How to Say "trait" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “trait” is “característica” — use 'característica' for a general quality or feature, often applied to objects or abstract concepts, but also to personality in a broader sense..
característica
Examples
La paciencia es una característica importante de un buen profesor.
Patience is an important characteristic of a good teacher.
rasgo
/RAHS-go//ˈrasɡo/
Examples
Tiene el rasgo distintivo de una sonrisa amable.
He has the distinguishing trait of a kind smile.
Sus rasgos faciales son muy marcados.
His facial features are very prominent.
La honestidad es su rasgo más admirable.
Honesty is her most admirable trait.
Podemos identificar este estilo por sus rasgos minimalistas.
We can identify this style by its minimalist characteristics.
Always Masculine
Even if you are describing a woman's features, the word 'rasgo' remains masculine. You would say 'un rasgo de ella' (a trait of hers).
Describing People
When talking about how someone looks, use the plural 'rasgos' to refer to their overall appearance or 'features'.
Don't confuse with 'Rastro'
Mistake: “Seguimos el rasgo de sangre.”
Correction: Seguimos el rastro de sangre. (Use 'rastro' for a trail/trace and 'rasgo' for a characteristic).
facción
/fak-SYOHN//fakˈθjon/
Examples
Sus facciones son similares a las de su madre.
Her facial features are similar to her mother's.
Ella tiene facciones muy delicadas.
She has very delicate facial features.
Sus facciones cambiaron con el paso de los años.
His features changed with the passing of the years.
Es difícil describir sus facciones con palabras.
It is difficult to describe his features with words.
Mostly Plural
When talking about a face, we almost always use the plural 'facciones'. Using it in singular for a face is very rare.
Face vs. Feature
Mistake: “Me gusta tu facción.”
Correction: Me gustan tus facciones.
Confusing 'rasgo' and 'facción'
Related Translations
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