Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Skills in Spanish
Habilidades · noun · ah-bee-lee-DAH-des
Habilidades is the standard Spanish translation for skills. The singular form is habilidad. Related synonyms include destrezas (practical, hands-on skills) and competencias (formal competencies, often used in resumes and job descriptions).
ah-bee-lee-DAH-des (singular: ah-bee-lee-DAHD)
Ella tiene muchas habilidades para resolver problemas.
She has many skills for solving problems.
Skills in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for skills, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| habilidades | skills | ah-bee-lee-DAH-des | Default, widely understood |
| destrezas | skills | general, often physical or technical skills | |
| competencias | skills | formal, professional or academic contexts |
How Native Speakers Use Habilidades
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Professional context
Mi currículum destaca mis habilidades de liderazgo.
My resume highlights my leadership skills.
Habilidades is the most common choice on resumes and in job interviews.
Physical abilities
Los jugadores necesitan buenas destrezas con el balón.
The players need good ball-handling skills.
Destrezas emphasizes physical or technical mastery.
Academic setting
El curso desarrolla competencias digitales en los estudiantes.
The course develops digital competencies in the students.
Competencias is standard in educational curricula across Latin America and Spain.
Everyday conversation
¿Qué habilidades tienes para este trabajo?
What skills do you have for this job?
A natural question you might hear at an interview.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Habilidades
Spelling the singular wrong
Incorrect: Él tiene una gran habilidad.
Correct: Él tiene una gran habilidad.
The word keeps the h at the start even though it is silent. Some learners drop it or confuse habilidad with abilidad, which is not a Spanish word.
Gender confusion
Incorrect: Los habilidades son importantes.
Correct: Las habilidades son importantes.
Habilidad is feminine, so the plural article must be las, not los.
Lock in Skills Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
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 Habilidades used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using habilidades in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Ella tiene muchas habilidades para resolver problemas. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Skills in Spanish
- What is the difference between habilidades and destrezas?
- Both translate as skills, but habilidades is broader and covers mental, social, and physical abilities. Destrezas leans toward practical, hands-on proficiency—think craft skills or athletic coordination.
- Is competencias a false cognate of competence?
- Competencias is not a straightforward cognate. It carries two distinct meanings depending on context: competencies (skills) when appearing in a resume or school syllabus, and competitions when used in sports or contest headlines.
- How do I say soft skills in Spanish?
- The most common translation is habilidades blandas. You may also hear habilidades interpersonales or habilidades socioemocionales in academic contexts.