How to Say "supportive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “supportive” is “solidario” — use 'solidario' when someone is supportive by actively helping or showing sympathy towards others in need or facing difficulties..
solidario
/so-lee-DAH-ryo//soliˈdaɾjo/
Examples
Juan es un chico muy solidario; siempre ayuda a los demás.
Juan is a very supportive guy; he always helps others.
Muchos países enviaron ayuda solidaria después del terremoto.
Many countries sent supportive aid after the earthquake.
Buscamos voluntarios con espíritu solidario para este proyecto social.
We are looking for volunteers with a supportive spirit for this social project.
Matching the Person
Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the person. Use 'solidario' for men and 'solidaria' for women.
Where to put it
This word almost always comes after the noun it describes, like 'un amigo solidario' (a supportive friend).
The 'Solitario' Mix-up
Mistake: “Using 'solitario' when you mean 'supportive'.”
Correction: Say 'solidario' for supportive. 'Solitario' means lonely or alone.
The 'Supportive' False Friend
Mistake: “Trying to say 'soportivo'.”
Correction: Spanish doesn't use 'soportivo'. Use 'solidario' for emotional or social support.
colaborador
/ko-la-bo-ra-dor//kolaβoɾaˈðoɾ/
Examples
Tu hijo es muy colaborador en las tareas de la casa.
Your son is very helpful/supportive with the household chores.
Necesitamos personal con una actitud colaboradora.
We need staff with a cooperative attitude.
Siempre se ha mostrado colaborador con la policía.
He has always been cooperative with the police.
Matching the person
Even though it ends in 'r', this word changes to 'colaboradora' when describing a female person or a feminine word like 'actitud'.
Describing Personality
Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when saying someone is naturally a helpful person, and 'estar' if they are just being helpful in a specific moment.
The 'a' ending
Mistake: “Ella es muy colaborador.”
Correction: Ella es muy colaboradora.
partidario
/par-tee-DAH-ryoh//paɾtiˈdaɾjo/
Examples
No soy muy partidario de salir de noche cuando hace tanto frío.
I'm not really in favor of/supportive of going out at night when it's this cold.
Ella siempre ha sido partidaria de decir la verdad, por dura que sea.
She has always been in favor of telling the truth, no matter how hard it is.
Muchos científicos son partidarios de reducir el consumo de plástico de inmediato.
Many scientists are in favor of reducing plastic consumption immediately.
The 'DE' Rule
When you want to say what you are in favor of, you must always use the word 'de' before the activity or idea.
Matching the Person
Since this acts as a description, the ending changes: use 'partidario' for a man, 'partidaria' for a woman, and 'partidarios/as' for groups.
Missing the 'DE'
Mistake: “Soy partidario esa idea.”
Correction: Soy partidario DE esa idea. (You always need 'de' to connect the support to the object.)
Distinguishing 'Solidario' from 'Colaborador'
Related Translations
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