Inklingo

How to Say "personality" in Spanish

English → Spanish

personalidad

/per-so-na-li-dad//peɾsonaliˈðað/

nounA1general
Use 'personalidad' to describe the inherent qualities and traits that make up someone's character or disposition.
A simplified human figure composed of several distinct, brightly colored geometric shapes representing different traits merging into one form.

Examples

Ella tiene una personalidad muy fuerte y decidida.

She has a very strong and determined personality.

Su personalidad amable hace que todos quieran trabajar con él.

His kind personality makes everyone want to work with him.

El niño está desarrollando su propia personalidad.

The child is developing their own personality.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-dad', which often means 'quality of,' remember that 'personalidad' is always feminine. You must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Confusing Personality and Person

Mistake: “La persona es buena.”

Correction: La personalidad es buena. (The personality is good.) 'Persona' means 'person'; 'personalidad' is the set of traits.

personaje

per-soh-NA-heh/peɾsoˈnaxe/

nounB1general
Use 'personaje' when referring to a well-known person, a public figure, or a character in a story, play, or movie.
A colorful storybook illustration of a distinguished person wearing a dark business suit standing confidently behind a wooden podium, representing a notable public figure.

Examples

Es un personaje influyente en la política local.

He is an influential figure in local politics.

Ese señor es un personaje, siempre cuenta historias increíbles.

That man is quite a character; he always tells incredible stories.

Figurative Use

When used in this sense, 'personaje' often implies the person has a strong, distinctive, or sometimes eccentric personality, making them memorable like a character in a story.

Personalidad vs. Personaje

Learners often confuse 'personalidad' and 'personaje' because 'personaje' can sometimes describe someone's public persona. Remember to use 'personalidad' for internal character traits and 'personaje' for external roles or famous individuals.

Related Translations

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