Inklingo

How to Say "skills" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “skills” is “habilidades” — use this for general capacities and proficiencies that are broadly applicable, like communication or learning abilities..

English → Spanish

habilidades

ah-bee-lee-DAH-des/a.βi.liˈða.ðes/

nounA1general
Use this for general capacities and proficiencies that are broadly applicable, like communication or learning abilities.
A close-up view of a person's hands expertly using a small, sharp chisel to carve a detailed, smooth wooden figure, showing precision and skill.

Examples

Necesitas desarrollar tus habilidades comunicativas para el trabajo.

You need to develop your communication skills for the job.

¿Cuáles son las habilidades blandas más importantes hoy en día?

What are the most important soft skills nowadays?

Ella tiene muchas habilidades artísticas, como pintar y dibujar.

She has many artistic abilities, like painting and drawing.

Always Feminine

The word 'habilidad' (singular) is always feminine, so when it is plural ('habilidades'), it requires feminine articles and adjectives: 'las habilidades nuevas' (the new skills).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “Los habilidades”

Correction: Las habilidades. Remember, the base word 'habilidad' ends in -dad, which is a strong hint that the word is feminine.

conocimientos

/ko-no-see-MYEN-tohs//konosiˈmjentos/

nounB1general
Choose this when referring to a body of knowledge or expertise, especially in technical or academic fields like programming or science.
A glowing lightbulb resting on top of a stack of colorful books, representing the acquisition of knowledge.

Examples

El candidato tiene profundos conocimientos de programación.

The candidate has deep knowledge of programming.

Mis conocimientos de francés son un poco básicos.

My French skills are a bit basic.

Es importante actualizar nuestros conocimientos constantemente.

It is important to constantly update our expertise.

The Plural Power

While 'conocimiento' (singular) often refers to the abstract concept of knowing, 'conocimientos' (plural) is almost always used when talking about a collection of skills or the information someone has learned in school or at work.

Knowledge is plural in Spanish?

Mistake: “Using 'tengo mucho conocimiento de eso'.”

Correction: Say 'tengo muchos conocimientos de eso' when talking about your expertise or skills.

técnicas

nounA2general
Use this when referring to specific methods or procedures learned through training or practice, such as study methods or craft techniques.

Examples

Necesitas aprender nuevas técnicas de estudio.

You need to learn new study techniques.

artes

/ar-tes//ˈaɾtes/

nounB1general
Employ this for specialized, often traditional or craft-based, practical abilities or mastery of a specific discipline.
A close-up view of hands diligently weaving colorful yarn on a small wooden loom, demonstrating technical skill.

Examples

Él domina las artes de la pesca tradicional.

He masters the techniques of traditional fishing.

Practico artes marciales desde pequeño.

I have practiced martial arts since I was little.

Las artes de la guerra son un tema fascinante.

The arts of war (warfare skills) are a fascinating subject.

Using 'Artes' for Skills

When 'artes' refers to practical skills or methods, it often appears in fixed phrases like 'artes marciales' or 'artes de la caza' (hunting techniques).

Habilidades vs. Conocimientos

Learners often confuse 'habilidades' and 'conocimientos'. Remember that 'habilidades' refers to general capabilities or proficiencies, while 'conocimientos' implies a deeper, more technical or academic body of knowledge. Think 'how to do' for 'habilidades' and 'what you know' for 'conocimientos'.

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