Inklingo

How to Say "regard" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “regard” is “respeto” — use 'respeto' when you want to express a strong sense of admiration, deference, or consideration for someone's qualities, achievements, or position.

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respeto

rres-PEH-tohreˈspeto

nounA2general
Use 'respeto' when you want to express a strong sense of admiration, deference, or consideration for someone's qualities, achievements, or position.
A storybook illustration showing a young child respectfully offering a single red flower to an elderly woman, symbolizing admiration and high regard.

Examples

Tengo un gran respeto por mis maestros.

I have great respect for my teachers.

Es importante mostrar respeto a las personas mayores.

It's important to show respect to elderly people.

Actuó con respeto y profesionalismo.

He acted with respect and professionalism.

Using 'por' or 'a'

You can say you have respect 'por' (for) or 'a' (to) someone. Both are common and mean the same thing. 'Tengo respeto por mi jefe' and 'Tengo respeto a mi jefe' are both correct.

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “La respeto que siento es grande.”

Correction: 'Respeto' is a masculine word, so you should always use 'el'. The correct way is: 'El respeto que siento es grande.'

aprecio

ah-PREH-see-ohaˈpɾe.sjo

nounB1general
Choose 'aprecio' to convey a general positive feeling, fondness, or appreciation for someone's actions or presence, often implying warmth.
A colorful illustration showing a small child happily presenting a single bright red flower to an adult as a sign of appreciation.

Examples

Le tengo un gran aprecio por su ayuda desinteresada.

I have great appreciation for his selfless help.

Me da mucho gusto que sientas aprecio por mi trabajo.

I'm very pleased that you feel appreciation for my work.

Al final de la carta, escribió 'Con mi mayor aprecio'.

At the end of the letter, she wrote 'With my highest regard'.

Using the Noun

The noun 'aprecio' is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it. It often follows verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'mostrar' (to show).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'aprecio' as a verb for 'he/she appreciates' (e.g., *Él aprecio su ayuda*).”

Correction: The verb form for 'he/she appreciates' is 'aprecia'. 'Aprecio' is only the noun or the 'I' form of the verb.

concepto

kon-SEP-tohkonˈθepto

nounB1general
Use 'concepto' when referring to the opinion or estimation you hold about someone's character, abilities, or work, often in a more formal or intellectual sense.
Two simple, stylized characters looking at a brightly colored apple between them. One character is giving a thumbs up, and the other is giving a clear thumbs down, illustrating differing personal views.

Examples

Tengo un buen concepto de tu trabajo.

I have a high opinion of your work.

No quiero que la gente tenga un mal concepto de mí.

I don't want people to have a bad opinion of me.

Mi jefe me dio un concepto favorable en la evaluación.

My boss gave me a favorable assessment in the review.

The 'Assessment' Phrase

When using 'concepto' to mean 'opinion,' you almost always need the verb 'tener' (to have) followed by 'de' (of): 'Tengo un buen concepto de él' (I think highly of him).

estimación

nounB2formal
Opt for 'estimación' when you want to express a high regard or a positive, often formal, opinion of someone, emphasizing their value or worth.

Examples

Le tengo una gran estimación a mi antiguo jefe.

I have great esteem for my old boss.

Respect vs. Appreciation

Learners often confuse 'respeto' and 'aprecio'. 'Respeto' implies deference and admiration for someone's standing or qualities, while 'aprecio' is a warmer feeling of fondness or gratitude for their presence or actions. Think of 'respeto' for a judge and 'aprecio' for a helpful friend.

Related Translations

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