Inklingo

How to Say "gratitude" in Spanish

English → Spanish

agradecimiento

ah-grah-deh-see-MYEN-toh/aɣɾaðesiˈmjento/

nounB1general
Use 'agradecimiento' when you want to express a personal feeling of thankfulness or appreciation for something specific someone has done for you.
A joyful child holds a large red heart in their hands, surrounded by a faint, warm yellow glow, symbolizing the internal feeling of gratitude.

Examples

Mi más sincero agradecimiento por tu apoyo incondicional.

My most sincere gratitude for your unconditional support.

Quiero expresarte mi más sincero agradecimiento por tu ayuda.

I want to express my most sincere gratitude for your help.

Su gesto de agradecimiento fue muy emotivo.

His gesture of thanks (or appreciation) was very moving.

El agradecimiento es una de las emociones más positivas.

Thankfulness is one of the most positive emotions.

Using the preposition 'por'

When you mention the reason for the gratitude, always use 'por' (for): 'Agradecimiento por el regalo' (Gratitude for the gift).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'agradecimiento' when you should use the verb 'agradecer'. E.g., 'Yo agradecimiento tu ayuda.'”

Correction: Use the correct verb form: 'Yo agradezco tu ayuda.' ('Agradecimiento' is the feeling itself, not the action of thanking.)

gratitud

/grah-tee-TOOD//ɡratiˈtuð/

nounB1formal
Use 'gratitud' to express a more formal or profound sense of thankfulness, often in writing or in more elevated speech.
A simple storybook illustration showing one small character offering a bright yellow flower to another character, who is receiving the gift with a warm, grateful smile.

Examples

Expreso mi profunda gratitud por la oportunidad brindada.

I express my deep gratitude for the opportunity given.

Quiero expresar mi profunda gratitud por su ayuda.

I want to express my deep gratitude for your help.

La gratitud es un sentimiento que nos hace mejores personas.

Gratitude is a feeling that makes us better people.

Lo hizo como una muestra de gratitud.

He did it as a sign of thankfulness.

Gender Rule

Like many Spanish words that end in -tud (e.g., actitud, juventud), 'gratitud' is always a feminine noun. You must use feminine words like 'la' or 'mucha' before it: 'la gratitud' (the gratitude).

Using the Adjective

Mistake: “A common error is confusing the noun 'gratitud' with the related adjective 'agradecido/a' (grateful).”

Correction: Use 'gratitud' when talking about the feeling itself (e.g., 'Siento gratitud'). Use 'agradecido' when describing a person (e.g., 'Estoy agradecida' – I am grateful).

reconocimiento

reh-koh-noh-see-mee-EN-toh/re.ko.no.siˈmjento/

nounB2formal
Use 'reconocimiento' when referring to an award, honor, or formal acknowledgment of someone's achievements or contributions, rather than just a feeling.
A stylized golden trophy resting on a pedestal, symbolizing an honor or prize.

Examples

El científico recibió un gran reconocimiento por su descubrimiento.

The scientist received great recognition for his discovery.

Recibió un reconocimiento por sus contribuciones a la ciencia.

He received an award for his contributions to science.

Quiero expresar mi más profundo reconocimiento por su generosidad.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity.

Formal Thanks

Using 'reconocimiento' to express thanks is stronger and more formal than just saying 'gracias' or 'agradecimiento.' It emphasizes the value of the action being appreciated.

Feeling vs. Formal Award

The most common mistake is using 'reconocimiento' when you simply mean the feeling of being thankful. Remember, 'agradecimiento' and 'gratitud' express feelings, while 'reconocimiento' often implies a tangible award or formal acknowledgment.

Related Translations

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