Inklingo

How to Say "faithfulness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fidelidad

fee-deh-lee-DAHDfi.ðe.liˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'fidelidad' when referring to loyalty in romantic relationships, to a cause, or to a duty or commitment.
A loyal golden retriever sitting patiently by its owner's side, looking up with devotion.

Examples

La fidelidad de su matrimonio duró cincuenta años.

The faithfulness of their marriage lasted fifty years.

El perro es un símbolo de fidelidad.

The dog is a symbol of loyalty.

La fidelidad es la base de un matrimonio feliz.

Faithfulness is the foundation of a happy marriage.

Los empleados mostraron su fidelidad a la empresa durante la crisis.

The employees showed their loyalty to the company during the crisis.

Identifying Gender

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish, so you use 'la' and 'una'.

Using 'a' after Fidelidad

When you want to say who you are loyal 'to', use the preposition 'a'. For example: 'fidelidad a sus amigos'.

Loyalty Cards

Mistake:Tengo una tarjeta de fidelidad.

Correction: Tengo una tarjeta de fidelización (o tarjeta de puntos).

lealtad

lay-ahl-TAHDle.alˈtað

nounB1general
Choose 'lealtad' to describe steadfast allegiance or devotion, especially to a person, group, or country, emphasizing unwavering support.
A brightly colored illustration showing a small child holding hands with a large, friendly brown dog. They are walking together on a sunny green path, symbolizing the bond of loyalty and faithfulness.

Examples

Demostró gran lealtad a sus amigos durante la crisis.

He showed great loyalty to his friends during the crisis.

La lealtad de un perro a su dueño es asombrosa.

A dog's loyalty to its owner is amazing.

Puso a prueba su lealtad al pedirle que guardara el secreto.

He tested her loyalty by asking her to keep the secret.

Jurar lealtad a la bandera es un acto solemne.

To swear allegiance to the flag is a solemn act.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'lealtad' is a feminine noun, so you must always use the feminine articles: 'la lealtad' or 'una lealtad'.

Using 'de' instead of 'a'

Mistake:Lealtad de la empresa.

Correction: Lealtad a la empresa. (Loyalty to the company). Spanish generally uses the preposition 'a' (to) when specifying the target of the loyalty.

Fidelidad vs. Lealtad

Learners often confuse 'fidelidad' and 'lealtad'. While both mean loyalty, 'fidelidad' is more commonly used for romantic commitment and adherence to duties, whereas 'lealtad' often implies a broader, more steadfast allegiance, like to a country or a cause.

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