valiente
everyday, Mexico
The usual word for "brave" in Mexico is valiente. It works for people, animals and decisions, and it stays the same for men and women. It is also called bravo and valeroso.
Meaning: showing courage (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| valiente | everyday, Mexico |
| bravo | literary |
| valeroso | formal |
Valiente is used in daily speech, as in Fue muy valiente. Valeroso sounds formal and is mostly found in writing.
Which one should you use?
In Mexico bravo usually means "angry" or "fierce", so it is a poor choice for a brave person. A toro bravo is a fighting bull.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often reach for bravo, but Mexicans will read it as "fierce" or "angry". Use valiente instead.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word bravo also appears in the name of the Río Bravo, the river Mexicans call the border river, which the United States calls the Rio Grande.
Examples in context
- Eres muy valiente.You are very brave.
- Fue una niña valiente.She was a brave girl.
- Los bomberos son valientes.Firefighters are brave.
Example conversation
Don Felipe talks with his grandson Mateo after a visit to the dentist in Puebla.
- Don FelipeFuiste muy valiente, Mateo.You were very brave, Mateo.
- Mateo¿De verdad, abuelo?Really, grandpa?
- Don FelipeDe verdad. Ni lloraste.Really. You did not even cry.
