Inklingo

How to Say "tolerance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tolerancia

toh-leh-rahn-syahtoleˈɾansja

nounA2general
Use 'tolerancia' when referring to respecting diverse beliefs, customs, or behaviors, or for biological/technical limits.
A group of diverse people sitting together in a circle, smiling and sharing a meal.

Examples

La tolerancia es importante para vivir en paz.

Tolerance is important for living in peace.

Promovemos la tolerancia religiosa en nuestra comunidad.

We promote religious tolerance in our community.

Es necesario fomentar una cultura de tolerancia y respeto mutuo.

It is necessary to foster a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.

Tengo poca tolerancia al picante.

I have little tolerance for spicy food.

Always Feminine

Since it ends in '-ancia', it is always a feminine word. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using 'hacia'

When you want to say you have tolerance 'for' someone or something, Spanish usually uses the word 'hacia' (towards).

Use with 'al' or 'a la'

When talking about physical tolerance, you usually link the word to the substance using 'al' (to the) or 'a la'.

Don't use 'para'

Mistake: “Tengo mucha tolerancia para sus ideas.”

Correction: Tengo mucha tolerancia hacia sus ideas. While 'para' is common in English, 'hacia' (towards) sounds more natural in Spanish.

Confusing with Patience

Mistake: “No tengo tolerancia con el tráfico.”

Correction: No tengo paciencia con el tráfico. Use 'paciencia' for annoyance and 'tolerancia' for physical endurance or deep social values.

paciencia

pah-syen-syahpaˈsjen.sja

nounA2general
Choose 'paciencia' when 'tolerance' means the ability to wait calmly or endure annoying situations without getting upset.
A high quality storybook illustration of a person sitting calmly on a wooden stool on a riverbank, holding a fishing rod and waiting patiently for a fish to bite.

Examples

Necesitas mucha paciencia para enseñar a niños pequeños.

You need a lot of patience to teach small children.

Perdí la paciencia esperando el autobús que nunca llegó.

I lost patience waiting for the bus that never arrived.

Ten paciencia, el proceso es lento pero seguro.

Have patience (Be patient), the process is slow but sure.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'paciencia' is a feminine noun, so you must use the article 'la' (la paciencia) and feminine adjectives with it.

Being Patient

To say 'to be patient' in Spanish, you usually say 'tener paciencia' (to have patience), rather than using the verb 'ser' or 'estar' directly with the noun.

Mixing 'Ser' and 'Tener'

Mistake: “Soy paciencia. (I am patience.)”

Correction: Tengo paciencia. (I have patience.) Use 'tener' to describe possessing this quality, or use the adjective: 'Soy paciente' (I am patient).

estómago

nounB2informal
Use 'estómago' metaphorically when 'tolerance' refers to a mental or emotional capacity to handle something unpleasant or disturbing.

Examples

No tengo estómago para ver películas de terror.

I don't have the stomach (or tolerance) to watch horror movies.

Distinguishing 'Tolerancia' from 'Paciencia'

Learners often confuse 'tolerancia' and 'paciencia'. Remember that 'tolerancia' is about accepting differences in others or limits, while 'paciencia' is about enduring delays or annoyances.

Related Translations

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