How to Say "praise" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “praise” is “elogio” — use 'elogio' for a general spoken or written expression of approval or admiration for someone's actions or qualities.
elogio
eh-LOH-hyoheˈloxjo
Examples
El profesor hizo un elogio de su estudiante más aplicado.
The professor made a statement of praise for his most diligent student.
El director tuvo palabras de elogio para el equipo.
The director had words of praise for the team.
Su última película ha recibido muchos elogios de la crítica.
His latest movie has received a lot of praise from critics.
El primer ministro pronunció un elogio en el funeral.
The prime minister delivered a eulogy at the funeral.
Using 'Elogio' with Verbs
To say you are praising someone using this noun, common partners are 'hacer un elogio' (to give a compliment) or 'dedicar un elogio' (to dedicate a praise).
Always Masculine
Even if the person being praised is a woman, the word 'elogio' is always a masculine noun ('el elogio').
Elogio vs. Alabanza
Mistake: “Using 'elogio' for religious worship.”
Correction: Use 'alabanza' for religious worship; 'elogio' is better for professional or social achievements.
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “Writing 'elegy' (a sad poem) as 'elogio'.”
Correction: In Spanish, a sad poem is an 'elegía'. An 'elogio' is strictly positive praise.
aplauso
ah-PLOW-sohaˈplau̯.so
Examples
La actuación recibió un fuerte aplauso del público.
The performance received loud applause from the audience.
El nuevo libro recibió el aplauso unánime de la crítica especializada.
The new book received the unanimous acclaim of the specialized critics.
Su larga trayectoria profesional mereció el aplauso de sus colegas.
His long professional career deserved the praise of his colleagues.
enhorabuena
en-oh-rah-BWEH-nahen.o.ɾaˈbwe.na
Examples
Le envié una enhorabuena por su ascenso.
I sent him congratulations on his promotion.
Le di la enhorabuena por su nuevo negocio.
I gave him my congratulations on his new business.
Recibieron la enhorabuena del presidente de la compañía.
They received the congratulations from the company president.
Feminine Noun
When used with a verb, 'enhorabuena' acts as a feminine noun, meaning you must use the article 'la' before it: 'la enhorabuena'.
Preposition 'Por'
To state why someone is being congratulated, use the preposition 'por' (for): 'dar la enhorabuena por [la razón]'.
felicitación
Examples
Recibió una felicitación oficial por su buen desempeño.
He received an official commendation for his good performance.
Confusing 'elogio' and 'enhorabuena'
Related Translations
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