Inklingo

How to Say "kindness" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “kindness” is “amabilidad” — use 'amabilidad' to describe the quality of being friendly, polite, and pleasant in social interactions..

English → Spanish

amabilidad

/ah-mah-bee-lee-DAHD//amaβiliˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'amabilidad' to describe the quality of being friendly, polite, and pleasant in social interactions.
A person smiling and sharing a large, colorful umbrella with a small, wet puppy during a gentle rain shower.

Examples

Le agradezco mucho su amabilidad.

I really appreciate your kindness.

Ella siempre nos recibe con mucha amabilidad.

She always welcomes us with great friendliness.

¿Podría tener la amabilidad de abrir la puerta?

Could you have the kindness (be so kind as) to open the door?

The '-dad' Ending

In Spanish, words that end in '-dad' (like amabilidad, felicidad, or ciudad) are almost always feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “el amabilidad”

Correction: la amabilidad (because words ending in -dad are feminine).

bondad

bohn-DAHD/bonˈdad/

nounA2general
Choose 'bondad' when referring to kindness as an inherent moral quality or a good nature, often implying a deep-seated goodness.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a smiling child offering a bright red flower to an adult, symbolizing kindness.

Examples

La bondad de la abuela es infinita.

Grandma's kindness is infinite.

Siempre me impresionó su bondad hacia los más necesitados.

I was always impressed by her goodness toward those most in need.

Un pequeño acto de bondad puede cambiar el día de alguien.

A small act of kindness can change someone's day.

Feminine Noun Rule

'Bondad' is a feminine noun, just like almost all Spanish words ending in -dad (e.g., ciudad, verdad). Always use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El bondad es importante.”

Correction: La bondad es importante. Remember the -dad ending usually signals a feminine word.

generosidad

/heh-neh-roh-see-DAHD//xe.ne.ɾo.siˈðad/

nounA2general
Use 'generosidad' when the kindness involves being willing to give time, money, or help to others, emphasizing a generous spirit.
A friendly person smiling while handing a large, colorful gift box to a grateful friend.

Examples

Su generosidad ayudó a muchas personas sin hogar.

Their generosity helped many homeless people.

Te agradezco mucho tu generosidad con tu tiempo.

I really appreciate your generosity with your time.

La generosidad es una virtud muy importante.

Generosity is a very important virtue.

The '-dad' Rule

Words that end in '-dad' in Spanish are almost always feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' with this word (e.g., la generosidad).

The Silent 'D'

Mistake: “Pronouncing the final 'd' as a hard 'D' like in 'dad'.”

Correction: In Spanish, a 'd' at the end of a word is very soft, almost like the 'th' in the English word 'this' or 'breathe'.

favor

/fa-VOR//faˈβoɾ/

nounA1general
Use 'favor' specifically when referring to a single act of kindness, like a helpful deed someone does for you.
A person helping another person carry a heavy box up some stairs, illustrating a kind act or favor.

Examples

¿Me puedes hacer un favor?

Can you do me a favor?

Por favor, cierra la puerta.

Please, close the door.

Le debo muchos favores a mi vecina.

I owe my neighbor a lot of favors.

The Magic of 'Por Favor'

Always use 'por favor' when asking for something. It's the Spanish equivalent of 'please' and is essential for being polite. You can put it at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Asking for Favors

Mistake: “Using 'preguntar un favor'.”

Correction: Always say 'pedir un favor'. Think of it this way: 'pedir' is for asking *for* things (like a favor or food), while 'preguntar' is for asking *for* information (a question).

caridad

kah-ree-DAHD/ka.ɾiˈðað/

nounB2formal
Employ 'caridad' when kindness implies charity, benevolence, or compassion, often in situations of need or suffering.
A person gently placing an arm around another person who is sitting down and looks sad, offering comfort and support.

Examples

Le ruego, por caridad, que me escuche un momento.

I beg you, for pity's sake (out of kindness), listen to me for a moment.

El juez mostró caridad al darle una sentencia leve.

The judge showed mercy by giving him a light sentence.

Amabilidad vs. Bondad

Learners often confuse 'amabilidad' and 'bondad'. Remember that 'amabilidad' refers to pleasant social behavior and politeness, while 'bondad' describes a deeper, inherent moral goodness or a kind nature.

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