Inklingo

How to Say "temper" in Spanish

English → Spanish

genio

HEH-nee-ohˈxe.njo

nounA2
Use 'genio' to describe a person's general tendency to get angry, their inherent disposition towards anger.
A cartoonish figure with a bright red face, steam puffing vigorously out of their ears, showing extreme anger.

Examples

Tiene muy mal genio por las mañanas.

He has a very bad temper in the mornings.

Hoy mi jefe está de buen genio, ¡aprovecha!

My boss is in a good mood today, take advantage of it!

No le digas nada, está de mal genio.

Don't tell him anything, he's in a bad temper/mood.

Expressing Mood

When talking about someone's current mood or state, use 'estar de buen/mal genio'. When talking about their permanent personality trait, use 'tener buen/mal genio'.

Confusing 'Ser' and 'Tener'

Mistake: “Using 'Él es mal genio.'”

Correction: Say 'Él tiene mal genio.' (He has a bad temper). 'Ser' is used for permanent qualities, but 'tener' (to have) is used for possessing a temper.

leche

LEH-chehˈletʃe

nounB1informal
Choose 'leche' when referring to someone's current mood or disposition, especially if it's negative or irritable, often implying meanness.
A small cartoonish figure standing with arms crossed tightly, frowning severely, and stomping one foot to show intense anger or bad temper.

Examples

Ten cuidado con ella, tiene muy mala leche.

Be careful with her, she has a very bad temper (or: she's very mean-spirited).

Es una broma sin mala leche; solo queríamos reír.

It's a joke with no ill will; we just wanted to laugh.

Fixed Phrases

This meaning almost always appears inside the fixed phrases 'tener mala leche' or 'tener buena leche.' Don't try to use 'leche' by itself to mean 'temper'—it won't make sense.

Using 'Leche' Alone

Mistake: “Mi amigo es leche.”

Correction: Mi amigo tiene mala leche. (You must include 'mala' or 'buena' and the verb 'tener' to describe a person's temperament.)

hígado

nounB2informal
Use 'hígado' in specific idiomatic expressions to mean 'guts' or 'nerve' when facing a difficult or anger-inducing situation, not for a personal temper.

Examples

Hay que tener mucho hígado para enfrentarse a esa situación.

You have to have a lot of guts/nerve to face that situation.

Genio vs. Leche

Learners often confuse 'genio' and 'leche'. Remember that 'genio' refers to a person's inherent tendency to get angry, while 'leche' describes a current bad mood or mean disposition, often used informally.

Related Translations

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