Inklingo

How to Say "reputation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reputation” is “reputación” — use 'reputación' for a general, neutral term referring to someone's or something's overall standing or public opinion.

reputaciónB1

Use 'reputación' for a general, neutral term referring to someone's or something's overall standing or public opinion.

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fama🔊B1

Use 'fama' when talking about general renown or being well-known, often implying widespread public awareness of character or quality.

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opiniónA2

Use 'opinión' when you want to emphasize what people generally think about someone or something, especially when forming a judgment.

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honor🔊B1

Use 'honor' to refer to public esteem, respect, or a good name, often in contexts of integrity or dignity.

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honra🔊B2

Use 'honra' specifically for a person's good name and the respect they hold in the eyes of others, often implying moral standing.

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nombre🔊B2

Use 'nombre' when referring to a person's standing or prestige within a particular field or community.

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imagen🔊B1

Use 'imagen' (often plural 'imágenes' in the sense of 'mental images') to talk about a person's or entity's public image or how they are perceived.

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olor🔊B2

Use 'olor' figuratively, and usually negatively (like 'mal olor'), to describe a hint or suggestion of something undesirable, like a bad reputation or a negative characteristic.

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English → Spanish

reputación

nounB1general
Use 'reputación' for a general, neutral term referring to someone's or something's overall standing or public opinion.

Examples

Ella tiene una reputación excelente como doctora.

She has an excellent reputation as a doctor.

fama

FAH-mahˈfa.ma

nounB1general
Use 'fama' when talking about general renown or being well-known, often implying widespread public awareness of character or quality.
A skilled carpenter confidently handing a perfectly crafted wooden object to another person, who looks at the object with clear trust and admiration, symbolizing a good reputation.

Examples

Ese hotel tiene fama de tener el mejor servicio de la ciudad.

That hotel has a reputation for having the best service in the city.

Perdió su buena fama después del escándalo.

He lost his good reputation after the scandal.

opinión

nounA2general
Use 'opinión' when you want to emphasize what people generally think about someone or something, especially when forming a judgment.

Examples

En mi opinión, esta película es excelente.

In my opinion, this movie is excellent.

honor

oh-NORoˈnoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'honor' to refer to public esteem, respect, or a good name, often in contexts of integrity or dignity.
A solemn person standing on a grassy hill at sunrise, holding a clean, illuminated shield, symbolizing integrity and honor.

Examples

Luchó por el honor de su familia.

He fought for his family's honor.

Es un hombre de honor.

He is a man of honor.

Prefiero morir con honor que vivir con vergüenza.

I prefer to die with honor than live with shame.

A Masculine Word That Doesn't End in -O

Even though it ends with an '-r', 'honor' is a masculine word. Always say 'el honor' (the honor) or 'un honor' (an honor).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “La honor de mi país es importante.”

Correction: El honor de mi país es importante. Remember that 'honor' is masculine, so it needs 'el'.

honra

OHN-rahˈon.ra

nounB2formal
Use 'honra' specifically for a person's good name and the respect they hold in the eyes of others, often implying moral standing.
A noble knight standing tall with a shining, clean shield, representing a good reputation.

Examples

Ese escándalo manchó la honra de su familia.

That scandal stained his family's reputation.

Es un hombre de mucha honra y palabra.

He is a man of great honor and integrity.

Ella defendió su honra ante las acusaciones falsas.

She defended her honor against the false accusations.

Gender and Articles

This is a feminine naming word. Even though it starts with a silent 'h,' you always use 'la' or 'una' (la honra).

Honra vs. Honor

While similar, 'honra' often refers to the public 'face' or reputation you have in your community, whereas 'honor' is often more about your internal principles.

Confusing with the Verb

Mistake: “Using 'honra' when you mean 'to honor' (the action).”

Correction: Use 'honrar' for the action. 'Honra' is the thing you have, not the thing you do.

nombre

nom-brehˈnom.bɾe

nounB2formal
Use 'nombre' when referring to a person's standing or prestige within a particular field or community.
A respected scientist with gray hair smiling kindly, with awards visible on the wall behind her.

Examples

Es una científica de gran nombre en su campo.

She is a scientist with a great name/reputation in her field.

Se ha ganado un nombre como un artista innovador.

He has made a name for himself as an innovative artist.

Actuó en nombre de toda la organización.

He acted on behalf of the entire organization.

imagen

nounB1general
Use 'imagen' (often plural 'imágenes' in the sense of 'mental images') to talk about a person's or entity's public image or how they are perceived.

Examples

Antes de empezar, el artista tenía imágenes muy claras de lo que quería pintar.

Before starting, the artist had very clear mental images of what he wanted to paint.

olor

oh-LOHRoˈlor

nounB2figurative
Use 'olor' figuratively, and usually negatively (like 'mal olor'), to describe a hint or suggestion of something undesirable, like a bad reputation or a negative characteristic.
An illustration showing a single, tiny, golden feather resting alone on the floor in the far corner of a large, empty, pale blue room, symbolizing a subtle trace or hint.

Examples

Había olor a traición en su discurso.

There was a hint of betrayal in his speech.

Esa empresa siempre ha tenido olor a corrupción.

That company has always had a trace of corruption (a bad reputation for corruption).

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'olor' often precedes 'a' plus an abstract noun (e.g., 'olor a peligro' = hint of danger).

Reputación vs. Fama vs. Opinión

Learners often confuse 'reputación,' 'fama,' and 'opinión.' 'Reputación' is the most neutral and general term. 'Fama' implies being widely known, often with a positive or negative slant. 'Opinión' focuses specifically on what people think, often in a subjective sense.

Related Translations

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