respeto
/resˈpeto/masculine
The English word 'respect' is translated into Spanish as respeto. Wiktionary also lists pleitesía.
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| respeto | /resˈpeto/ | masculine |
| pleitesía | /pleitesia/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
respeto is a noun used to express admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit. To express the idea of 'disrespect' or 'a lack of respect', use the phrase falta de respeto. If you need the related verb meaning 'to have respect for', use respetar. The related adjective form is respetuoso for masculine or respetuosa for feminine.
Which one should you use?
While respeto is the standard word for respect, pleitesía refers to a more formal, ceremonial or exaggerated display of respect or courtesy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
respeto is a masculine noun, so it is used with masculine articles like el (el respeto).
How do you pronounce it?
/resˈpeto/
When do people say it?
When addressing someone formally, it is customary to use the pronoun usted.
Did you know?
- The word respeto can be used in a reflexive sense to mean 'caution'. For example, ir con respeto can mean to proceed carefully or with hesitation.
- While respeto is common, the word pleitesía carries a heavy historical weight, originating from the feudal system where a vassal swore loyalty to a lord.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, showing 'respeto' to an elder involves not just verbal politeness, but specific physical gestures like avoiding direct eye contact or standing when they enter a room.
Examples in context
- Tom, yo te respeto.I respect you, Tom.This sentence shows how to use respeto to express respect to someone.Tatoeba #2405306 by Shishir, translation #2404155 by CK
- Yo quiero tu respeto.I want your respect.This sentence demonstrates expressing a desire for respeto.Tatoeba #3791515 by cueyayotl, translation #2011506 by CK
- Es una falta de respeto.It is a lack of respect.This sentence uses respeto to describe a lack of respect.Tatoeba #2998590 by hayastan, translation #2998752 by annabelle
- El respeto es crucial en cualquier relaciónRespect is crucial in any relationship
- Es un honor trabajar con ustedIt is an honor to work with you
- Debemos aprender a respetar nuestras diferenciasWe must learn to respect our differences
- Es importante tener consideración con los demásIt is important to have consideration for others
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a former teacher.
- SofíaTengo mucho respeto por el profesor García.I have a lot of respect for Professor García.
- JavierYo también, él es muy sabio.Me too, he is very wise.
- SofíaSu respeto se gana con el tiempo.His respect is earned over time.
- JavierEs verdad, Sofía, él es admirable.That is true, Sofía, he is admirable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries respeto, pleitesía, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
