efecto
“efecto” means “effect” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
effect, result
Also: consequence
📝 In Action
La medicina ya hizo efecto en mí.
A2The medicine already had an effect on me.
El aumento de precios es un efecto de la escasez.
B1The price increase is a result of the shortage.
sound effect, special effect
Also: phenomenon
📝 In Action
Necesitamos mejores efectos de sonido para la película.
B2We need better sound effects for the movie.
El telescopio detectó el efecto gravitacional.
C1The telescope detected the gravitational effect.
personal effects
Also: belongings
📝 In Action
Por favor, recoja todos sus efectos personales antes de salir.
B2Please collect all your personal belongings before leaving.
La aduana revisó nuestros efectos.
C1Customs checked our belongings.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "efecto" in Spanish:
belongings→consequence→effect→personal effects→phenomenon→result→sound effect→special effect→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: efecto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'efectos' to mean 'belongings'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *effectus*, which itself is the past participle of the verb *efficere*, meaning 'to bring about' or 'to accomplish.' It has been used in Spanish since medieval times and still carries the core meaning of something that has been done or produced.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'efecto' masculine or feminine?
'Efecto' is always a masculine noun, so you use the masculine article 'el' (el efecto) or 'los' (los efectos).
How is 'efecto' different from 'eficacia'?
'Efecto' is the result itself (what happens). 'Eficacia' is how well something works or its ability to produce the desired result (its effectiveness).