Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Charity in Spanish: Caridad
Caridad · noun · kah-ree-DAHD
Caridad is the Spanish word for charity in the sense of generosity and kindness toward others. When referring to a charitable organization or foundation, 'beneficencia' or 'organización benéfica' are more appropriate. Caridad carries a strong religious and moral connotation in Spanish, as it is one of the three theological virtues in Catholic tradition.
kah-ree-DAHD
La caridad empieza por casa, dice el refrán.
Charity begins at home, says the proverb.
Charity in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for charity, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| caridad | charity | kah-ree-DAHD | Default, widely understood |
| beneficencia | charity | charitable organization | |
| organización benéfica | charity | NGO/nonprofit |
How Native Speakers Use Caridad
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Virtue
La caridad es una de las virtudes más importantes en nuestra comunidad.
Charity is one of the most important virtues in our community.
Discussing values.
Organization
Donamos ropa a una organización de beneficencia local.
We donated clothes to a local charity organization.
Giving to a nonprofit.
Fundraising
Organizaron un evento benéfico para recaudar fondos contra el cáncer.
They organized a charity event to raise funds against cancer.
Planning a charitable event.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Caridad
Using caridad for an organization
Incorrect: Trabajo en una caridad que ayuda a los niños.
Correct: Trabajo en una organización benéfica que ayuda a los niños.
In Spanish, 'caridad' refers to the virtue or quality of being charitable, not to an organization itself. For the institution, use 'organización benéfica,' 'fundación,' or 'institución de beneficencia.'
False cognate usage
Incorrect: Hicieron una caridad para los damnificados.
Correct: Hicieron una colecta para los damnificados.
In English, 'doing a charity' can mean organizing a collection. In Spanish, the act of collecting donations is 'una colecta' or 'una recaudación,' not 'una caridad.'
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Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Caridad used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Charity in Spanish
- When should I use caridad versus beneficencia?
- Use 'caridad' when talking about the concept or virtue of being generous and compassionate. Use 'beneficencia' when referring to organized charity — the system or institution of providing help. For example, 'actuar con caridad' means to act charitably, while 'una obra de beneficencia' is a charitable initiative.
- Is Caridad also a name in Spanish?
- Caridad is indeed a female given name in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly common in Cuba and other Caribbean nations. Like other virtue names (Esperanza, Fe, Consuelo), it reflects the Catholic tradition of naming children after spiritual qualities.
- How do you say 'to donate to charity' in Spanish?
- The most natural phrasing is 'donar a una causa benéfica' or 'hacer una donación a la beneficencia.' You can also say 'contribuir a una organización sin fines de lucro' for donating to a nonprofit specifically.