramatically, while thin, dissipating puffs of smoke (representing empty promises or hot air) float away from their open mouth.

Examples

Ese candidato solo vende humo, no tiene planes reales.

That candidate is just selling hot air (making empty promises), he has no real plans.

Desde que lo ascendieron, el humo se le ha subido a la cabeza.

Since he was promoted, the conceit has gone to his head (he has become arrogant).

Figurative Meaning

This meaning uses 'humo' because smoke is insubstantial and disappears quickly, symbolizing something that sounds impressive but has no real value.

Distinguishing 'Orgullo' and 'Arrogancia'

Learners often confuse 'orgullo' and 'arrogancia' as they both relate to pride. Remember that 'orgullo' is more about internal self-esteem that prevents humility, while 'arrogancia' describes an outward, often offensive, display of superiority.

Related Translations

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