Which one should you use?
While orgullo covers both positive pride and the negative trait of conceit, the word soberbia is often used in Spain to express pride that is perceived specifically as negative arrogance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word soberbia is used to express pride, though it often carries a negative connotation of arrogance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a person as being proud, use the adjective orgulloso instead of the noun orgullo. This adjective must agree with the gender of the person being described: use orgulloso for males and orgullosa for females. To express the action of feeling pride in something or someone, use the reflexive verb enorgullecerse de. For example, one might say Me enorgullezco to mean 'I feel proud'.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾˈɡuʝo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the phrase ser orgulloso to mean 'to be proud of something'. In Spanish, ser orgulloso typically describes a person's character as being an arrogant person. Instead, use the reflexive verb enorgullecerse de to express feeling pride in a specific thing or person.
Did you know?
- The phrase el orgullo is used as the official translation for 'Pride' in the context of LGBTQ+ movements and Pride Month across Spanish-speaking countries.
- In Spanish, the word soberbia can translate to 'pride' but it specifically targets the vice of arrogance and is often linked to the theological concept of the seven deadly sins.
- To say you are proud of a child or a partner, Spanish speakers often use the phrase estoy orgulloso, which describes a temporary state of emotion rather than a permanent personality trait.
Examples in context
- Él no tiene orgullo.He doesn't have pride.This sentence shows the use of orgullo in a negative context regarding a lack of pride.Tatoeba #1824846 by Shishir, translation #9770430 by DJ_Saidez
- Eres mi orgullo y alegría.You are my pride and joy.This sentence shows how orgullo is used to express a deep sense of satisfaction in someone.Tatoeba #1977463 by marcelostockle, translation #69313 by CS
- La derrota hirió su orgullo.Losing injured their pride.This sentence shows how a loss can damage one's orgullo.Tatoeba #2127495 by Shishir, translation #319432 by Dejo
- El éxito de mis estudiantes me llena de satisfacciónThe success of my students fills me with pride
- Estoy muy orgulloso de mi hermanoI am very proud of my brother
- Me enorgullezco de ser parte de este equipoI am proud to be part of this team
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a coworker's behavior.
- JavierSu orgullo no le permite pedir ayuda.His pride does not allow him to ask for help.
- MaríaEs una lástima que sea tan arrogante.It is a pity that he is so arrogant.
- JavierSí, su orgullo es un gran problema.Yes, his pride is a big problem.
- MaríaEs mejor ser humilde siempre.It is better to be humble always.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pride” translations and entries orgullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
