Inklingo

How to Say "qualities" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cualidades

/kwah-lee-dah-dehs//kwa.liˈða.ðes/

nounA2general
Use this word to describe the positive personal characteristics, virtues, or traits of a person.
A friendly person with a glowing heart symbol on their chest, surrounded by icons of a sun and a star, representing positive traits.

Examples

Sus mejores cualidades son la paciencia y la honestidad.

His best qualities are patience and honesty.

Para este trabajo, buscamos a alguien con cualidades de líder.

For this job, we are looking for someone with leadership qualities.

Making it plural

This word is the plural form of 'cualidad.' Since it ends in a 'd,' we add '-es' to make it plural instead of just '-s.'

Cualidad vs. Calidad

Mistake: “Using 'cualidades' to describe the 'grade' or 'standard' of an object.”

Correction: Use 'cualidades' for personal traits and 'calidad' for the overall quality or standard of a product (e.g., 'buena calidad').

propiedades

pro-pyeh-DAH-des/pɾopjeˈðaðes/

nounB2technical/general
Use this word for the inherent features, characteristics, or attributes of a substance, object, or concept.
A bright red, perfectly round apple sitting next to a small, fluffy white cotton ball, visually contrasting their characteristics like color, shape, and texture.

Examples

Los científicos estudian las propiedades químicas de este nuevo material.

Scientists are studying the chemical properties of this new material.

Esta fruta tiene propiedades medicinales muy beneficiosas.

This fruit has very beneficial medicinal properties.

Una de sus propiedades principales es su resistencia al calor.

One of its main characteristics is its resistance to heat.

Describing Objects

Use 'propiedades' when talking about the inherent features of a substance, like 'elasticidad' (elasticity) or 'densidad' (density).

Using 'Propiedades' for Personality

Mistake: “Using 'propiedades' to describe a person's character (e.g., 'Sus propiedades son buenas').”

Correction: For people, use 'cualidades' (qualities) or 'rasgos' (traits) instead of 'propiedades'.

Personal Traits vs. Object Features

The most common mistake is using 'cualidades' when referring to the characteristics of an object or substance, instead of 'propiedades'. Remember, 'cualidades' is primarily for people's positive traits, while 'propiedades' refers to the inherent features of things.

Related Translations

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