Inklingo

How to Say "resilience" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aguante

ah-GWAN-tehaˈɡwante

nounB1general
Use 'aguante' when referring to the physical or mental endurance needed to keep going through difficult or prolonged situations.
A hiker climbing a steep mountain path with a determined expression, carrying a heavy backpack.

Examples

Para correr una maratón se necesita mucho aguante.

To run a marathon, you need a lot of stamina.

No tengo mucho aguante con el ruido de la calle.

I don't have much patience for the street noise.

Este motor tiene un aguante impresionante; nunca falla.

This engine has impressive durability; it never fails.

It's a Noun, Not a Verb

Even though it looks like a verb, 'el aguante' is a thing you have. Think of it as 'the capacity to hold on.'

Using 'estamina'

Mistake: “Él tiene buena estamina.”

Correction: Él tiene mucho aguante. (While 'estamina' exists, 'aguante' is much more natural in Spanish.)

fortaleza

for-tah-LEH-sahfoɾtaˈleθa

nounB1general
Choose 'fortaleza' when emphasizing inner strength and the capacity to withstand emotional or psychological hardship.
A small, resilient bright green sapling growing vigorously and pushing its way up through a large, cracked piece of dry, brown earth, symbolizing resilience.

Examples

Mostró gran fortaleza después de perder su trabajo.

She showed great strength after losing her job.

Su fortaleza mental le ayudó a superar la enfermedad.

His mental fortitude helped him overcome the illness.

Fortaleza vs. Fuerza

Use 'fuerza' (force) for physical power or effort ('levantar pesas'). Use 'fortaleza' for emotional, moral, or mental strength.

Mixing Strength Types

Mistake: “Necesito mucha fuerza mental.”

Correction: Necesito mucha fortaleza mental. (Use 'fortaleza' when talking about mental/emotional strength, not physical force 'fuerza'.)

acero

ah-SEH-rohaˈθeɾo

nounC1figurative
Employ 'acero' to describe a very strong, almost unyielding inner core or mettle that allows someone to face severe challenges without breaking.
A small, sturdy green sapling growing successfully out of a fissure in a large, gray rock, symbolizing resilience.

Examples

Tuvo que demostrar su acero frente a las críticas de la prensa.

He had to show his mettle (strength/resilience) in the face of press criticism.

Mantenía una mirada de acero, sin mostrar miedo.

She maintained a steely gaze, without showing fear.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'acero' often appears after the preposition 'de' (of) to describe a quality: 'una persona de acero' (a person of steel/a very tough person).

Aguante vs. Fortaleza

Learners often confuse 'aguante' and 'fortaleza'. Remember that 'aguante' is more about endurance and lasting power, like stamina, while 'fortaleza' is about inner emotional strength and fortitude.

Related Translations

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