How to Say "honor" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “honor” is “honor” — use 'honor' when referring to a person's integrity, good name, or a general sense of respect and dignity, or when stating that something is a privilege.
honor
oh-NORoˈnoɾ
Examples
Es un honor estar aquí con ustedes.
It is an honor to be here with you.
Luchó por el honor de su familia.
He fought for his family's honor.
Es un hombre de honor.
He is a man of honor.
Prefiero morir con honor que vivir con vergüenza.
I prefer to die with honor than live with shame.
A Masculine Word That Doesn't End in -O
Even though it ends with an '-r', 'honor' is a masculine word. Always say 'el honor' (the honor) or 'un honor' (an honor).
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: “La honor de mi país es importante.”
Correction: El honor de mi país es importante. Remember that 'honor' is masculine, so it needs 'el'.
honor
oh-NORoˈnoɾ
Examples
Luchó por el honor de su familia.
He fought for his family's honor.
Es un hombre de honor.
He is a man of honor.
Prefiero morir con honor que vivir con vergüenza.
I prefer to die with honor than live with shame.
Es un honor estar aquí con ustedes.
It's an honor to be here with you.
A Masculine Word That Doesn't End in -O
Even though it ends with an '-r', 'honor' is a masculine word. Always say 'el honor' (the honor) or 'un honor' (an honor).
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: “La honor de mi país es importante.”
Correction: El honor de mi país es importante. Remember that 'honor' is masculine, so it needs 'el'.
orgullo
or-GOO-yohoɾˈɣuʎo
Examples
Siento mucho orgullo por haber terminado la carrera.
I feel a lot of pride for having finished the degree.
Mi hijo es mi mayor orgullo.
My son is my greatest pride (or: my greatest source of pride).
Es un orgullo representar a mi país.
It is an honor/a source of pride to represent my country.
Using 'Orgullo' with Verbs
You typically use 'sentir' (to feel) or 'tener' (to have) with 'orgullo': 'Siento orgullo' or 'Tengo orgullo'.
Confusing the Adjective
Mistake: “Using *orgullo* (the noun) instead of *orgulloso* (the adjective) to describe a person, e.g., 'Yo soy orgullo.'”
Correction: Use the adjective: 'Yo soy orgulloso/a' (I am proud).
gloria
GLO-riahˈɡlo.ɾja
Examples
El atleta ganó la medalla, trayendo gloria a su país.
The athlete won the medal, bringing glory to his country.
La gloria de Roma antigua sigue fascinando a los historiadores.
The glory of ancient Rome continues to fascinate historians.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in '-a,' remember that 'gloria' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la gloria' or 'una gloria'.
honra
OHN-rahˈon.ra
Examples
Ese escándalo manchó la honra de su familia.
That scandal stained his family's reputation.
Es un hombre de mucha honra y palabra.
He is a man of great honor and integrity.
Ella defendió su honra ante las acusaciones falsas.
She defended her honor against the false accusations.
Gender and Articles
This is a feminine naming word. Even though it starts with a silent 'h,' you always use 'la' or 'una' (la honra).
Honra vs. Honor
While similar, 'honra' often refers to the public 'face' or reputation you have in your community, whereas 'honor' is often more about your internal principles.
Confusing with the Verb
Mistake: “Using 'honra' when you mean 'to honor' (the action).”
Correction: Use 'honrar' for the action. 'Honra' is the thing you have, not the thing you do.
distinción
Examples
Se graduó con una distinción en matemáticas.
He graduated with an award in mathematics.
privilegio
pree-bee-LEH-heeohpɾi.βiˈle.xjo
Examples
Fue un privilegio asistir a la ceremonia de graduación de mi hija.
It was an honor/a privilege to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony.
Tuve el privilegio de trabajar junto a la famosa chef durante un mes.
I had the honor of working alongside the famous chef for a month.
Using 'De'
When using 'privilegio' to mean 'honor' and following it with an action, you almost always need the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo el privilegio de ayudarte' (I have the honor of helping you).
Distinguishing 'Honor' from 'Pride'
Related Translations
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