Inklingo

How to Say "courage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “courage” is “valentía” — use 'valentía' for a general sense of moral or mental strength when facing difficulty, danger, or pain..

valentíaB1

Use 'valentía' for a general sense of moral or mental strength when facing difficulty, danger, or pain.

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valor🔊B1

Choose 'valor' when emphasizing bravery and fortitude, especially in the face of physical danger or a challenging task.

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coraje🔊A2

Use 'coraje' for straightforward bravery or the spirit to do something, often implying a strong emotional component.

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ánimoB1

Employ 'ánimo' when 'courage' is closely related to having the spirit or energy to face a situation, rather than just bravery.

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huevo🔊B2

Use 'huevo' informally to mean 'guts' or 'nerve', implying a bold and perhaps reckless kind of bravery.

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arresto🔊C1

Consider 'arresto' when referring to the 'nerve' or 'guts' to do something, often implying a lack of it if not present.

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corazónA2

While 'corazón' means 'heart', it can poetically imply courage or spirit, usually in contexts of love or deep feeling.

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hierro🔊C1

Use 'hierro' metaphorically for mental fortitude or resilience, akin to 'iron will', often in a historical or dramatic context.

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English → Spanish

valentía

nounB1general
Use 'valentía' for a general sense of moral or mental strength when facing difficulty, danger, or pain.

Examples

Tuvo la valentía de admitir su error delante de todos.

He had the courage to admit his mistake in front of everyone.

valor

vah-LOR/baˈloɾ/

nounB1general
Choose 'valor' when emphasizing bravery and fortitude, especially in the face of physical danger or a challenging task.
A small child stands bravely and confidently, holding their chin up while facing a very large, non-threatening shadow of a creature in a dimly lit room.

Examples

Necesitas mucho valor para subir esa montaña.

You need a lot of courage to climb that mountain.

Demostró gran valor al ayudar a las víctimas del incendio.

He showed great bravery by helping the fire victims.

La niña tuvo el valor de confesar la verdad.

The girl had the courage to confess the truth.

Using 'Tener'

When you want to say someone 'has courage,' always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo valor' (I have courage).

Mixing Adjective/Noun

Mistake: “Soy valor.”

Correction: Soy valiente. (Valor is the noun [courage]; Valiente is the adjective [brave]. You must say 'I am brave' using the adjective.)

coraje

/koh-RAH-heh//koˈɾa.xe/

nounA2general
Use 'coraje' for straightforward bravery or the spirit to do something, often implying a strong emotional component.
A small child standing bravely in front of a slightly intimidating but friendly-looking obstacle, holding a wooden shield.

Examples

Tuvo el coraje de decir la verdad a pesar de las consecuencias.

He had the courage to tell the truth despite the consequences.

Se necesita mucho coraje para empezar un negocio desde cero.

It takes a lot of bravery to start a business from scratch.

Gender Rule

Even though 'coraje' ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el coraje' or 'un coraje'.

Using 'Coraje' for Physical Heart

Mistake: “Me duele el coraje. (I have a pain in my courage.)”

Correction: Use 'corazón' for the physical organ: 'Me duele el corazón.' (I have a pain in my heart.)

ánimo

nounB1general
Employ 'ánimo' when 'courage' is closely related to having the spirit or energy to face a situation, rather than just bravery.

Examples

No tengo mucho ánimo para ir a trabajar hoy.

I don't have much energy/spirit to go to work today.

huevo

OO-EH-voh/ˈweβo/

nounB2informal
Use 'huevo' informally to mean 'guts' or 'nerve', implying a bold and perhaps reckless kind of bravery.
A tiny, determined mouse standing confidently on the edge of a large, steep wooden step, illustrating bravery.

Examples

Tienes que echarle más huevos a este proyecto si quieres terminarlo a tiempo.

You have to put more effort/guts into this project if you want to finish it on time.

Se necesita mucho huevo para decirle la verdad a tu jefe.

It takes a lot of guts to tell your boss the truth.

Using 'Echarle'

The phrase 'echarle huevos' (to put guts into it) means to apply intense effort or dedication. It's often used reflexively or with 'le' referring to the task.

arresto

/ah-RREHS-toh//aˈrresto/

nounC1formal/literary
Consider 'arresto' when referring to the 'nerve' or 'guts' to do something, often implying a lack of it if not present.
A small figure standing confidently and bravely on a high, rocky mountain peak, looking out over a vast landscape, symbolizing courage.

Examples

No tuvo los arrestos para confesar su error.

He didn't have the nerve (or guts) to confess his mistake.

Se necesita mucho arresto para iniciar un negocio así.

It takes a lot of spirit to start a business like that.

Figurative Plural

When used to mean 'courage' or 'guts,' it is very commonly used in the plural form: 'los arrestos'.

corazón

nounA2general
While 'corazón' means 'heart', it can poetically imply courage or spirit, usually in contexts of love or deep feeling.

Examples

Te quiero con todo mi corazón.

I love you with all my heart.

hierro

YAIR-roh/ˈje.ro/

nounC1literary/historical
Use 'hierro' metaphorically for mental fortitude or resilience, akin to 'iron will', often in a historical or dramatic context.
A straight, silver medieval sword with a simple crossguard and handle, standing upright.

Examples

El caballero desenvainó su hierro y se preparó para la batalla.

The knight unsheathed his sword (his iron) and prepared for battle.

Necesitas tener nervios de hierro para ser un buen negociador.

You need to have nerves of steel (nerves of iron) to be a good negotiator.

Choosing Between 'Valentía', 'Valor', and 'Coraje'

Learners often confuse 'valentía', 'valor', and 'coraje'. While all mean bravery, 'valentía' emphasizes moral strength, 'valor' often implies facing danger, and 'coraje' is a more general term for bravery or spirit. Stick to 'valentía' or 'valor' for formal contexts and 'coraje' for everyday bravery.

Related Translations

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