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How to Say "temperament" in Spanish

English → Spanish

humor

oo-MOHRuˈmoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'humor' when referring to a person's current mood or emotional state, often temporary.
A child sitting peacefully on a green hill, gazing at a calm sunset, illustrating a serene and content emotional state.

Examples

Hoy estoy de muy mal humor porque perdí mi cartera.

Today I am in a very bad mood because I lost my wallet.

Después de la siesta, se puso de buen humor.

After the nap, he got into a good mood.

Using ESTAR for Moods

To talk about someone's current mood (which can change!), always use the verb 'estar', never 'ser'. For example, 'Estoy de mal humor' (I am in a bad mood).

SER vs. ESTAR

Mistake: “Soy de buen humor.”

Correction: Estoy de buen humor. (The mistake is using 'ser' which implies being permanently good-humored, instead of 'estar' for a current, changeable feeling.)

temperamento

tem-peh-rah-MEN-tohtempeɾaˈmento

nounB1general
Use 'temperamento' to describe someone's inherent, long-term character or personality traits.
A cheerful girl with a bright smile and a calm boy reading a book, showing their different natural personalities.

Examples

Mi hermano tiene un temperamento muy tranquilo.

My brother has a very calm temperament.

Su temperamento artístico le ayuda a crear obras maravillosas.

Her artistic temperament helps her create wonderful works.

Es difícil trabajar con él debido a su temperamento volátil.

It is difficult to work with him due to his volatile temperament.

Always Masculine

Even if you are describing a woman, the word 'temperamento' stays masculine. You would say 'Ella tiene un temperamento fuerte' (She has a strong temperament).

Used with 'Tener'

In Spanish, we usually say someone 'has' (tener) a temperament rather than 'is' (ser) a temperament. For example: 'Él tiene buen temperamento' (He has a good temperament).

Temperamento vs. Temperatura

Mistake: “Hacer un comentario sobre el 'temperamento' del café.”

Correction: Use 'temperatura' for how hot or cold something is. Use 'temperamento' only for people's personalities.

temple

TEM-plehˈtem.ple

nounB2general
Use 'temple' to refer to a person's inner strength, resilience, or fortitude, especially when facing adversity.
A small, sturdy bird standing firmly against a strong wind with a determined expression.

Examples

El capitán mostró un gran temple durante la tormenta.

The captain showed great mettle/fortitude during the storm.

Para ser cirujano, se necesita mucho temple.

To be a surgeon, you need a lot of composure.

Es una mujer de temple que no se rinde fácilmente.

She is a woman of character who doesn't give up easily.

The 'El' Rule

This is a masculine word. Even though it ends in 'e', you always use 'el' or 'un' (el temple, un temple).

Abstract vs. Concrete

While it describes an abstract quality like 'courage', it is treated as a countable noun when referring to specific types of character.

Temple vs. Templo

Mistake: “Using 'temple' to mean a religious building.”

Correction: Use 'templo' for a physical temple or church. 'Temple' refers to character or metal tempering.

índole

nounB2formal
Use 'índole' to classify the nature or type of something, often referring to personal or private matters, rather than a person's disposition.

Examples

Es un asunto de índole privada.

It is a matter of a private nature.

Mood vs. Character

The most common mistake is using 'humor' when you mean someone's inherent personality. Remember, 'humor' refers to a temporary mood, while 'temperamento' describes a person's stable character.

Related Translations

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