humildad
/umilˈdad/
The English noun 'humility' is translated into Spanish as humildad.
humildad refers to the characteristic of being humble.
Meaning: characteristic of being humble (noun)
Which one should you use?
While humildad is the standard term, modestia can be used to convey humility, particularly regarding modesty in achievements or attitudes. Additionally, sencillez primarily translates to 'simplicity' but can also encompass the notion of humility.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, humildad is commonly used for both formal and informal situations. In Mexico, modestia is frequently used to express humility. In some regions of Latin America, the phrase mantener los pies en la tierra (to keep your feet on the ground) is used to convey humility.
How do you pronounce it?
/umilˈdad/
Did you know?
- The word humildad shares a common ancestor with the English word 'humiliate', as both derive from the Latin 'humus', meaning 'ground' or 'earth'.
- In Spanish, the word humildad can sometimes carry a connotation of social status, referring to the condition of people with low economic means, similar to the English 'humble beginnings'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing humildad is not seen as a sign of weakness, but as a fundamental social virtue required to maintain harmony in a community.
Examples in context
- Demasiada humildad es orgullo.Too much humility is pride.This sentence shows how excessive humility can be contrasted with pride using humildad.Tatoeba #1444710 by hayastan, translation #282846 by shekitten
- Me enorgullezco de mi humildad.I pride myself on my humility.This sentence illustrates using humildad to express pride in one's own humility.Tatoeba #1129702 by Shishir, translation #995946 by darinmex
- La humildad es una virtud olvidada.Humility is a forgotten virtue.This sentence presents humildad as a virtuous quality.Tatoeba #1698899 by marcelostockle, translation #3752967 by cromwellt
- La humildad es una virtud importanteHumility is an important virtue
- Ella muestra una gran modestia en sus logrosShe displays great humility in her achievements
- Admiro su sencillez y humildadI admire your simplicity and humility
- Tener humildad es muy importanteHaving humility is very important
- Creo que es importante ponernos en su lugar y ser humildesI believe it's important to put ourselves in their shoes and be humble
- Es una persona exitosa pero no se la creeHe's a successful person, but he doesn't get carried away
- Es importante aprender a tener humildad y respeto en todas las situacionesIt is important to learn to have humility and respect in all situations
- Siempre intento ponerme en su lugar y ser humildeI always try to put myself in their shoes and be humble
- No debemos creérnosla solo por nuestros logrosWe shouldn't get carried away just because of our achievements
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a coworker's attitude.
- DanielMe gusta la humildad de nuestro nuevo jefe.I like the humility of our new boss.
- LucíaSí, es muy sencillo a pesar de su éxito.Yes, he is very simple despite his success.
- DanielLa humildad lo hace un gran líder.Humility makes him a great leader.
- LucíaTienes razón, Daniel. Es un ejemplo para todos.You are right, Daniel. He is an example for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humility” translations and entries humildad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries humildad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.