Inklingo

How to Say "courage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “courage” is “valentía” — use this word for general mental or moral strength when facing difficulty or danger.

valentíaB1

Use this word for general mental or moral strength when facing difficulty or danger.

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valor🔊B1

This is a common and versatile word for bravery and fortitude, often used when facing a significant challenge.

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coraje🔊A2

A direct translation for courage, often implying boldness and a strong spirit in the face of adversity.

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ánimoB1

Use this when referring to a brave spirit or the energy/willpower needed to face something, sometimes implying a lack of it.

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corazónA2

While often meaning 'heart', it can imply courage or spirit, especially in expressions of deep emotion or love.

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temple🔊B2

This refers to inner strength, fortitude, or mettle, especially when maintaining composure in a difficult or dangerous situation.

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pecho🔊B2

Use this to describe showing bravery or fortitude, often in a defensive or proactive way.

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huevo🔊B2

A colloquial term for having 'guts' or bravery, often used when encouraging someone to be bold or daring.

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arresto🔊C1

This refers to the nerve, guts, or boldness required to do something, often used in negative constructions.

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cojónC1

A very informal and vulgar term referring to 'balls' or extreme bravery/guts; use with caution.

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hierro🔊C1

This refers to mental fortitude or resilience, often in a historical or literary context, metaphorically linking it to strength.

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English → Spanish

valentía

nounB1general
Use this word for general mental or moral strength when facing difficulty or danger.

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-LORbaˈloɾ

nounB1general
This is a common and versatile word for bravery and fortitude, often used when facing a significant challenge.
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-hehkoˈɾa.xe

nounA2general
A direct translation for courage, often implying boldness and a strong spirit in the face of adversity.
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
Use this when referring to a brave spirit or the energy/willpower needed to face something, sometimes implying a lack of it.

Examples

No tengo mucho ánimo para ir a trabajar hoy.

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

corazón

nounA2general
While often meaning 'heart', it can imply courage or spirit, especially in expressions of deep emotion or love.

Examples

Te quiero con todo mi corazón.

I love you with all my heart.

temple

TEM-plehˈtem.ple

nounB2general
This refers to inner strength, fortitude, or mettle, especially when maintaining composure in a difficult or dangerous situation.
A small, sturdy bird standing firmly against a strong wind with a determined expression.

Examples

El capitán mostró un gran temple durante la tormenta.

The captain showed great mettle during the storm.

Para ser cirujano, se necesita mucho temple.

To be a surgeon, you need a lot of composure.

Es una mujer de temple que no se rinde fácilmente.

She is a woman of character who doesn't give up easily.

The 'El' Rule

This is a masculine word. Even though it ends in 'e', you always use 'el' or 'un' (el temple, un temple).

Abstract vs. Concrete

While it describes an abstract quality like 'courage', it is treated as a countable noun when referring to specific types of character.

Temple vs. Templo

Mistake: “Using 'temple' to mean a religious building.”

Correction: Use 'templo' for a physical temple or church. 'Temple' refers to character or metal tempering.

pecho

PEH-chohˈpet͡ʃo

nounB2general
Use this to describe showing bravery or fortitude, often in a defensive or proactive way.
A simplified figure standing tall and resolute, chest slightly puffed out, facing forward with determination, symbolizing courage.

Examples

Puso el pecho para defender su proyecto.

He showed courage (or 'put his heart into it') to defend his project.

Ella sacó pecho cuando ganó el premio.

She puffed out her chest (showed pride/bravery) when she won the award.

Using 'Poner el Pecho'

This phrase literally means 'to put the chest out,' but it functions like saying 'to take the hit' or 'to step up and face a difficult situation' for someone or something.

huevo

OO-EH-vohˈweβo

nounB2informal
A colloquial term for having 'guts' or bravery, often used when encouraging someone to be bold or daring.
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-tohaˈrresto

nounC1general
This refers to the nerve, guts, or boldness required to do something, often used in negative constructions.
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'.

cojón

nounC1vulgar
A very informal and vulgar term referring to 'balls' or extreme bravery/guts; use with caution.

Examples

Le dio una patada en el cojón.

He kicked him in the ball.

hierro

YAIR-rohˈje.ro

nounC1literary
This refers to mental fortitude or resilience, often in a historical or literary context, metaphorically linking it to strength.
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.

Don't confuse general bravery with 'guts'

Learners often confuse general terms like 'valentía' or 'valor' with more informal or specific expressions like 'huevo' or 'arresto'. Remember that 'valentía' and 'valor' are standard for bravery, while 'huevo' is colloquial for 'guts', and 'arresto' often implies the nerve to act.

Related Translations

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