How to Say "dignity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “dignity” is “dignidad” — use 'dignidad' when referring to the inherent worth and respect due to all individuals, regardless of their status or circumstances.
dignidad
dig-ni-daddiɣ.niˈðað
Examples
Todos los seres humanos nacen libres y con igual dignidad.
All human beings are born free and with equal dignity.
Ella mantuvo su dignidad a pesar de la situación difícil.
She maintained her dignity despite the difficult situation.
Perder el empleo fue un golpe a su dignidad.
Losing the job was a blow to his self-respect.
Gender Check
Remember that 'dignidad' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it (la dignidad) and feminine adjectives after it (dignidad absoluta).
Abstract Nouns
Like many abstract concepts in Spanish, 'dignidad' often appears with the definite article 'la' even when English might omit 'the' (e.g., 'La dignidad es importante' - Dignity is important).
False Cognate Alert
Mistake: “Using 'dignidad' when you mean 'dignitary' (a high-ranking person).”
Correction: The word for a dignitary is 'dignatario' (masculine) or 'dignataria' (feminine). 'Dignidad' only refers to the quality of worthiness.
decencia
deh-SEN-syahdeˈθenθja
Examples
Ten la decencia de decir la verdad.
Have the decency to tell the truth.
Él siempre actúa con mucha decencia en el trabajo.
He always acts with a lot of integrity at work.
La decencia es un valor que se aprende en casa.
Decency is a value that is learned at home.
Always Feminine
This word is always 'la decencia.' Even if you are talking about a man's behavior, the word itself doesn't change its gender.
Using 'La' with General Ideas
When talking about decency as a general concept, Spanish almost always includes the word 'la' (the), whereas English often leaves it out.
Don't confuse with 'Decent'
Mistake: “Es una decencia persona.”
Correction: Es una persona decente. (Use 'decencia' for the idea/noun, and 'decente' to describe a person.)
majestad
mah-hes-TAHDma.xesˈtað
Examples
La majestad del águila en vuelo impresionó a todos.
The majesty of the eagle in flight impressed everyone.
El embajador se dirigió a Su Majestad, la Reina.
The ambassador addressed Her Majesty, the Queen.
El silencio y la majestad del templo invitaban a la reflexión.
The silence and grandeur of the temple invited reflection.
Always Feminine
Even though 'majestad' ends in 'd,' it is a feminine word, meaning you must always use the feminine article 'la' or feminine adjectives (like 'su' or 'nuestra').
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: “El majestad de la montaña.”
Correction: La majestad de la montaña. (Nouns ending in -tad are almost always feminine in Spanish.)
Dignidad vs. Decencia
Related Translations
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