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How to Say "conceited" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “conceited” is “arrogante” — use 'arrogante' for someone who shows an excessive and unpleasant sense of their own importance or superiority..

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arrogante

ah-rroh-GAHN-teh/a.roˈɣan.te/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'arrogante' for someone who shows an excessive and unpleasant sense of their own importance or superiority.
A cartoon illustration of a man with a superior expression, chin lifted high, standing with his chest puffed out, and arms crossed, demonstrating arrogance.

Examples

Su tono de voz era muy arrogante y desagradable.

His tone of voice was very arrogant and unpleasant.

Ella es una persona inteligente, pero a veces parece arrogante.

She is an intelligent person, but sometimes she seems arrogant.

No seas tan arrogante; nadie quiere trabajar contigo.

Don't be so arrogant; nobody wants to work with you.

Adjective Form Stays the Same

Since 'arrogante' ends in '-e', it is the same form whether you are describing a masculine person (el hombre arrogante) or a feminine person (la mujer arrogante). The only change is when you make it plural (arrogantes).

Using it as a Noun

You can turn the adjective into a noun (meaning 'an arrogant person') simply by putting the article 'el' or 'la' in front of it: 'Vi a un arrogante en la calle' (I saw an arrogant guy on the street).

Gender Change Error

Mistake: “Using 'arroganto' for a man or 'arroganta' for a woman.”

Correction: The correct form is always 'arrogante' for both genders. It does not follow the typical '-o' for masculine, '-a' for feminine pattern.

creído

AdjectiveB1Informal
Choose 'creído' to describe someone who thinks they are better than others, often in a way that is annoying or off-putting.

Examples

No me gusta trabajar con él, es un poco creído.

I don't like working with him, he's a bit conceited.

orgullosa

or-goo-YOH-sah/or.ɣuˈʎo.sa/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'orgullosa' (feminine form of 'orgulloso') when someone displays excessive self-esteem, often leading to haughtiness or a refusal to engage.
A character standing rigidly with their chin raised high, looking down their nose with a smug expression, clearly showing arrogance.

Examples

Parecía muy orgullosa y no quiso hablar con nadie.

She seemed very haughty and didn't want to talk to anyone.

Su actitud orgullosa hizo que perdiera a muchos amigos.

Her arrogant attitude caused her to lose many friends.

Positive vs. Negative

Context is key! If 'orgullosa' is used to describe someone who doesn't listen or acts superior, it carries a negative meaning. If it's linked to an achievement, it's positive.

Confusing Pride

Mistake: “Using 'orgullosa' when you mean 'avergonzada' (ashamed).”

Correction: Remember 'orgullosa' is about feeling good about yourself or someone else, even in the negative sense of being too proud.

vano

/VAH-noh//ˈba.no/

AdjectiveB2General
'Vano' is best for describing someone excessively preoccupied with their appearance or achievements, focusing on superficial qualities.
A proud, flamboyant peacock sitting high on a pedestal, looking down condescendingly at several tiny, admiring field mice below, depicting vanity.

Examples

Ella es muy vana; solo se mira en el espejo.

She is very vain; she only looks at herself in the mirror.

Sus palabras eran vanas y superficiales.

His words were empty (vain) and superficial.

volado

/bo-LAH-do//boˈlaðo/

AdjectiveB2Informal
Use 'volado' informally to describe someone who is acting full of themselves or overly impressed with themselves, often temporarily.
A person sitting on a park bench looking up at the clouds with a dreamy, distracted expression.

Examples

Perdona, estoy un poco volado hoy; no dormí bien.

Sorry, I'm a bit spaced out today; I didn't sleep well.

Ese chico es muy volado, se cree el mejor del mundo.

That guy is very conceited; he thinks he's the best in the world.

Matching the Person

Since this is a describing word, it changes to 'volada' for women and 'volados/as' for groups.

Arrogante vs. Creído

Learners often confuse 'arrogante' and 'creído'. While both mean arrogant, 'arrogante' often implies a more outward, unpleasant display of superiority, whereas 'creído' focuses more on the internal belief of being better than others, often making them seem unlikeable.

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