Inklingo

How to Say "proud" in Spanish

English → Spanish

orgulloso

or-goo-YOH-sohoɾ.ɣuˈʎo.so

adjectiveA2general
Use 'orgulloso' when you want to express a positive feeling of satisfaction with yourself or someone else's accomplishments or qualities.
A young child standing proudly next to a large, colorful block tower they just built, beaming with satisfaction.

Examples

Estoy muy orgulloso de tus logros académicos.

I am very proud of your academic achievements.

Mi abuela siempre fue una mujer muy orgullosa de su familia.

My grandmother was always a woman very proud of her family.

Los padres estaban orgullosos de ver a su hija graduarse.

The parents were proud to see their daughter graduate.

Agreement is Key

Since 'orgulloso' is a descriptive word, it must change its ending to match the person feeling the emotion: orgulloso (male), orgullosa (female), orgullosos (plural male), orgullosas (plural female).

Use 'Estar', Not 'Ser'

When talking about feeling proud (a temporary emotion or state), you must use the verb 'estar'. (e.g., 'Estoy orgulloso de ti.')

Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “Estoy orgulloso por ti.”

Correction: Estoy orgulloso de ti. ('Orgulloso' is always followed by the preposition 'de' (of) to introduce the reason for the pride.)

soberbio

so-BEHR-byohsoˈβeɾβjo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'soberbio' to describe someone who is excessively proud in a negative way, meaning arrogant, haughty, or conceited.
A man standing with his nose in the air and arms crossed, looking down at others with a haughty expression.

Examples

No seas tan soberbio y pide ayuda si la necesitas.

Don't be so arrogant and ask for help if you need it.

Su actitud soberbia le impide reconocer sus propios errores.

His haughty attitude prevents him from recognizing his own mistakes.

Era un hombre rico y soberbio que despreciaba a los demás.

He was a rich and arrogant man who looked down on others.

Using with Ser vs Estar

Use 'ser' when describing someone's permanent personality, but use 'estar' if someone is just acting arrogant in a specific moment.

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: “Using 'soberbio' only as a compliment.”

Correction: In English, 'superb' is always good. In Spanish, 'soberbio' usually means 'arrogant' when describing a person.

ancho

AHN-choˈantʃo

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'ancho' (often in the phrase 'quedarse ancho') to describe someone acting completely unbothered or nonchalant, especially after saying or doing something bold.
A person standing tall with their chest out and a satisfied smile on their face.

Examples

Le dijo que no pensaba volver y se quedó tan ancho.

He told her he wasn't planning to return and acted completely unbothered.

Positive vs. Negative Pride

The most common mistake is using 'soberbio' when intending the positive feeling of 'orgulloso'. Remember, 'soberbio' always carries a negative connotation of arrogance, while 'orgulloso' expresses genuine satisfaction and pride.

Related Translations

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