Inklingo

How to Say "valiant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bravo

BRAH-voh/ˈbɾaβo/

adjectiveC1general
Use 'bravo' when describing someone or something that is actively and openly courageous, often in a heroic or impressive display of bravery.
A small, determined knight holding a shield and standing confidently in front of a slightly larger, non-threatening dragon.

Examples

El bombero bravo rescató al niño del edificio en llamas.

The brave firefighter rescued the child from the burning building.

El soldado bravo se lanzó a la batalla sin miedo.

The brave soldier threw himself into the battle without fear.

Fue un acto muy bravo arriesgar su vida por salvar al niño.

It was a very brave act to risk his life to save the child.

Formal Choice

While accurate, using 'bravo' to mean 'brave' is often reserved for literature, historical contexts, or formal speeches. Use 'valiente' in daily conversation.

valiente

/bah-LYEN-tehs//baˈljentes/

adjectiveA2formal or literary
Use 'valiente' for a more general sense of bravery or courage, often used in slightly more formal or literary contexts to describe a person's character in facing difficulties.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, confidently crossing a narrow wooden plank bridge over a small stream while holding hands.

Examples

Fue una decisión valiente dejar su antiguo trabajo para empezar de cero.

It was a valiant decision to leave their old job and start from scratch.

Mis padres siempre fueron muy valientes al enfrentar los problemas.

My parents were always very brave when facing problems.

Fueron decisiones difíciles, pero valientes.

They were difficult, but courageous, decisions.

Necesitamos equipos valientes para explorar el área desconocida.

We need brave teams to explore the unknown area.

Adjective Form

'Valientes' is the plural form of 'valiente.' It is the same whether you are describing a group of men (masculine) or a group of women (feminine).

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Los perros es valiente.”

Correction: Los perros son valientes. (The adjective must agree in number with the thing it describes.)

Choosing Between 'Bravo' and 'Valiente'

Learners often confuse 'bravo' and 'valiente' because both mean brave. Remember that 'bravo' implies a more active, perhaps even showy, display of courage, while 'valiente' is a more general descriptor of character, often used in formal or literary writing.

Related Translations

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