Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alabanza | /alaˈbanθa/ /alaˈbansa/ |
feminine |
| loa | /ˈloa/ | feminine |
| enaltecimiento | /enalteθiˈmjento/ /enaltesiˈmjento/ |
masculine |
| elogio | /eˈloxjo/ | masculine |
| popamiento | /popamjento/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
In Spanish, there are multiple ways to express the concept of commendation or favorable representation in words depending on the context. You can use verbs like alabar, elogiar or ensalzar to mean 'to give praise to'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the situation: alabanza is most commonly used in a religious context to refer to praise directed toward God. elogio is typically used for formal commendations, such as a speech or a written tribute. enaltecimiento is used to describe the act of elevating or magnifying someone's qualities or status.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the informal expression Buen laburo is used as an equivalent to 'Good job'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/alaˈbanθa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word popamiento is not a standard Spanish word for praise and should not be used.
Did you know?
- The word elogio originally referred to an inscription written on a tombstone. It evolved from the concept of marking a person's life to the act of praising them.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, excessive elogio toward a person can be seen as insincere or as a way to manipulate someone.
- The verb ensalzar can be used to describe both the praise of a person and the physical act of raising an object.
Examples in context
- Él se merece nuestro elogio.He deserves our praise.This sentence shows how to use the noun elogio to express that someone deserves praise.Tatoeba #7080421 by andresangelini, translation #12885812 by mexicanhere
- Su valentía es digna de elogio.His bravery is worthy of praise.This sentence shows how to describe a quality that is worthy of elogio.Tatoeba #4727280 by marcelostockle, translation #287719 by CM
- El asombro es elogio involuntario.Amazement is involuntary praise.This sentence illustrates the concept of elogio being an involuntary response to amazement.Tatoeba #1776973 by marcelostockle, translation #12885810 by mexicanhere
- Quiero elogiar tu dedicación y talento artístico.I want to praise your dedication and artistic talent.
- Te felicito por tu excelente desempeño en el trabajo.I congratulate you on your excellent performance at work.
- Admiro tu valentía y perseverancia en momentos difíciles.I admire your courage and perseverance in tough times.
- ¡Guau! Tu talento musical es increíble.Wow! Your musical talent is incredible.
- Eres increíble por siempre estar ahí cuando te necesito.You are incredible for always being there when I need you.
- Has hecho un buen trabajo organizando la fiesta sorpresa.You've done a good job organizing the surprise party.
- ¡Buen laburo con el proyecto! Quedó genial.Good job with the project! It looks great.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a colleague's great performance.
- JavierMaría, el jefe le dedicó una alabanza hoy.María, the boss gave him some praise today.
- MaríaSe lo merece por su duro trabajo.He deserves it for his hard work.
- JavierSí, fue una alabanza muy sincera.Yes, it was very sincere praise.
- MaríaEso lo motivará mucho para el proyecto.That will motivate him a lot for the project.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “praise” translations and entries alabanza, loa, enaltecimiento, elogio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alabanza, elogio, enaltecimiento, loa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
