consuelo
/konˈswelo/
The Spanish word for comfort (as a cause of relief or satisfaction) is consuelo.
consuelo is used when referring to emotional relief or consolation. If you are describing physical ease or the pleasantness of a setting, such as a comfortable chair, you should use comodidad instead.
Meaning: cause of relief or satisfaction (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
consuelo is derived from the verb consolar, which means to console or to comfort.
Which one should you use?
consuelo refers to emotional relief or consolation, whereas comodidad is used to describe physical comfort. Additionally, the word confort is used in formal Spanish typically to refer to physical comfort.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of consuelo is consuelos.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈswelo/
Did you know?
- Consuelo is a common given name for women in Spanish-speaking countries, symbolizing the idea of being a source of comfort for others.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, offering consuelo is often seen as a deeply spiritual or religious act, frequently linked to finding peace in faith.
- Using consuelo to describe the 'comfort' of a delicious meal might sound as though the food is the only thing preventing you from a total emotional breakdown.
Examples in context
- Ese era mi único consuelo.That was my only comfort.This sentence shows how to use consuelo to express that something was a person's only source of relief.Tatoeba #1698864 by marcelostockle, translation #3752971 by cromwellt
- Ese era nuestro único consuelo.That was our only comfort.This sentence shows how to use consuelo to express that something was a group's only source of relief.Tatoeba #1698867 by marcelostockle, translation #3752969 by cromwellt
- Un consuelo celestial, no sé cómo, se apodera de mí.A heavenly comfort, I don't know how, takes hold of me.This sentence demonstrates the use of consuelo when describing a feeling of heavenly comfort.Tatoeba #10097009 by carlosalberto, translation #10097006 by carlosalberto
- Esta silla brinda mucha comodidadThis chair provides a lot of comfort
- Este sofá es perfecto para el descansoThis couch is perfect for rest/comfort
- Me siento a gusto en esta casaI feel comfortable in this house
- Dormí en una colchoneta muy cómodaI slept on a very comfortable mattress
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking in a park after a difficult day.
- DanielMaría, ¿cómo estás hoy?María, how are you today?
- MaríaUn poco triste, pero tu presencia es un consuelo.A little sad, but your presence is a comfort.
- DanielMe alegra ser un consuelo para ti.I am glad to be a comfort to you.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, lo agradezco mucho.Thank you, Daniel, I really appreciate it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry consuelo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
