Inklingo

How to Say "nature" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “nature” is “carácter” — use this for a person's fundamental personality or disposition, or for the essential quality or defining feature of something.

English → Spanish

carácter

nounA2/C1general
Use this for a person's fundamental personality or disposition, or for the essential quality or defining feature of something.

Examples

Mi hermano tiene un carácter muy alegre y sociable.

My brother has a very cheerful and sociable nature.

índole

nounB2formal
This word refers to the essential character or type of a person or thing, often used in more formal contexts to describe the inherent quality.

Examples

Es un asunto de índole privada.

It is a matter of a private nature.

temperamento

tem-peh-rah-MEN-tohtempeɾaˈmento

nounB1general
Use this specifically for a person's basic disposition or temperament, focusing on their emotional reactivity and general mood.
A cheerful girl with a bright smile and a calm boy reading a book, showing their different natural personalities.

Examples

Mi hermano tiene un temperamento muy tranquilo.

My brother has a very calm nature.

Su temperamento artístico le ayuda a crear obras maravillosas.

Her artistic temperament helps her create wonderful works.

Es difícil trabajar con él debido a su temperamento volátil.

It is difficult to work with him due to his volatile temperament.

Always Masculine

Even if you are describing a woman, the word 'temperamento' stays masculine. You would say 'Ella tiene un temperamento fuerte' (She has a strong temperament).

Used with 'Tener'

In Spanish, we usually say someone 'has' (tener) a temperament rather than 'is' (ser) a temperament. For example: 'Él tiene buen temperamento' (He has a good temperament).

Temperamento vs. Temperatura

Mistake: “Hacer un comentario sobre el 'temperamento' del café.”

Correction: Use 'temperatura' for how hot or cold something is. Use 'temperamento' only for people's personalities.

condición

nounC1general
This translates 'nature' when referring to an inherent state, social standing, or the circumstances into which someone is born or placed.

Examples

Ella nació en una condición humilde, pero luchó por mejorar.

She was born into a humble social standing (condition), but she fought to improve.

Carácter vs. Índole

Learners often confuse 'carácter' and 'índole' when referring to the essential quality of something. 'Carácter' is broader and can apply to personality or defining features, while 'índole' is more specific to the type or inherent character, usually in formal contexts.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.