audacia
/auˈdaθja/feminine
The English word 'audacity' is translated into Spanish as audacia.
Audacia refers to insolent boldness. You can also use the related adjective audaz to describe someone or something that is audacious or bold.
Meaning: insolent boldness (noun)
Which one should you use?
Osadía is a formal term that emphasizes a daring or fearless attitude. In contrast, desfachatez is a formal term used when the audacity carries a negative connotation of impudence or outrageousness.
How does it change in a sentence?
Audacia is a feminine noun. Therefore, any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as una audacia increíble (an incredible audacity).
How do you pronounce it?
/auˈdaθja/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses 'cheek' or 'gall' for mild audacity, Spanish speakers may use tener mucha cara, which literally means 'to have a lot of face'.
- While audacia can be a compliment, using the word desfachatez implies a total lack of shame, often suggesting the person is acting as if they are completely naked or exposed in their brazenness.
- The term desfachatez comes from the word fachas, which historically relates to outward appearances or 'faces', suggesting that the person's audacity is visible on their very face.
Examples in context
- Dime, ¿tú defiendes la audacia de ese hombre?Tell me, do you defend that man's audacity?This sentence shows how to use audacia when questioning someone's defense of a person's behavior.Tatoeba #11032858 by carlosalberto, translation #11032815 by carlosalberto
- Me sorprendió su atrevimiento al desafiar las normas establecidasI was surprised by their audacity to challenge the established norms
- ¡Qué descaro el tuyo al pedirme dinero prestado sin intención de devolverlo!How audacious of you to borrow money from me without any intention of paying it back!
- No puedo creer tu atrevimiento de irte sin pagar la cuentaI can't believe your audacity to leave without paying the bill
- ¡Qué cara dura tienes al decirme eso!You have some nerve saying that to me!
- Su audacia para insultar al jefe fue increíble.His audacity to insult the boss was incredible.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a coworker's rude behavior at the office.
- AlejandroNo puedo creer la audacia de Lucas hoy.I can't believe Lucas's audacity today.
- SofíaÉl tiene mucha audacia al hablar así.He has a lot of audacity speaking like that.
- AlejandroEs una falta de respeto total.It is a total lack of respect.
- SofíaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “audacity” translations and entries audacia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
