Inklingo

How to Say "patience" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “patience” is “paciencia” — use 'paciencia' when referring to the general ability to wait calmly without getting upset, especially in situations involving delays or teaching.

English → Spanish

paciencia

pah-syen-syahpaˈsjen.sja

nounA2
Use 'paciencia' when referring to the general ability to wait calmly without getting upset, especially in situations involving delays or teaching.
A high quality storybook illustration of a person sitting calmly on a wooden stool on a riverbank, holding a fishing rod and waiting patiently for a fish to bite.

Examples

Necesitas mucha paciencia para enseñar a niños pequeños.

You need a lot of patience to teach small children.

Perdí la paciencia esperando el autobús que nunca llegó.

I lost patience waiting for the bus that never arrived.

Ten paciencia, el proceso es lento pero seguro.

Have patience (Be patient), the process is slow but sure.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'paciencia' is a feminine noun, so you must use the article 'la' (la paciencia) and feminine adjectives with it.

Being Patient

To say 'to be patient' in Spanish, you usually say 'tener paciencia' (to have patience), rather than using the verb 'ser' or 'estar' directly with the noun.

Mixing 'Ser' and 'Tener'

Mistake: “Soy paciencia. (I am patience.)”

Correction: Tengo paciencia. (I have patience.) Use 'tener' to describe possessing this quality, or use the adjective: 'Soy paciente' (I am patient).

aguante

ah-GWAN-tehaˈɡwante

nounB1
Use 'aguante' to describe physical or mental endurance, the capacity to tolerate discomfort, or to persevere through demanding activities.
A hiker climbing a steep mountain path with a determined expression, carrying a heavy backpack.

Examples

Para correr una maratón se necesita mucho aguante.

To run a marathon, you need a lot of stamina.

No tengo mucho aguante con el ruido de la calle.

I don't have much patience for the street noise.

Este motor tiene un aguante impresionante; nunca falla.

This engine has impressive durability; it never fails.

It's a Noun, Not a Verb

Even though it looks like a verb, 'el aguante' is a thing you have. Think of it as 'the capacity to hold on.'

Using 'estamina'

Mistake: “Él tiene buena estamina.”

Correction: Él tiene mucho aguante. (While 'estamina' exists, 'aguante' is much more natural in Spanish.)

correa

ko-RRE-ahkoˈrea

nounC1informal
Use 'correa' to describe the ability to put up with difficult people, stressful situations, or constant teasing and pranks without losing your cool.
A calm person smiling peacefully while a small bird lands on their shoulder.

Examples

Para ser profesor, hay que tener mucha correa.

To be a teacher, you need to have a lot of patience.

No te enfades, ¡ten un poco de correa!

Don't get mad, have a little thick skin!

Idiomatic Use

In this sense, 'correa' doesn't refer to a physical object but to the 'stretch' or flexibility of your personality.

conformidad

kon-for-mee-DAHDkoɱfoɾmiˈðað

nounC1formal
Use 'conformidad' when someone accepts difficult or unpleasant circumstances with quiet resignation, without complaining.
A person sitting peacefully on a bench in the rain, holding an umbrella with a calm expression.

Examples

Aceptó su destino con mucha conformidad.

He accepted his fate with great resignation.

Hay que afrontar las dificultades con paciencia y conformidad.

One must face difficulties with patience and acceptance.

Su rostro reflejaba una extraña conformidad ante la derrota.

His face reflected a strange acceptance in the face of defeat.

Emotional Context

When used for emotions, this word describes a 'state of mind.' It doesn't need a plural form in this context; you wouldn't say 'conformidades' to mean multiple acts of resignation.

Passive Action

This meaning describes a passive action—something you feel internally rather than an active 'yes' you give to someone else.

Positive vs. Negative Tone

Mistake: “Estoy en conformidad con mi vida.”

Correction: Estoy satisfecho con mi vida.

Choosing between 'Paciencia' and 'Aguante'

Learners often confuse 'paciencia' and 'aguante'. Remember, 'paciencia' is about waiting calmly, while 'aguante' refers to enduring hardship or physical exertion. Don't use 'paciencia' for marathon running; that's 'aguante'.

Related Translations

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