Spanish word

cortesía

Pronunciation

IPA/koɾteˈsia/

Meaning

  • feminine noungood manners

Example

Es importante mostrar cortesía en la mesa.

It is important to show good manners at the table.

Illustration for cortesía (good manners)

More examples

¿Tendrías la cortesía de pasarme la sal?

Would you have the kindness to pass me the salt?

Core concept

Social rules and acts showing courtesy and respect.

Common phrases

  • actuar con cortesía

    act courteously

  • gesto de cortesía

    courteous gesture

  • tener la cortesía de

    have the kindness to

Similar words

respeto: Respectful regard for others' rights, feelings, and personal dignity.
gentileza: Small polite acts of kindness and attentiveness toward other people.
cordialidad: Warm, friendly attitude that expresses sincere goodwill toward others.
formalidad: Formal observance of etiquette and prescribed manners in official contexts.

Definition in Spanish

Normas y manifestaciones de amabilidad y respeto que facilitan la convivencia social.

Word origin

It derives from Old French courtoisie (from corte 'court'), a term for courtly etiquette that broadens in Spanish to denote general polite behavior.

Usage tips

  • Spanish contrasts the noun cortesía for polite conduct with the adjective cortés for a polite person, as in 'ser cortés' versus 'mostrar cortesía'.

Opposites

  • descortesíarudenessnoun
  • maleducaciónpoor mannersnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word