How to Say "proficiency" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “proficiency” is “destreza” — use 'destreza' when referring to a high level of practical skill or manual ability in a specific craft or activity..
destreza
/des-TREH-sah//desˈtɾeθa/
Examples
El chef demostró gran destreza en la preparación del plato.
The chef showed great skill in preparing the dish.
El carpintero maneja las herramientas con gran destreza.
The carpenter handles the tools with great skill.
Ella tiene mucha destreza para resolver acertijos matemáticos.
She has a lot of dexterity for solving mathematical puzzles.
Adquirir esta destreza requiere años de práctica constante.
Acquiring this skill requires years of constant practice.
Gender check
Destreza is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' and make sure any describing words end in 'a' (e.g., 'mucha destreza').
Connecting to actions
When saying what you are skilled 'at', use the preposition 'para' followed by a noun or a verb in its base form (e.g., 'destreza para el baile' or 'destreza para bailar').
Confusing with 'Derecha'
Mistake: “Tengo mucha derecha en los deportes.”
Correction: Tengo mucha destreza en los deportes. 'Derecha' means the right side/hand, while 'destreza' means the talent or skill itself.
dominio
doh-MEE-nyoh/doˈmi.njo/
Examples
Su dominio del español es evidente en sus escritos.
His command of Spanish is evident in his writing.
Su dominio del piano impresionó a todos en la sala.
His mastery of the piano impressed everyone in the room.
Para este puesto se requiere un dominio total del software de edición.
This position requires complete proficiency in the editing software.
Using 'de' to Specify Skill
When talking about mastery of something, you almost always follow 'dominio' with the word 'de' (of): 'dominio del tema' (mastery of the topic).
Destreza vs. Dominio
Related Translations
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