Inklingo

How to Say "hero" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hero” is “héroe” — use this for a person who shows great bravery or is admired for courageous acts, or for the main character in a story.

English → Spanish

héroe

nounA2/B1general
Use this for a person who shows great bravery or is admired for courageous acts, or for the main character in a story.

Examples

El bombero fue un héroe al salvar a la familia del incendio.

The firefighter was a hero for saving the family from the fire.

valiente

vah-lyen-tehbaˈljen̪te

nounB1general
Use this when referring to someone who is courageous or daring, often in a figurative sense, highlighting their bravery rather than a specific heroic deed.

Examples

Solo un valiente se atrevería a cruzar ese río a nado.

Only a brave person (or a hero) would dare cross that river by swimming.

Todos lo recordarán como un valiente que luchó hasta el final.

Everyone will remember him as a brave one who fought until the end.

Adjective to Noun

Spanish often turns adjectives into nouns by putting an article (like 'el' or 'la') right before them. So, 'la valiente' means 'the brave woman' and 'los valientes' means 'the brave people'.

ídolo

nounA2general
Use this for someone who is greatly admired and serves as a role model, especially a public figure or celebrity.

Examples

Lionel Messi es el ídolo de millones de niños.

Lionel Messi is the idol of millions of children.

superhéroe

nounA2general
Use this specifically for a fictional character with superpowers who fights evil, or figuratively for someone performing extraordinary feats.

Examples

Mi superhéroe favorito es Spider-Man.

My favorite superhero is Spider-Man.

Héroe vs. Ídolo

Learners often confuse 'héroe' and 'ídolo'. Remember that 'héroe' implies bravery or a protagonist role, while 'ídolo' refers to someone admired as a role model, like a celebrity. Don't call your favorite singer an 'héroe' unless they've performed a specific act of great courage.

Related Translations

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