coraje

/koˈɾaxe/
courage

No tuvo el coraje de decirle la verdad a su jefe.

He didn't have the courage to tell his boss the truth.


formal

The mental or moral strength to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear; bravery.

El coraje de los bomberos salvó a muchas personas del incendio.

The firefighters' courage saved many people from the fire.

Often used to describe inner strength in challenging situations.

informal

Anger or irritation, especially in the face of injustice or frustration.

Me dio mucho coraje que me culparan sin pruebas.

It made me really angry that they blamed me without evidence.

Common in Latin American Spanish; less formal than 'ira' or 'enojo'.

Collocations

tener corajeto have courageperder el corajeto lose couragehacer algo con corajeto do something with courage

Pro Tip

Context matters

In Spain, 'coraje' often means anger (e.g., 'Me dio coraje'). In Latin America, it can mean courage (e.g., 'Tuvo el coraje de hablar'). Listen for regional cues.

Word Origin

From Latin *corāticum* (heart, spirit), derived from *cor* (heart). Evolved through Old Spanish *coratge* to modern *coraje*.

Usage Notes

In Spain, 'coraje' is more commonly used to mean 'anger' (second definition), while in Latin America it retains both meanings. Context usually clarifies the intended sense.

Diccionario Español-Inglés