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How to Say "fate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fate” is “destino” — use 'destino' when referring to the overarching power or plan that controls future events, often implying a predetermined path..

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destino

/des-TEE-no//desˈtino/

nounB1
Use 'destino' when referring to the overarching power or plan that controls future events, often implying a predetermined path.
A young person standing at the start of a clear, straight, illuminated paved path that stretches far into the distance towards a massive, distinct mountain peak.

Examples

Creo que nuestro destino era conocernos.

I think it was our destiny to meet each other.

Aceptó su destino con valentía.

He accepted his fate with bravery.

Nadie puede escapar de su destino.

No one can escape their destiny.

Destino vs. Suerte

Mistake: “Gané la lotería, fue mi destino.”

Correction: Gané la lotería, ¡qué suerte! While related, 'suerte' (luck) is more about random chance, good or bad. 'Destino' implies a grand, unavoidable plan or path.

suerte

/SWER-teh//ˈsweɾ.te/

nounA1informal
Use 'suerte' for 'fate' when it's synonymous with luck, chance, or one's general fortune in life, especially in informal contexts.
A vibrant illustration of a lucky charm, like a four-leaf clover, glowing brightly against a simple background.

Examples

¡Te deseo mucha suerte!

I wish you lots of luck!

¡Qué mala suerte que perdimos el tren!

What bad luck that we missed the train!

Tuvimos la suerte de conseguir una mesa sin reserva.

We had the good fortune of getting a table without a reservation.

To Be Lucky = 'Tener suerte'

In Spanish, you don't 'be' lucky, you 'have' luck. Always use the verb 'tener' (to have). For example, 'Yo tengo suerte' means 'I am lucky'.

Saying 'Soy suerte'

Mistake: “To say 'I am lucky', many learners translate directly and say 'Soy suerte'.”

Correction: The correct way is 'Tengo suerte'. Think of luck as a thing you possess. You can also use the adjective 'suertudo/a' ('Soy suertudo'), but 'tener suerte' is far more common.

karma

/kar-ma//ˈkaɾma/

nounA2
Choose 'karma' when referring to the concept of destiny shaped by the consequences of one's past actions, often with a moral or spiritual dimension.
A person planting a small green sprout in the soil, which grows into a large tree full of fruit in the background.

Examples

Ella cree que ayudar a los demás le traerá buen karma.

She believes that helping others will bring her good karma.

Si eres malo con la gente, el karma te alcanzará.

If you are mean to people, karma will catch up with you.

¡Qué mala suerte! Debe ser el karma por lo que hiciste ayer.

What bad luck! It must be karma for what you did yesterday.

A 'Masculine' A-word

Even though it ends in 'a,' karma is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it, not 'la'.

Don't say 'la karma'

Mistake: “La karma es real.”

Correction: El karma es real.

sino

/see-no//'sino/

nounC1formal
Use 'sino' for 'fate' when emphasizing an unavoidable, often negative, outcome that must be accepted.
A single, illuminated golden thread winding upward through a dark blue sky towards a distant, brightly glowing white star, representing an unavoidable path.

Examples

Aceptar su sino fue la decisión más valiente.

Accepting his destiny was the bravest decision.

El poeta escribió sobre el trágico sino de los héroes.

The poet wrote about the tragic fate of the heroes.

Destino vs. Suerte

Learners often confuse 'destino' and 'suerte.' 'Destino' implies a grand, predetermined plan, while 'suerte' refers more to chance or general good/bad fortune. Use 'destino' for cosmic plans and 'suerte' for everyday luck.

Related Translations

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