alter ego
/ˌalteɾ ˈeɡo/masculine
The English phrase "alter ego" can be translated into Spanish as alter ego, otro yo, álter ego or alterego.
Meaning: alternate personality or persona (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alter ego | /ˌalteɾ ˈeɡo/ /ˌalteˈɾeɡo/ |
masculine |
| otro yo | /otɾo ʝo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| álter ego | /ˌalteɾ ˈeɡo/ | masculine |
| alterego | /alteˈɾeɡo/ | masculine |
These terms refer to an alternate personality or persona. While the direct loanwords are used in psychological or literary contexts, otro yo is a more natural, descriptive way to express the concept of an alternate persona in everyday Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term otro yo is commonly used to refer to one's alter ego in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase alter ego is a masculine noun and is preceded by the masculine article un or el.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌalteɾ ˈeɡo/
Did you know?
- Although alter ego is a Latin loanword, Spanish grammar allows it to be written as álter ego with an accent mark to ensure the stress falls on the first syllable according to Spanish pronunciation rules.
- While English uses 'alter ego' primarily for a secret identity or psychological split, Spanish speakers often use otro yo to describe a side of their personality that only emerges under specific conditions, like stress or love.
- In Spanish literature, the concept of the doble is often used interchangeably with alter ego to describe a supernatural or psychological duplicate of a character.
Examples in context
- El profesor tímido se transforma en su identidad alternativa cuando se sube al escenario como comediante.The shy professor transforms into his alter ego when he gets on stage as a comedian.
- La escritora utiliza su obra para explorar los pensamientos y emociones de un otro yo ficticio.The writer uses her work to explore the thoughts and emotions of a fictitious alter ego.
- Durante el concierto, el cantante presentó a su álter ego, un lado más atrevido y enérgico.During the concert, the singer introduced his alter ego, a more daring and energetic side.
- Mi álter ego de los sábados es más aventurero y siempre busca emociones fuertes.My alter ego on Saturdays is more adventurous and always seeks thrills.
- El superhéroe tiene otra identidad que usa para proteger a su ciudad de los villanos.The superhero has another identity he uses to protect his city from villains.
- El personaje tiene un alter ego misterioso.The character has a mysterious alter ego.
- Él usa su alter ego para escribir poesía.He uses his alter ego to write poetry.
- Su alter ego es mucho más valiente que él.His alter ego is much braver than he is.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a new novel.
- Daniel¿Crees que el protagonista tiene un alter ego?Do you think the protagonist has an alter ego?
- MaríaSí, su alter ego es un detective privado.Yes, his alter ego is a private detective.
- DanielEs un concepto muy interesante para la historia.It is a very interesting concept for the story.
- MaríaDaniel, esa es la razón de su éxito.Daniel, that is the reason for his success.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alter ego” translations and entries alter ego, otro yo, álter ego, alterego, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
