ser amable
/seɾ amable/from spelling rules
To be kind in Spanish is ser amable.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb ser because being kind is considered a characteristic of a person's personality. The adjective amable is gender-neutral and does not change its ending whether the person being described is male or female.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾ amable/
Did you know?
- To describe someone as 'very kind' in a more heartfelt or affectionate way, Spanish speakers often use the phrase ser un encanto, which literally means 'to be a charm'.
- The modern Spanish verb ser is a linguistic hybrid that absorbed elements from the Latin verb sedēre, which means 'to sit'.
- While ser amable describes a permanent trait, using the verb estar to say someone is kind describes a temporary mood or a specific behavior in the moment.
Examples in context
- Sé amable y ayuda a los demás en cualquier situación.Be kind and help others in any situation.
- Debe tener amabilidad y paciencia al tratar con los clientes.You must have kindness and patience when dealing with customers.
- Ella es muy buena, siempre está dispuesta a ayudar.She is very kind, always willing to help.
- ¡Qué amigable eres! Gracias por tu ayuda.You are so kind! Thank you for your help.
- Sé amable con tus compañeros de trabajo.Be kind to your colleagues.
- Ser bueno es uno de tus mejores atributos.Being kind is one of your best attributes.
- Siempre eres amigable y atento con los demás.You are always friendly and considerate towards others.
- Él es muy amable con sus vecinos.He is very kind to his neighbors.
- Es importante ser amable con los clientes.It is important to be kind to customers.
- Ella siempre intenta ser amable con todos.She always tries to be kind to everyone.
- ¿Puedes ser amable y ayudarme?Can you be kind and help me?
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about a new coworker.
- DanielEl nuevo compañero es muy educado.The new coworker is very polite.
- ElenaSí, parece ser amable con todos.Yes, he seems to be kind to everyone.
- DanielMe alegra que se integre bien.I am glad he is fitting in well.
- ElenaYo también, Daniel.Me too, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amable, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
