rasgo
/ˈrasɡo/masculine
The English word 'trait' can be translated into Spanish as rasgo or característica.
Meaning: an identifying characteristic, habit or trend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rasgo | /ˈrasɡo/ | masculine |
| característica | /kaɾaɡteˈɾistika/ | feminine |
In Spanish, these words refer to an identifying characteristic, habit or trend.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine noun rasgo when referring to a distinguishing feature or a stroke of a line. Use the feminine noun característica when referring to a quality or feature that identifies someone or something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word peculiaridad can be used to convey the concept of a trait.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of rasgo is rasgos, and the plural form of característica is características.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrasɡo/
Did you know?
- The word rasgo comes from the verb rasgar, which means to tear or rip. It originally described a physical tear or a jagged line before it was used to describe a personality trait.
- While rasgo can mean a personality trait, it is also the standard word for a facial feature, such as the shape of a nose or eyes.
- While característica describes a trait, the word carácter refers to a person's temperament or strength of will.
Examples in context
- La curiosidad es un rasgo definitorio de los seres humanos.Curiosity is a defining trait of human beings.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a defining trait using rasgo.Tatoeba #13372375 by mexicanhere, translation #5978215 by Adelpa
- Su inteligencia es una de sus mejores características.His intelligence is one of his best traits.
- La perseverancia es una característica admirable en una persona.Perseverance is an admirable trait in a person.
- Su sonrisa brillante es un rasgo que lo destaca entre la multitud.His bright smile is a trait that sets him apart from the crowd.
- La paciencia es uno de los rasgos más admirables de su personalidad.Patience is one of the most admirable traits of her personality.
- Tiene muchas cualidades que admiro en una persona.He has many traits that I admire in a person.
- Una de mis cualidades favoritas de ella es su sentido del humor.One of my favorite traits of hers is her sense of humor.
- Su faceta artística es uno de los rasgos más sobresalientes de su personalidad.His artistic facet is one of the most outstanding traits of his personality.
- En su vida profesional, demuestra una faceta de liderazgo muy valiosa.In her professional life, she shows a valuable leadership trait.
- Esa es una peculiaridad típica de la gente de esta región.That is a typical trait of the people from this region.
- Ese rasgo físico es muy común.That physical trait is very common.
- La paciencia es un rasgo positivo.Patience is a positive trait.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a new colleague at work.
- DanielEs un hombre muy serio.He is a very serious man.
- LucíaSí, la seriedad es su rasgo principal.Yes, seriousness is his main trait.
- DanielA veces me parece un poco frío.Sometimes he seems a bit cold to me.
- LucíaEs solo su forma de ser.It is just his way of being.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trait” translations and entries rasgo, característica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rasgo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
