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temperamento

B1 noun #5,000 most common 11 min read

temperamento

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips temperamento in 30 Seconds

Explanation temperamento in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'temperamento' is a way to describe if someone is generally 'good' or 'bad' in their nature. You might use it to talk about pets or family members in very simple terms. For example, 'Mi perro tiene un buen temperamento' (My dog has a good temperament). It is important to remember that it is a masculine noun ('el temperamento') and it ends in '-o', which makes it easy to remember. Do not confuse it with 'temperatura' (temperature). At this stage, just think of it as a synonym for 'personality' that you use for animals and people's basic nature. You will mostly hear it with simple adjectives like 'bueno' (good), 'malo' (bad), 'fuerte' (strong), or 'tranquilo' (calm). Focus on the fact that it describes a permanent quality, not how someone feels right now. If someone is happy today, you don't use 'temperamento'; you use 'está feliz'. But if someone is a naturally happy person from the day they were born, you could say they have a 'temperamento alegre'. Start by practicing with your pets or friends to describe their basic vibe.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'temperamento' to provide more detail about people's behavior. You should understand that 'temperamento' is different from 'humor'. You can say 'Él tiene un temperamento difícil' to describe someone who is generally hard to get along with. You will also encounter this word in descriptions of animals, especially when learning about hobbies like horseback riding or pet adoption. In A2, you should be able to use it in sentences with 'ser' or 'tener'. For example: 'Ella es de temperamento tranquilo' or 'Él tiene un temperamento muy fuerte'. You might also see it in short readings about psychology or famous people. It's a useful word for expanding your descriptive vocabulary beyond basic adjectives like 'simpático' or 'antipático'. It helps you explain *why* someone acts the way they do—it's just their nature. You should also be careful with the plural form 'temperamentos' when talking about groups of people. For example, 'En mi clase hay muchos temperamentos diferentes' (In my class there are many different temperaments). This shows you understand that everyone is born with a different natural way of being.

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish 'temperamento' from 'carácter' and 'personalidad'. You now understand that 'temperamento' refers to the innate, biological part of a person, while 'carácter' is more about their learned habits and moral choices. You can use 'temperamento' to discuss more complex topics, such as how temperament affects career choices or relationships. You should be comfortable using it with a wider range of adjectives like 'melancólico', 'flemático', 'colérico', or 'optimista'. In B1, you might use it in the subjunctive or in conditional sentences: 'Si tuviera un temperamento más calmado, no se habría enfadado tanto' (If he had a calmer temperament, he wouldn't have gotten so angry). You will also hear this word in more professional contexts, such as job interviews or educational settings, where someone's 'natural fit' for a role is discussed. This is also the level where you might encounter the word in music or art, referring to the 'spirit' or 'passion' of a piece. Your goal at B1 is to use 'temperamento' to add nuance to your descriptions of human and animal behavior, moving away from simple 'good/bad' labels.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'temperamento' with precision and in more abstract discussions. You should be able to explain the psychological theories of temperament in Spanish, such as the four classic humors. You can use the word in formal writing, such as essays about education or sociology. For example, you might write about how a teacher must adapt to the different 'temperamentos' of their students. You should also recognize the word in idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated literary contexts. At B2, you understand that 'temperamento' can also refer to the 'atmosphere' or 'nature' of a place or a historical era, though this is more metaphorical. You can use it to contrast innate traits with environmental influences: 'Aunque su temperamento es ansioso, ha aprendido a controlarse gracias a su fuerte carácter' (Although his temperament is anxious, he has learned to control himself thanks to his strong character). You should also be aware of technical uses, such as 'temperamento igual' in music theory. Your vocabulary should now include collocations like 'temperamento artístico', 'temperamento indomable', and 'temperamento equilibrado'.

At the C1 level, your use of 'temperamento' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can use it to discuss subtle nuances in literature, philosophy, and advanced psychology. You might analyze a character's 'temperamento' in a novel by Cervantes or García Márquez, discussing how their innate nature drives the plot. You should be able to use the word in high-level professional debates, such as discussing the 'temperamento' of a market or a political movement. Your sentences will be complex and use advanced grammar: 'Resulta imperativo considerar el temperamento del electorado antes de lanzar una campaña de tal envergadura' (It is imperative to consider the temperament of the electorate before launching a campaign of such magnitude). You will also understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has shifted from a purely medical/biological term to a psychological one. You can use synonyms like 'índole', 'complexión', or 'idiosincrasia' to avoid repetition and add variety to your speech. At this level, you are also sensitive to the cultural implications of the word in different Spanish-speaking countries, where 'tener mucho temperamento' might be a compliment for a flamenco dancer but a warning about a boss.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'temperamento' in all its registers and technical applications. You can use it in academic papers on neurobiology to discuss the genetic markers of temperament. You can appreciate and use it in highly poetic or archaic contexts, understanding its relationship to the Latin 'temperamentum' (a mixing in due proportion). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether 'temperamento' is truly immutable or if it can be altered by extreme life experiences. You use the word with absolute precision in musicology, discussing 'temperamentos mesotónicos' or the historical tuning of harpsichords. Your command of the word allows you to use it ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated social settings. You are also aware of very rare or regional uses of the word. For a C2 learner, 'temperamento' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to dissect the human condition, artistic expression, and the natural world. You can effortlessly switch between the biological, psychological, artistic, and metaphorical meanings of the word depending on the audience and the purpose of your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

temperamento in 30 Seconds

Temperamento is the innate, biological foundation of personality in humans and animals.
It is a masculine noun (el temperamento) and remains masculine regardless of who is described.
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'fuerte' (strong), 'dulce' (sweet), or 'tranquilo' (calm).
It differs from 'carácter' (learned traits) and 'humor' (temporary mood).

The Spanish word temperamento is a fascinating noun that describes the biological and innate foundation of a person's personality. While English speakers often use 'personality' as a catch-all term, Spanish distinguishes between personalidad (the whole package), carácter (learned traits and moral values), and temperamento (the raw, genetic predisposition). When you talk about someone's temperamento, you are referring to their natural way of reacting to the world, something that is often seen as permanent and unchangeable. It is the 'how' of behavior—how quickly one gets angry, how intensely one feels joy, or how calmly one handles stress. This word is frequently used in psychology, child development, and even when describing the nature of animals, especially dogs and horses. Understanding this word requires looking beyond a simple dictionary definition and into the historical roots of the 'four humors'—sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic—which were once thought to determine a person's essence. In modern Spanish, if you say someone has a 'temperamento fuerte,' you aren't just saying they are mean; you are saying they have a powerful, perhaps volatile, innate energy that dictates their reactions. It is a word that carries weight and implies a deep, structural part of a human being's identity.

Biological Basis: In Spanish, temperamento refers specifically to the inherited aspects of personality, such as sensitivity to light, sound, or emotional stimuli.

Emotional Intensity: The word is often used to describe how a person processes emotions, ranging from a 'temperamento calmado' (calm nature) to a 'temperamento explosivo' (explosive nature).

Artistic Context: In music and art, it can refer to the passion or 'soul' an artist brings to their work, often linked to their innate drive.

Desde que era un bebé, mostró un temperamento muy curioso y sociable.

El entrenador de perros evaluó el temperamento del cachorro antes de asignarlo a una familia.

Su temperamento artístico lo lleva a ver belleza en los lugares más inesperados.

Es difícil cambiar el temperamento, pero podemos mejorar nuestro carácter.

La actriz tiene un temperamento volcánico que asusta a sus colegas.

Furthermore, the word is used in specialized fields. In music, 'temperamento' refers to a system of tuning, such as the 'temperamento igual' (equal temperament) used in modern pianos. In medicine, historical texts might refer to it in the context of bodily fluids and health balances. However, in 95% of daily conversations, you will hear it used to describe the underlying vibe or nature of a person or animal. It is an essential word for anyone moving beyond basic Spanish because it allows for a more nuanced description of human behavior than simply saying someone is 'bueno' or 'malo.' It touches on the very essence of who we are born to be.

Using temperamento correctly involves pairing it with descriptive adjectives that highlight the specific nature being discussed. Because it is a masculine noun, any adjective modifying it must also be masculine. For instance, you would say 'un temperamento fuerte' (a strong temperament) or 'un temperamento equilibrado' (a balanced temperament). It is common to see this word used with verbs like tener (to have), mostrar (to show), or poseer (to possess). When discussing genetics, you might hear people say someone 'heredó el temperamento de su abuelo' (inherited their grandfather's temperament). It is also used in comparative structures to contrast different people's reactions to the same event. For example, 'A pesar de ser hermanos, tienen temperamentos opuestos' (Despite being brothers, they have opposite temperaments). In professional settings, particularly in HR or education, you might find it in reports: 'El candidato posee un temperamento apto para situaciones de alto estrés' (The candidate possesses a temperament suitable for high-stress situations). It's important to note that while 'temperamento' is often associated with intensity, it can also describe passivity or calmness, such as a 'temperamento flemático' or 'temperamento apacible'.

With Adjectives of Intensity: Common pairings include: fuerte (strong), explosivo (explosive), volcánico (volcanic), or impetuoso (impetuous).

With Adjectives of Calmness: Common pairings include: tranquilo (quiet), apacible (peaceful), equilibrado (balanced), or dócil (docile).

In Biological Contexts: Phrases like 'temperamento innato' (innate temperament) or 'rasgos de temperamento' (temperament traits) are standard.

Su temperamento melancólico se refleja en toda su obra poética.

No te tomes sus gritos como algo personal; es solo su temperamento.

Para trabajar en urgencias, necesitas un temperamento de acero.

El temperamento de los caballos árabes es conocido por ser fogoso y leal.

Ella tiene un temperamento tan dulce que todos quieren estar cerca de ella.

In more complex sentences, temperamento can be used to explain motivations. 'Debido a su temperamento inquieto, nunca pudo mantener un trabajo de oficina por mucho tiempo' (Due to his restless temperament, he could never keep an office job for long). It serves as an explanatory tool for behavior. When you use it, you are looking for the 'why' behind the action. It's not just that the person did something; it's that their very nature compelled them to do it. This depth makes it a favorite word for novelists and biographers who wish to paint a vivid picture of their subjects' internal worlds.

You will encounter temperamento in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the highly formal to the everyday. In a clinical or psychological setting, professionals use it to categorize patients or study developmental milestones in children. For instance, a pediatrician might talk to parents about their baby's 'temperamento difícil' if the child has trouble sleeping or eating. In the world of animal breeding and training, it is perhaps the most common word used to describe an animal's suitability for a task. A breeder will say, 'Este perro tiene un temperamento excelente para la caza' (This dog has an excellent temperament for hunting). In literature and film criticism, you'll hear it used to describe the 'vibe' of a character or even the style of the director. A critic might describe a film as having a 'temperamento sombrío' (a somber temperament). In social circles, it's used when gossiping or discussing family dynamics, often to explain why someone is the way they are: 'Es que tiene el temperamento de su madre' (It's just that he has his mother's temperament). You will also find it in historical biographies, where the success or failure of a leader is often attributed to their 'temperamento audaz' (bold temperament) or 'temperamento indeciso' (indecisive temperament).

In the Workplace: Human resources might use it to discuss team dynamics or 'ajuste de temperamento' (temperament fit).

In Music Education: Teachers use it to describe the required 'feeling' or tuning of an instrument.

In Family Life: Parents use it to describe the innate differences between their children.

El documental explora el temperamento indomable de los exploradores polares.

Buscamos un empleado con un temperamento proactivo y positivo.

Su temperamento flemático le permitió mantener la calma durante el terremoto.

Es un artista de gran temperamento, lo que se nota en sus pinceladas.

El temperamento de la ciudad cambia drásticamente durante el festival.

Interestingly, in some regions, temperamento is used metaphorically to describe the climate or the 'feel' of a place. While 'clima' is the standard word for weather, someone might say 'El temperamento de esta isla es tropical y relajado.' This usage is more poetic and less common than the psychological one, but it shows the word's versatility. Whether you are reading a psychological journal, a pet adoption flyer, or a classic novel like 'Don Quijote,' this word will appear as a vital tool for defining the innate characteristics that make things what they are.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with temperamento is confusing it with the word temperatura (temperature). Because both words start with 'temper-', learners often slip up and say something like 'El temperamento de hoy es muy alto,' which sounds like you are saying 'The nature/personality of today is very high' instead of 'The temperature today is very high.' Always remember: temperatura is for the weather and ovens; temperamento is for people and souls. Another common error is using temperamento when you actually mean humor (mood). A mood is temporary—you can be in a bad mood for an hour. A temperament is permanent—you have a grumpy nature for life. If you say 'Tengo un mal temperamento hoy,' a native speaker will understand you, but it sounds slightly dramatic, as if your entire genetic nature has changed for just one day. You should say 'Estoy de mal humor hoy.'

Confusion with 'Temperatura': Mistake: 'La sopa tiene un buen temperamento.' Correct: 'La sopa tiene una buena temperatura.'

Confusion with 'Humor': Mistake: 'Mi temperamento cambia cada cinco minutos.' Correct: 'Mi humor cambia cada cinco minutos.'

Gender Errors: Mistake: 'La temperamento.' Correct: 'El temperamento.' Even if describing a woman, the word remains masculine.

Incorrecto: Me gusta la temperamento de esta habitación. (Should be: ambiente)

Correcto: El temperamento de mi hermana es muy tranquilo.

Incorrecto: Tengo mucho temperamento porque no dormí. (Should be: sueño/cansancio)

Correcto: Su temperamento colérico le causa muchos problemas.

Incorrecto: El temperamento del horno es de 200 grados. (Should be: temperatura)

Finally, don't confuse temperamento with personalidad. While related, personalidad is the broader term that includes your temperament, your character, your habits, and your social roles. If you want to talk about how someone acts at a party, use personalidad. If you want to talk about how they were born and how they naturally respond to stress, use temperamento. Mastering this distinction will make your Spanish sound much more sophisticated and precise.

To truly master temperamento, it helps to know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is carácter. While often used interchangeably in casual speech, carácter refers more to the learned traits and the strength of will a person has developed. If someone is disciplined, they have a 'carácter fuerte.' If they are naturally prone to anger, they have a 'temperamento fuerte.' Another alternative is índole, which is a bit more formal and refers to the nature or type of something. You might hear 'negocios de esta índole' (business of this nature). Naturaleza is also used to describe the essence of a person, though it is broader. Personalidad is the most general term, encompassing everything about a person's behavior. In certain contexts, genio can be used as a synonym, specifically when referring to someone's 'temper' or disposition to get angry. 'Tiene un genio de mil demonios' means they have a very bad temper.

Temperamento vs. Carácter: Temperamento is innate/biological; Carácter is learned/moral. You are born with a temperament; you build a character.

Temperamento vs. Genio: Genio focuses more on the manifest temper or bad mood; Temperamento is the broader biological nature.

Temperamento vs. Índole: Índole is more formal and can apply to objects or situations, not just people or animals.

Su carácter se forjó en la adversidad de la guerra.

Es una persona de índole pacífica que evita los conflictos.

Tiene un genio muy difícil por las mañanas.

La naturaleza humana es compleja y llena de contradicciones.

Su personalidad extrovertida lo hace ideal para las ventas.

In summary, while there are many ways to describe a person's essence, temperamento remains the most precise word for the innate, biological drive that underpins all behavior. By choosing between these synonyms carefully, you can express subtle differences in whether a person's behavior is something they were born with, something they learned, or just a temporary state of mind.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally had more to do with chemistry and medicine than psychology. It was believed that if your 'humors' were mixed in the right 'temperamentum', you would be healthy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɛm.pɛ.ɾaˈmɛn.to/

US /tɛm.pɛ.ɾaˈmɛn.to/

The stress falls on the syllable 'men' (tem-pe-ra-MEN-to).

Rhymes With

momento viento asiento pensamiento sentimiento sufrimiento nacimiento crecimiento

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Putting the stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., tem-PE-ra-men-to).
Diphthongizing the final 'o' to sound like 'oh'.
Confusing the word with 'temperatura' during speech.
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'temperament'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct gender agreement and distinction from 'temperatura'.

Speaking 4/5

Requires correct syllable stress on 'men'.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced, though often followed by complex adjectives.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

persona animal fuerte tranquilo bueno

Learn Next

carácter personalidad índole psicología herencia

Advanced

flemático colérico sanguíneo melancólico idiosincrasia

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -o are typically masculine.

El temperamento (not La temperamento).

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Un temperamento fuerte / Unos temperamentos fuertes.

The verb 'ser' is used for permanent traits like temperament.

Él es de temperamento tranquilo.

The verb 'tener' is used to describe possessing a trait.

Ella tiene un temperamento artístico.

Prepositions like 'por' can indicate cause related to temperament.

Lo hizo por temperamento, no por malicia.

Examples by Level

El gato tiene un temperamento muy dulce.

The cat has a very sweet temperament.

'Temperamento' is modified by the masculine adjective 'dulce'.

Mi hermano tiene un temperamento fuerte.

My brother has a strong temperament.

Use 'tiene' (has) to describe a person's temperament.

El perro es de temperamento tranquilo.

The dog is of a calm temperament.

The phrase 'de temperamento' is a common way to describe nature.

No me gusta su temperamento malo.

I don't like his bad temperament.

'Malo' follows the masculine noun 'temperamento'.

¿Cómo es el temperamento de tu bebé?

How is your baby's temperament?

Question structure using 'Cómo es'.

Ella tiene un temperamento alegre.

She has a cheerful temperament.

Even though 'ella' is feminine, 'temperamento' remains masculine.

Los caballos tienen temperamentos diferentes.

Horses have different temperaments.

Plural form 'temperamentos'.

Es un niño con un temperamento difícil.

He is a child with a difficult temperament.

Using 'con un' to introduce the quality.

Su temperamento artístico es muy evidente.

His/her artistic temperament is very evident.

'Artístico' matches the masculine 'temperamento'.

Buscamos un perro con un temperamento estable.

We are looking for a dog with a stable temperament.

'Estable' is an adjective that ends in -e, so it is the same for masculine and feminine.

A pesar de los problemas, mantiene un temperamento calmado.

Despite the problems, he/she maintains a calm temperament.

The verb 'mantiene' (maintains) is used here.

Mi padre heredó el temperamento de su abuelo.

My father inherited his grandfather's temperament.

The verb 'heredar' (to inherit) is common with this word.

Es difícil trabajar con personas de temperamento explosivo.

It is difficult to work with people of explosive temperament.

'Explosivo' describes the intensity of the temperament.

El temperamento de los gatos es muy independiente.

The temperament of cats is very independent.

Generalizing about a species' nature.

Ella mostró un temperamento valiente durante la crisis.

She showed a brave temperament during the crisis.

The verb 'mostró' (showed) in the preterite tense.

No confundas el temperamento con el carácter.

Don't confuse temperament with character.

Imperative form 'no confundas'.

El temperamento melancólico suele asociarse con los poetas.

The melancholic temperament is often associated with poets.

One of the four classic temperaments.

Su temperamento inquieto le impide estar sentado mucho tiempo.

His restless temperament prevents him from sitting for long.

The word 'inquieto' describes a natural lack of stillness.

Los gemelos tienen temperamentos totalmente opuestos.

The twins have totally opposite temperaments.

Using 'opuestos' to show contrast.

Es necesario conocer el temperamento de cada alumno.

It is necessary to know the temperament of each student.

Using 'conocer' to imply deeper understanding.

Su temperamento frío le ayuda a ser un buen cirujano.

His cold temperament helps him be a good surgeon.

'Frío' here means calm and unemotional under pressure.

El temperamento colérico puede causar conflictos innecesarios.

The choleric temperament can cause unnecessary conflicts.

Another of the four classic temperaments.

Ella tiene un temperamento de hierro ante la adversidad.

She has a temperament of iron in the face of adversity.

Metaphorical use of 'de hierro' (of iron).

El temperamento de la música cambió a mitad de la obra.

The temperament of the music changed halfway through the piece.

Artistic application of the word.

La teoría de los cuatro temperamentos proviene de la antigua Grecia.

The theory of the four temperaments comes from ancient Greece.

Historical and academic context.

Su temperamento indomable lo llevó a explorar tierras desconocidas.

His indomable temperament led him to explore unknown lands.

'Indomable' means untameable or extremely strong-willed.

El temperamento flemático se caracteriza por la pasividad y la calma.

The phlegmatic temperament is characterized by passivity and calm.

Passive construction 'se caracteriza por'.

Es fundamental evaluar el temperamento del animal antes de la adopción.

It is fundamental to evaluate the animal's temperament before adoption.

Formal verb 'evaluar'.

Su temperamento voluble hace que sea difícil confiar en sus decisiones.

His fickle temperament makes it hard to trust his decisions.

'Voluble' refers to someone who changes their mind or mood easily.

El temperamento artístico a menudo conlleva una gran sensibilidad.

The artistic temperament often entails great sensitivity.

The verb 'conllevar' means to involve or entail.

A pesar de su temperamento tímido, dio un discurso excelente.

Despite his shy temperament, he gave an excellent speech.

'A pesar de' is a common B2 connector.

El temperamento igual es el sistema de afinación más común hoy en día.

Equal temperament is the most common tuning system today.

Technical musical term.

La obra literaria refleja el temperamento convulso de la época.

The literary work reflects the convulsive temperament of the era.

Metaphorical use describing a historical period.

Su temperamento inquisitivo lo convierte en un investigador excepcional.

His inquisitive temperament makes him an exceptional researcher.

'Inquisitivo' implies a natural drive to ask questions.

Existe un debate sobre hasta qué punto el temperamento es inmutable.

There is a debate about to what extent temperament is immutable.

Complex phrase 'hasta qué punto'.

El temperamento sanguíneo se asocia con personas sociables y optimistas.

The sanguine temperament is associated with sociable and optimistic people.

One of the four classic temperaments.

Su temperamento austero se manifiesta en su estilo de vida minimalista.

His austere temperament manifests in his minimalist lifestyle.

'Austero' means severe or simple.

El temperamento de un pueblo se forja a través de siglos de historia.

The temperament of a people is forged through centuries of history.

Collective use of the word.

Poseía un temperamento volcánico que estallaba ante la menor provocación.

He possessed a volcanic temperament that erupted at the slightest provocation.

Dramatic literary description.

La afinación por temperamento justo produce intervalos más puros.

Just temperament tuning produces purer intervals.

Advanced musical terminology.

El temperamento es el sustrato biológico sobre el cual se erige el carácter.

Temperament is the biological substrate upon which character is built.

Highly academic and precise language.

Su temperamento huraño lo alejó de la vida social y lo recluyó en el campo.

His unsociable temperament drove him away from social life and secluded him in the countryside.

'Huraño' is a sophisticated word for shy/unsociable.

La novela disecciona el temperamento de la burguesía decimonónica.

The novel dissects the temperament of the nineteenth-century bourgeoisie.

Analytical literary context.

Es un error ontológico confundir el temperamento con la identidad total.

It is an ontological error to confuse temperament with total identity.

Philosophical usage.

El temperamento de los mercados financieros es inherentemente volátil.

The temperament of financial markets is inherently volatile.

Metaphorical application in economics.

Su temperamento flemático rayaba en la indiferencia más absoluta.

His phlegmatic temperament bordered on absolute indifference.

The verb 'rayar en' means to border on.

La dialéctica entre temperamento y entorno es el núcleo de la psicología moderna.

The dialectic between temperament and environment is the core of modern psychology.

Advanced psychological discourse.

El músico dominaba el temperamento mesotónico con una maestría inigualable.

The musician mastered the meantone temperament with unparalleled skill.

Niche musicological term.

Common Collocations

temperamento fuerte

temperamento artístico

temperamento equilibrado

temperamento explosivo

temperamento melancólico

temperamento igual

heredar el temperamento

evaluar el temperamento

temperamento indomable

temperamento apacible

Common Phrases

tener mucho temperamento

— To have a strong or passionate nature. Often used as a compliment for artists.

Esa bailarina tiene mucho temperamento.

ser de temperamento

— To have a specific type of nature. Used to introduce a description.

Él es de temperamento solitario.

un choque de temperamentos

— A clash between two people with strong or different natures.

Hubo un choque de temperamentos en la reunión.

ajustar el temperamento

— To tune an instrument or, metaphorically, to adapt one's nature.

El luthier ajustó el temperamento del clavecín.

temperamento de acero

— A very strong and resilient nature, especially under pressure.

Para ser piloto necesitas un temperamento de acero.

sin temperamento

— Lacking passion, drive, or a distinct personality.

Su actuación fue correcta pero sin temperamento.

rasgos de temperamento

— Specific characteristics that make up one's innate nature.

La timidez es uno de sus rasgos de temperamento.

temperamento infantil

— The natural disposition of a child.

El estudio analiza el temperamento infantil en diferentes culturas.

temperamento volcánico

— A nature that is prone to sudden, intense outbursts.

Cuidado con su temperamento volcánico.

por temperamento

— By nature; because of one's innate disposition.

Ella es, por temperamento, una persona optimista.

Often Confused With

temperamento vs temperatura

Temperature (weather/heat). This is the most common false friend error.

temperamento vs humor

Mood (temporary state). Temperamento is permanent.

temperamento vs carácter

Character (learned moral traits). Temperamento is innate/biological.

Idioms & Expressions

"tener un temperamento de mil demonios"

— To have an extremely bad or volatile temper.

Cuando se enfada, tiene un temperamento de mil demonios.

Informal

"ser puro temperamento"

— To be incredibly passionate or driven by one's emotions/nature.

Ese actor es puro temperamento en el escenario.

Neutral

"templar el temperamento"

— To calm or moderate one's natural intensity or anger.

Con los años, ha aprendido a templar su temperamento.

Formal

"un temperamento de fuego"

— A very passionate, intense, and sometimes angry nature.

Su temperamento de fuego la hace una líder nata.

Literary

"perder el temperamento"

— To lose one's cool or self-control (though 'perder los estribos' is more common).

Intenta no perder el temperamento durante la discusión.

Neutral

"temperamento de hielo"

— A very cold, calculating, and unemotional nature.

Actuó con un temperamento de hielo en el juicio.

Literary

"marcar el temperamento"

— To set the tone or vibe for a situation.

Su llegada marcó el temperamento de la fiesta.

Neutral

"temperamento de artista"

— A nature characterized by sensitivity, passion, and sometimes eccentricity.

Tiene el temperamento de artista: es brillante pero difícil.

Neutral

"un temperamento de oro"

— An exceptionally good, kind, and patient nature.

Mi abuela tenía un temperamento de oro.

Informal

"sacar el temperamento"

— To show one's true, often strong, nature when provoked.

No le busques las cosquillas o sacará el temperamento.

Informal

Easily Confused

temperamento vs temperatura

Phonetic similarity.

Temperatura measures heat; temperamento describes innate nature. You use temperatura for the weather or an oven, and temperamento for a soul or a dog.

La temperatura es de 30 grados, pero el temperamento de la gente es frío.

temperamento vs humor

Both relate to internal states.

Humor is a transient state of mind that changes throughout the day. Temperamento is the stable, underlying nature you are born with.

Hoy estoy de mal humor, aunque mi temperamento suele ser alegre.

temperamento vs carácter

They are close synonyms in casual speech.

In psychology, temperamento is what you are born with (biology), while carácter is what you develop through experience and will (ethics/habits).

Su temperamento es ansioso, pero tiene un carácter muy disciplinado.

temperamento vs personalidad

Overlap in meaning.

Personalidad is the umbrella term that includes both temperamento and carácter, along with social roles and behaviors.

El temperamento es solo una parte de su compleja personalidad.

temperamento vs índole

Both mean 'nature'.

Índole is more formal and is often used for the 'nature' of a problem or a situation, whereas temperamento is almost always for living beings.

Es un problema de índole política, no de temperamento personal.

Sentence Patterns

Sujeto + tiene un temperamento + adjetivo.

El perro tiene un temperamento bueno.

Sujeto + es de temperamento + adjetivo.

Mi abuela es de temperamento dulce.

Debido a su temperamento + adjetivo, + [acción].

Debido a su temperamento inquieto, siempre está viajando.

A pesar de su temperamento + adjetivo, + [contraste].

A pesar de su temperamento tímido, es un gran líder.

Poseer un temperamento + adjetivo + que + [consecuencia].

Posee un temperamento tan audaz que nada lo detiene.

La dialéctica entre el temperamento y + [concepto].

La dialéctica entre el temperamento y la cultura es compleja.

Heredar el temperamento de + [persona].

Heredó el temperamento de su bisabuelo.

No confundas el temperamento con + [concepto].

No confundas el temperamento con el humor.

Word Family

Nouns

temperamento

temperancia

temple

Verbs

temperar

atemplar

templar

Adjectives

temperamental

temperado

templado

temperatura

intemperie

atropello

carácter

personalidad

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in psychology, arts, and animal care).

Common Mistakes

La temperamento fuerte. → El temperamento fuerte.
Temperamento is a masculine noun. The article must be 'el' and the adjective must agree.
El temperamento de hoy es de 25 grados. → La temperatura de hoy es de 25 grados.
Confusing temperamento (nature) with temperatura (heat).
Tengo un mal temperamento hoy porque no dormí. → Estoy de mal humor hoy porque no dormí.
Using temperamento for a temporary mood. Use 'humor' instead.
Su temperamento es muy simpática. → Su temperamento es muy simpático.
Adjectives modifying 'temperamento' must be masculine, even if the person being described is female.
Él tiene un temperamento muy carácter. → Él tiene un carácter muy fuerte.
Confusing the two nouns. You have a 'temperamento' or a 'carácter', you don't use one as an adjective for the other.

Tips

Tempo of the Mind

Associate 'temperamento' with the 'tempo' (speed) of your reactions. Some people react fast (choleric), some slow (phlegmatic). It's the rhythm of your soul.

Gender Agreement

Always keep it masculine. 'El temperamento'. If you use an adjective like 'fuerte', it doesn't change, but 'bueno' becomes 'buen' or 'bueno'. 'Un buen temperamento'.

Cognate Alert

Use your English knowledge! 'Temperament' and 'Temperamento' share the same Latin root. Use it confidently in psychological or descriptive contexts.

Stress the Penultimate

Make sure to emphasize the 'MEN' syllable. Tem-pe-ra-MEN-to. This is the key to sounding natural and being understood.

Artistic Passion

In Spain, if someone says a dancer has 'temperamento', it's a huge compliment. It means they have soul and fire. Don't take it as a negative!

Animal Descriptions

Use this word when talking about pets. It's much more natural than saying 'personalidad de perro'. 'El temperamento del labrador es ideal para familias'.

Avoid the False Friend

Before you write 'temperamento', ask yourself: 'Am I talking about heat?' If yes, use 'temperatura'. This will save you from 90% of mistakes.

Listen for Adjectives

Native speakers rarely use 'temperamento' alone. Listen for the adjective that follows it; that's where the real meaning lies.

Nature vs Nurture

In essays, use 'temperamento' for nature and 'carácter' for nurture. This distinction shows a high level of Spanish proficiency.

Describe Your Family

Practice by assigning a 'temperamento' to each member of your family. It's a great way to learn descriptive adjectives alongside the noun.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'temperamento' as the 'TEMPO' (speed/rhythm) of your 'MENTE' (mind). It's the natural speed at which your brain reacts to things.

Visual Association

Imagine a thermometer, but instead of degrees, it measures 'Fire' (angry nature), 'Water' (calm nature), and 'Air' (sociable nature).

Word Web

Bio-logical Innate Nature Personality Emotions Animals Music Psychology

Challenge

Try to describe three people you know using the word 'temperamento' and a different adjective for each. For example: 'Mi madre tiene un temperamento apacible'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'temperamentum', which means 'a mixing in due proportion'. It comes from 'temperare', meaning 'to mix' or 'to moderate'.

Original meaning: In ancient medicine, it referred to the mixture of the four bodily fluids (humors) that determined a person's health and personality.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'temperamento' to describe ethnic groups, as it can lean into stereotypes.

English speakers often use 'personality' or 'disposition' where Spanish speakers would specifically choose 'temperamento'.

The theory of the four humors (Hippocrates/Galen). Adler's psychological types. The 'Well-Tempered Clavier' (El clave bien temperado) by Bach.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Psychology and Health

evaluación del temperamento
temperamento infantil
rasgos innatos
estabilidad emocional

Animal Behavior

temperamento del cachorro
animal de temperamento dócil
prueba de temperamento
aptitud y temperamento

Arts and Music

temperamento artístico
tocar con temperamento
temperamento igual
afinación del temperamento

Human Resources

ajuste al equipo
temperamento proactivo
manejo del estrés
perfil de temperamento

Everyday Conversation

tiene un temperamento...
es puro temperamento
choque de temperamentos
sacar el temperamento

Conversation Starters

"¿Crees que el temperamento se puede cambiar con los años?"

"¿Qué tipo de temperamento prefieres en una pareja?"

"¿Crees que tu temperamento es más parecido al de tu padre o al de tu madre?"

"¿Cómo describirías el temperamento de tu mascota?"

"¿Es importante el temperamento para tener éxito en el trabajo?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un momento en el que tu temperamento natural te ayudó a resolver un problema difícil.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre tu temperamento innato y el carácter que has desarrollado.

Si pudieras cambiar un rasgo de tu temperamento, ¿cuál sería y por qué?

Escribe sobre una persona famosa cuyo temperamento admires profundamente.

¿Cómo influye el temperamento de las personas en la convivencia dentro de una oficina?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es siempre masculino: 'el temperamento'. Incluso si estás hablando de una mujer, el sustantivo no cambia. Por ejemplo: 'Ella tiene un temperamento fuerte'.

El temperamento es innato y biológico (con lo que naces). El carácter se forma con la educación y las experiencias (lo que construyes). Son como el hardware y el software de una computadora.

No es lo más natural si te refieres a que estás enfadado solo hoy. Es mejor decir 'estoy de mal humor'. 'Temperamento' se refiere a algo permanente.

Se dice 'temperamento igual'. Es el sistema de afinación estándar para instrumentos de teclado modernos como el piano.

Significa tener mucha pasión, energía o una personalidad muy fuerte. Se usa mucho para elogiar a artistas, especialmente en el flamenco.

Sí, es muy común. Se usa para describir si un perro, caballo o gato es dócil, agresivo, valiente o tranquilo por naturaleza.

Son el sanguíneo (sociable), el flemático (calmado), el colérico (irascible) y el melancólico (triste/reflexivo).

Sí, es un cognado casi perfecto de 'temperament', lo que facilita mucho su aprendizaje para los angloparlantes.

Es poco común y muy poético. Normalmente se usa 'clima' o 'tiempo'. Si dices 'el temperamento del día', suena a que el día tiene personalidad.

Es una 'r' suave o simple (tap), como la 'tt' en la palabra inglesa 'better' (pronunciación americana). No es una 'rr' fuerte.