How to Say "conceited" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “conceited” is “creído” — use this word to describe someone who is generally arrogant and thinks too highly of themselves, often in a way that makes them unlikeable.
creído
kreh-EE-dohkɾeˈi.ðo
Examples
No me gusta trabajar con él, es un poco creído.
I don't like working with him, he's a bit conceited.
Ella es tan creída que piensa que sabe más que el profesor.
She is so stuck up that she thinks she knows more than the professor.
¡No seas creído! Nadie te pidió tu opinión.
Don't be so arrogant! Nobody asked for your opinion.
Gender Matching
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'creído' must match the person you are describing: 'un hombre creído' (a conceited man) vs. 'una mujer creída' (a conceited woman).
Confusing Adjective and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'creído' only to mean 'believed' when talking about a person's personality.”
Correction: When describing character, 'creído' means arrogant. Use 'creer' (verb) for the action of believing.
engreído
en-gray-EE-dohenɡreˈiðo
Examples
Él es un tipo muy engreído y no escucha a nadie.
He is a very conceited guy and doesn't listen to anyone.
No seas tan engreído, todos cometemos errores a veces.
Don't be so stuck-up, we all make mistakes sometimes.
Su actitud engreída alejó a todos sus amigos.
Their smug attitude pushed all their friends away.
Matching the Person
Since this is a describing word, you must change the ending to '-a' if you are talking about a woman (engreída) or add an '-s' for plural (engreídos/engreídas).
Using with 'Ser'
We usually use this with the verb 'ser' (to be) because arrogance is seen as a personality trait, not a temporary mood.
Don't confuse with 'Grateful'
Mistake: “Using 'engreído' to mean thank you.”
Correction: Use 'agradecido' for grateful. 'Engreído' means the opposite of humble!
arrogante
ah-rroh-GAHN-teha.roˈɣan.te
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.
orgullosa
or-goo-YOH-sahor.ɣuˈʎo.sa
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.
hinchado
een-CHAH-dohinˈtʃado
Examples
Está hinchado de orgullo por el éxito de su hijo.
He is puffed up with pride over his son's success.
No me gusta su discurso, utiliza un lenguaje muy hinchado.
I don't like his speech; he uses very bombastic language.
Using 'De' to show cause
When using the figurative meaning, we often use 'de' to explain why the person is puffed up (e.g., 'hinchado de vanidad').
vano
VAH-nohˈba.no
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-doboˈlaðo
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.
Choosing Between 'Creído' and 'Engreído'
Related Translations
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