amabilidad
/amabiliˈdad/feminine
The Spanish word for kindness is amabilidad.
amabilidad is a noun used to describe the quality of being kind.
Meaning: being kind (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the adjective amable (kind) and the suffix -idad, which corresponds to the English suffix -ness.
How does it change in a sentence?
amabilidad is a feminine noun and is used with the feminine article la (e.g., la amabilidad).
How do you pronounce it?
/amabiliˈdad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the adjective amable when they actually intend to use the noun amabilidad to express 'the kindness'.
Did you know?
- While amabilidad describes kindness, Spanish has a distinct word bondad for a deeper, more innate goodness of character. A person can exhibit amabilidad through polite manners without necessarily possessing bondad.
- The adjective amable can be used as a polite way to disagree, such as in the phrase sea amable, which can subtly signal that someone is being unreasonable.
- The word amabilidad shares a root with the Latin verb 'amare', meaning 'to love'. This makes the word's essence closer to 'lovability' than the English 'kindness'.
Examples in context
- Su amabilidad me conmovió.Her kindness touched me.This sentence shows how to express being moved by someone's kindness using amabilidad.Tatoeba #1256931 by marcelostockle, translation #309464 by CM
- Él es la amabilidad misma.He is the essence of kindness.This sentence uses amabilidad to describe someone who embodies the essence of the quality.Tatoeba #1641862 by marcelostockle, translation #296665 by Dejo
- Me conmovió su amabilidad.His kindness touched me.This sentence provides another way to express being moved by someone's kindness using amabilidad.Tatoeba #5166202 by Silvestre, translation #5167504 by tabular
- La amabilidad es una cualidad admirable en las personas.Kindness is an admirable quality in people.
- Recibí una respuesta llena de amabilidad por parte del personal.I received a response full of kindness from the staff.
- Me sorprende tu bondad hacia los demás.I'm amazed by your kindness towards others.
- El acto de bondad que tuviste conmigo no lo olvidaré jamás.I will never forget the act of kindness you showed me.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier thanks Sofía for helping him with his bags.
- JavierMuchas gracias por tu amabilidad, Sofía.Thank you very much for your kindness, Sofía.
- SofíaNo es nada, Javier. Fue un gusto.It is nothing, Javier. It was a pleasure.
- JavierAprecio mucho tu amabilidad hoy.I really appreciate your kindness today.
- SofíaDe nada, que tengas un buen día.You are welcome, have a great day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindness” translations and entries amabilidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amabilidad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
