resiliente
/resiˈljente/
The Spanish word for resilient is resiliente.
The adjective resiliente describes someone or something that returns quickly to a normal state after experiencing damaging events or conditions, or characterizes being psychologically or structurally tough.
Meaning: returning quickly to normal after damaging events or conditions, psychologically or structurally tough (adj)
Which one should you use?
While resiliente is the standard term, you may encounter the informal term aguantador for a male or aguantadora for a female to describe a resilient person.
How do you pronounce it?
/resiˈljente/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word resiliente is a direct 'loanword' from English. While many Spanish adjectives have Latin roots, this one was adopted into Spanish relatively recently to match the specific psychological usage found in English.
- When using the informal aguantador, the meaning can change slightly depending on the country, sometimes implying a person is 'tough' and other times implying they are merely 'submissive' to difficult circumstances.
- While resiliente is used in technical, psychological, or formal contexts, it can sound overly academic in a casual conversation with friends.
Examples in context
- La comunidad demostró ser resistente frente a la adversidad.The community proved to be resilient in the face of adversity.
- A pesar de las dificultades, demostraron ser un equipo tenaz.Despite the difficulties, they proved to be a resilient team.
- Después de todo lo que ha pasado, demuestra ser fuerte de carácter.After everything she has been through, she proves to be resilient.
- La comunidad demostró una resistencia extraordinaria después del desastre natural.The community showed extraordinary resilience after the natural disaster.
- Después de enfrentar tantos obstáculos, ella es una mujer fuerte de carácter.After facing so many obstacles, she is a resilient woman with strong character.
- Nunca subestimes el poder de alguien que es aguantador.Never underestimate the power of someone who is resilient.
- Ella es una persona muy resiliente.She is a very resilient person.
- El ecosistema local es resiliente.The local ecosystem is resilient.
- Necesitamos un sistema más resiliente.We need a more resilient system.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a friend who overcame a hard time.
- MateoMe sorprende cómo superó todo aquel problema.I am surprised by how he overcame all that trouble.
- LucíaEs que Lucía siempre ha sido muy resiliente.It is just that Lucía has always been very resilient.
- MateoEs verdad, nunca se rinde.That is true, she never gives up.
- LucíaExacto, tiene una mente muy fuerte.Exactly, she has a very strong mind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry resiliente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries resiliente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
