Inklingo

How to Say "loyalty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fidelidad

fee-deh-lee-DAHDfi.ðe.liˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'fidelidad' when referring to faithfulness in a relationship, to a brand, a cause, or an abstract concept.
A loyal golden retriever sitting patiently by its owner's side, looking up with devotion.

Examples

El perro es un símbolo de fidelidad.

The dog is a symbol of loyalty.

La fidelidad es la base de un matrimonio feliz.

Faithfulness is the foundation of a happy marriage.

Los empleados mostraron su fidelidad a la empresa durante la crisis.

The employees showed their loyalty to the company during the crisis.

Identifying Gender

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish, so you use 'la' and 'una'.

Using 'a' after Fidelidad

When you want to say who you are loyal 'to', use the preposition 'a'. For example: 'fidelidad a sus amigos'.

Loyalty Cards

Mistake: “Tengo una tarjeta de fidelidad.”

Correction: Tengo una tarjeta de fidelización (o tarjeta de puntos).

lealtad

lay-ahl-TAHDle.alˈtað

nounB1general
Choose 'lealtad' to express faithfulness and allegiance to a person, organization, or principle, often implying a strong sense of duty.
A brightly colored illustration showing a small child holding hands with a large, friendly brown dog. They are walking together on a sunny green path, symbolizing the bond of loyalty and faithfulness.

Examples

La lealtad de un perro a su dueño es asombrosa.

A dog's loyalty to its owner is amazing.

Puso a prueba su lealtad al pedirle que guardara el secreto.

He tested her loyalty by asking her to keep the secret.

Jurar lealtad a la bandera es un acto solemne.

To swear allegiance to the flag is a solemn act.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'lealtad' is a feminine noun, so you must always use the feminine articles: 'la lealtad' or 'una lealtad'.

Using 'de' instead of 'a'

Mistake: “Lealtad de la empresa.”

Correction: Lealtad a la empresa. (Loyalty to the company). Spanish generally uses the preposition 'a' (to) when specifying the target of the loyalty.

aguante

ah-GWAN-tehaˈɡwante

nounB2informal
Use 'aguante' to describe the quality of sticking by someone or something through difficult times, emphasizing resilience and endurance.
A crowd of fans wearing matching colors, waving flags and cheering enthusiastically from the stands.

Examples

Gracias por el aguante durante mi enfermedad.

Thanks for the support during my illness.

La hinchada siempre le hace el aguante al equipo.

The fans always root for the team.

¡Qué aguante tienen esos amigos!

What loyal friends they are!

The 'Hacer' Connection

In slang, this word is almost always paired with 'hacer' (to make/do) to mean 'to support' or 'to accompany.'

Direct translation

Mistake: “Yo te soporto.”

Correction: Yo te hago el aguante. (In Spanish, 'soportar' often means 'to tolerate someone you dislike', whereas 'hacer el aguante' means you are helping a friend.)

Fidelidad vs. Lealtad

Learners often confuse 'fidelidad' and 'lealtad.' While both mean loyalty, 'fidelidad' is broader, encompassing faithfulness to brands or ideas. 'Lealtad' often implies a deeper, more personal commitment or allegiance, like to a country or a close friend.

Related Translations

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