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"Alma" is a form of "alma", a noun which is often translated as "soul". "Espíritu" is a noun which is often translated as "spirit". Learn more about the difference between "espíritu" and "alma" below.
el espíritu(
ehs
-
pee
-
ree
-
too
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (religious)
a. spirit
El espíritu de tu madre siempre te acompañará a todas partes.Your mother's spirit will be always with you wherever you go.
2. (phantom)
3. (attitude)
4. (behavior)
a. spirit
Este niño tiene espíritu de escritor, ¡qué imaginación!This child has the spirit of a writer; he has such an imagination!
el alma(
ahl
-
mah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (spirit)
a. soul
Siento en mi propia alma que deberíamos estar juntos.I feel it in my soul that we should be together.
Dicen que los vampiros no tienen alma.They say vampires have no soul.
2. (enthusiasm)
3. (person)
a. soul
Durante un huracán, no hay ni un alma afuera.During a hurricane, there isn't a soul outside.
4. (fun person)
a. life and soul
Carlos siempre es el alma de la fiesta.Carlos is always the life and soul of the party.