Spanish Conversation · Level 111
59 words
Spanish word
ego
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈeɣo/
Meaning
- masculine nounego
Example
Su ego le impide pedir ayuda.
His ego prevents him from asking for help.
More examples
Un ego sano ayuda a poner límites.
A healthy ego helps set boundaries.
Core concept
Self-image that influences how a person values and defends themselves.
Common phrases
alimentar el ego
feed the ego
tener un ego sano
have a healthy ego
un ego frágil
a fragile ego
Similar words
autoestima: Holds a stable sense of one's own worth and self-regard.
amor propio: Values and protects one's dignity, rights, and personal feelings.
orgullo: Feels pride in one's qualities or deeds and a sense of superiority.
egoísmo: Prioritizes one's own benefit while neglecting others' needs.
Definition in Spanish
Imagen interna del yo que influye en cómo la persona se valora y actúa para proteger sus propios intereses.
Word origin
Directly from Latin ego "I", the word entered Spanish via intellectual usage to refer to the inner self, self-esteem, and sometimes selfish tendencies.
Usage tips
- Register matters: in formal or clinical contexts "el ego" can be neutral, while in everyday speech it usually carries a negative sense of vanity or selfishness.
Other meanings
- self-lovenoun
Opposites
- altruismoaltruismnoun
- generosidadgenerositynoun
Related words
- egoísmoegoismnoun
- ególatraegotisticaladjective