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How to Say "diligence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “diligence” is “diligencia” — use this word when 'diligence' specifically refers to working with both care and speed, implying efficiency.

English → Spanish

diligencia

dee-lee-HEN-syahdiliˈxen.sja

nounB2general
Use this word when 'diligence' specifically refers to working with both care and speed, implying efficiency.
A person carefully and quickly painting a wooden fence with a brush.

Examples

Ella realiza su trabajo con mucha diligencia.

She carries out her work with great diligence.

El abogado actuó con la debida diligencia.

The lawyer acted with due diligence.

Necesitamos resolver este problema con diligencia.

We need to resolve this problem promptly/efficiently.

Adverbial Use

To say 'diligently,' you can use the phrase 'con diligencia' (with diligence) instead of the long word 'diligentemente'.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Thinking 'diligencia' only means 'hard work'.”

Correction: In Spanish, it's just as likely to mean an errand or a legal process.

aplicación

nounC1general
Choose this translation when 'diligence' means dedicated hard work and focused effort, especially in academic or professional contexts.

Examples

Su aplicación en los estudios fue recompensada con una beca.

Her diligence in her studies was rewarded with a scholarship.

celo

SEH-loh/ˈθelo/ (Spain), /ˈselo/ (Latin America)

nounB2general
Use 'celo' when 'diligence' implies zealous, enthusiastic, and persistent effort, often in fulfilling a duty or responsibility.
A person with a wide smile and bright eyes vigorously waving a colorful banner.

Examples

El joven médico cumple con su deber con mucho celo.

The young doctor carries out his duty with great zeal.

Debemos proteger nuestras tradiciones con celo.

We must protect our traditions with dedication.

Trabaja con un celo profesional envidiable.

He works with an enviable professional diligence.

Using 'con' to describe how something is done

This word almost always follows 'con' (with) to explain the attitude or care someone puts into an action.

Singular vs. Plural Meaning

In the singular, it means dedication. If you add an 's' (celos), the meaning usually changes to romantic jealousy.

Confusing 'celo' with 'jealousy'

Mistake: “Siento mucho celo de mi novio.”

Correction: Siento muchos celos de mi novio. Use the plural 'celos' for romantic envy.

industria

in-DUS-triainˈdustɾja

nounC1general
This word is best for 'diligence' when it signifies industriousness, implying hard work and persistence, often in a practical or technical context.
A person wearing an apron diligently hammering a small wooden peg into a board on a workbench, showing concentration and hard work.

Examples

Demostró gran industria al reparar el motor él mismo.

He showed great skill/ingenuity in repairing the engine himself.

Gracias a su industria, la familia prosperó.

Thanks to their diligence/hard work, the family prospered.

Formal Usage

This meaning is often found in conjunction with adjectives like 'gran' (great) or 'mucha' (much) to emphasize the effort or skill involved.

Diligencia vs. Aplicación

Learners often confuse 'diligencia' and 'aplicación'. Remember that 'diligencia' often implies speed and efficiency, while 'aplicación' focuses more on dedicated, focused effort. Use 'diligencia' when the speed of work is key, and 'aplicación' for deep commitment.

Related Translations

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