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How to Say "resilience" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fortaleza

for-tah-LEH-sah/foɾtaˈleθa/

nounB1general
Use 'fortaleza' when referring to general inner strength and the ability to recover from adversity, often in emotional or psychological contexts.
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-roh/aˈθeɾo/

nounC1figurative
Use 'acero' metaphorically to describe an exceptional, almost unyielding toughness and resilience, especially when facing criticism or difficult challenges.
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).

Fortaleza vs. Acero

Learners often confuse 'fortaleza' and 'acero' because both imply strength. Remember that 'fortaleza' is a more general term for inner strength and recovery, while 'acero' is a more intense, figurative term suggesting an almost unbreakable toughness.

Related Translations

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