usa palabras amables
/usa palabɾas amables/from spelling rules
To say "use kind words" in Spanish, you say usa palabras amables.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of usa (use), palabras (words) and amables (kind/friendly).
Which one should you use?
The phrase usa palabras amables uses the informal singular command, while usen palabras amables is the imperative form used when addressing a group of people. You might also use the phrase Sé amable al hablar to mean "Be kind when speaking."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form usa palabras amables uses the informal imperative (tú) command. To address multiple people at once, use the plural imperative usen palabras amables.
How do you pronounce it?
/usa palabɾas amables/
Did you know?
- The word amables comes from the Latin verb amare, meaning 'to love'. Literally, a kind person is someone who is 'able to be loved'.
- To make 'kind words' sound even more affectionate, Spanish speakers frequently use diminutives by adding -ito to the ends of words to soften the tone of a request.
- While amable describes kindness, the word educado is specifically used for someone who uses 'kind words' because they possess good manners or a formal education.
Examples in context
- Gracias por tus palabras amablesThank you for your kind words
- Entiendo tus preocupaciones. Mantengamos la calma y utilicemos palabras amables para resolverlo juntos.I understand your concerns. Let's stay calm and use kind words to solve it together.
- Comprendo tu punto de vista, pero podemos encontrar una solución si empleamos un lenguaje amable y escuchamos a los demás.I understand your point of view, but we can find a solution if we use kind language and listen to each other.
- Siempre usa palabras amables con los niños.Always use kind words with children.
- Es mejor si usa palabras amables en el trabajo.It is better if you use kind words at work.
- Ella te aconseja: usa palabras amables con tus clientes.She advises you: use kind words with your clients.
Example conversation
Sofía is giving Javier advice on how to talk to a difficult customer.
- SofíaJavier, debes mantener la calma.Javier, you must stay calm.
- JavierEs difícil cuando el cliente es grosero.It is difficult when the client is rude.
- SofíaSolo usa palabras amables y todo saldrá bien.Just use kind words and everything will go well.
- JavierTienes razón, lo intentaré.You are right, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
