Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| habilidad | /abiliˈdad/ | feminine |
| destreza | /desˈtɾeθa/ /desˈtɾesa/ |
feminine |
| maña | /ˈmaɲa/ | feminine |
| primor | /pɾiˈmoɾ/ | masculine |
| pericia | /peˈɾiθja/ /peˈɾisja/ |
feminine |
In Spanish, several words express the concept of skill depending on the nuance. Habilidad is the most versatile and common way to translate skill in almost any context, covering both cognitive and physical abilities. Pericia is used in professional or technical contexts to denote high-level expertise or specialized proficiency. Maña is a more colloquial term often used to describe a clever knack, a trick or a practical way of doing something.
Which one should you use?
While habilidad is the general term for skill, destreza specifically emphasizes physical dexterity or manual skill. Maña is used for a particular knack or a practical way of doing something, whereas pericia is reserved for professional expertise.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Destreza is a formal term for skill. Pericia is used in professional or technical contexts. Maña is an informal term used to describe a particular skill or knack.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term arte is used to emphasize skill in a particular area.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of habilidad is habilidades.
How do you pronounce it?
/abiliˈdad/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the word maña can also mean a trick or a ruse, moving the concept of skill from 'talent' toward 'clever deception'.
- The word primor used for skill comes from the Latin prīmus, meaning 'first' or 'foremost'.
- The word primor is not just about skill, but specifically denotes a skill or quality that is 'foremost' or of the highest excellence.
Examples in context
- Más vale maña que fuerza.It takes more skill than strength.This sentence uses maña to suggest that cleverness is more effective than brute force.Tatoeba #883942 by ildefonk, translation #10039069 by espamatics
- No tengo ninguna habilidad especial.I have no special skill.This sentence uses habilidad to express the absence of a specific talent.Tatoeba #3039798 by marcelostockle, translation #3022584 by sharptoothed
- Este juego requiere más habilidad que suerte.This game requires more skill than luck.This sentence uses habilidad to show that a game depends on skill rather than luck.Tatoeba #3027713 by hayastan, translation #12893726 by araneo
- Ella tiene habilidad en el arte de la músicaShe has skill in the art of music
- El entrenador tiene mucha destreza en el deporteThe coach has a lot of skill in sports
- Mi padre tiene mucha maña para arreglar cosasMy father has a knack for fixing things
- La bailarina demuestra su pericia en cada actuaciónThe dancer demonstrates her skillfulness in every performance
- El chef muestra maestría en la cocinaThe chef demonstrates great skill in the kitchen
- Tiene un arte especial para pintarHe/she has a special skill for painting
- Ella tiene una habilidad increíble para la fotografíaShe has an incredible skill for photography
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing their hobbies.
- SofíaTienes mucha habilidad para dibujar, Alejandro.You have a lot of skill for drawing, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, pero me costó años aprender.Thanks, but it took me years to learn.
- SofíaYo no tengo esa habilidad.I don't have that skill.
- AlejandroTú tienes otras habilidades diferentes, Sofía.You have other different skills, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skill” translations and entries habilidad, destreza, maña, primor, pericia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries destreza, habilidad, maña, primor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
