Inklingo

How to Say "soul" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “soul” is “alma” — use 'alma' when referring to the spiritual or non-physical part of a human being or, poetically, when counting people or emphasizing emptiness.

alma🔊B1/B2

Use 'alma' when referring to the spiritual or non-physical part of a human being or, poetically, when counting people or emphasizing emptiness.

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espírituB1

Choose 'espíritu' to talk about the inner self, the non-physical essence of a person, or a more abstract sense of spirit, like a team's spirit.

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sabor🔊B1

Use 'sabor' to describe a deep character or characteristic, often when a song, food, or style evokes a particular era or feeling.

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interior🔊B2

Opt for 'interior' when referring to one's inner self or conscience in a more poetic or spiritual sense, emphasizing intuition.

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duende🔊C1

Use 'duende' specifically for an indefinable artistic spirit, passion, or charm, often associated with flamenco or other passionate performances.

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English → Spanish

alma

al-mahˈalma

nounB1/B2general
Use 'alma' when referring to the spiritual or non-physical part of a human being or, poetically, when counting people or emphasizing emptiness.
A simple silhouette of a human figure standing. Inside the figure's outline, a bright, warm yellow light is swirling and radiating, symbolizing the spiritual soul.

Examples

Creen que el alma es inmortal.

They believe the soul is immortal.

Puso toda su alma y corazón en el proyecto.

He put his whole heart and soul into the project.

Es una persona con un alma muy noble.

She is a person with a very noble soul.

No había ni un alma en la calle.

There wasn't a single soul on the street.

The Tricky Article 'el'

Alma is a feminine word, but we say el alma instead of la alma. This happens with feminine words that start with a stressed 'a' sound to avoid the two 'a' sounds running together. When you add a word in between or an adjective after, you use the normal feminine form: una buena alma (a good soul) or el alma pura (the pure soul).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “La alma es invisible.”

Correction: El alma es invisible. Remember, even though 'alma' is feminine, we use 'el' right before it because it starts with that stressed 'a' sound.

espíritu

nounB1general
Choose 'espíritu' to talk about the inner self, the non-physical essence of a person, or a more abstract sense of spirit, like a team's spirit.

Examples

Dicen que el cuerpo muere, pero el espíritu es eterno.

They say the body dies, but the spirit is eternal.

sabor

sah-BOARsaˈβoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'sabor' to describe a deep character or characteristic, often when a song, food, or style evokes a particular era or feeling.
A collection of plain gray stones, with one central stone radiating a strong, unique golden light, symbolizing its unique essence.

Examples

Esa canción tiene mucho sabor a los años 80.

That song has a lot of the feel/style of the 80s.

El festival le dio un sabor especial a la ciudad.

The festival gave a special character/vibe to the city.

La novela carece de sabor humano.

The novel lacks human essence/soul.

Using 'Sabor' Figuratively

When 'sabor' is used to describe a non-physical quality, it often means 'the feeling' or 'the spirit' of something. Think of it as the 'taste' of a mood or style.

interior

een-teh-ryorin.teˈɾjoɾ

nounB2poetic/spiritual
Opt for 'interior' when referring to one's inner self or conscience in a more poetic or spiritual sense, emphasizing intuition.
A simple silhouette of a human head and shoulders, shown in profile. Inside the chest cavity, a brightly glowing, warm yellow light source is visible, symbolizing the inner self.

Examples

Debes escuchar lo que dice tu interior.

You must listen to what your inner self says.

Su alegría venía de lo más profundo de su interior.

Her joy came from the deepest part of her being.

Abstract Usage

This meaning refers to an abstract mental or emotional space, often used with verbs related to reflection, feeling, or struggle.

duende

DWEN-dehˈdwende

nounC1artistic/colloquial
Use 'duende' specifically for an indefinable artistic spirit, passion, or charm, often associated with flamenco or other passionate performances.
A flamenco dancer in a vibrant red dress dancing with intense emotion and swirling fabric.

Examples

Esa bailarina tiene mucho duende.

That dancer has a lot of soul/magic.

El cantaor de flamenco mostró su duende en el escenario.

The flamenco singer showed his artistic spirit on stage.

No es técnica, es que tiene duende al tocar la guitarra.

It’s not technique, it’s that he has a special magic when playing the guitar.

Abstract Concept

Even though it comes from the word for 'elf', in this context it is an abstract quality you possess, not a physical thing.

Overusing the term

Alma vs. Espíritu

Learners often confuse 'alma' and 'espíritu'. Remember that 'alma' is typically the spiritual essence of a person, while 'espíritu' refers more broadly to the inner self or abstract spirit. 'Alma' is more common for the 'soul' in a religious or metaphysical context.

Related Translations

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