"Don de gentes"

Question

I have recently seen a term I have not seen before. It is "don de gentes" and it was translated as "people skills." Literally, it translates as "gift of people." I am wondering, if one were going to use this to describe a woman would it remain a "don de gentes" or perhaps become "dona de gentes"? I am hoping we still have some native Spanish speakers out there who can help me out.

Great question! =] - DJ_Huero, Jun 13, 2012

Thanks DJ. ;-) - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

Answer 1

I think it means : a people person, i.e. somebody who is good with people. Like the gift of the gab in english) , this is the gift of being good with other people.

I think the female would stay the same, it's a don, a gift. In my very humble opinion.

Thanks, I only applied common sense, not native skills. - annierats, Jun 13, 2012

You crossed the tape first. Gracias Annie, Aquellos que dan un regalo a las personas tienen el don de la gente. Verdad? - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

Don de gentes significa "habilidad para socializar y caer bien, simpatizar". Fuente: Yo. - -cae-, Jun 13, 2012

Es decir, comparto la explicación de Annie. - -cae-, Jun 13, 2012

Gracias, amigos. - annierats, Jun 15, 2012

Answer 2

Spence,

I've changed my view after some research and I think you're right. It's the "gift" of having a way with people instead of a title.

To have the gift, a way with people.

Don as a gift or talent

Tener don de gentes

Thanks for the help. Puede usted tiene el don de gentes. - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

This is what one of my idiom books says (i.e. tener don de gentes = to have a way with people). - Maldito23, Jun 13, 2012

Answer 3

Hola, Spenco.

I'm not a native Spanish speaker, but I have been told (by natives) that "Don de gentes" means a "people-person." just as you said....someone with people skills.

E D I T please see later post after web research.

Here's a thread on WordReference that says, "Yes, "charisma" is about it, if you have to use just one word. It means he has a knack/way with people."

I am still not clear about the use of "don" because it means gift and is also used as a title. - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

I guess I could say "Ella tiene el don de gentes." translated as "She has people skills." - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

It appears to me that if I say "Ella es la dona de gente." I am saying she is the owner of the people. or the "Lady of the people." or "People's Lady." - Spenco, Jun 13, 2012

Yeah, I can see that now after looking online. I have heard the term before but misunderstood its true meaning. - --Mariana--, Jun 13, 2012