A small, determined cartoon character is straining visibly, using all its strength to push a massive gray boulder up a gentle green slope, illustrating intense physical effort.

esfuerzo

es-FWEHR-soh

nounmA2

effort?general sense of trying hard,endeavor?a serious attempt

Also:exertion?physical or mental strain,strain?physical tension or stress

📝 In Action

Hicimos un gran esfuerzo para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

We made a great effort to finish the project on time.

Con mucho esfuerzo, logró levantar la caja pesada.

With a lot of exertion, he managed to lift the heavy box.

Su esfuerzo constante en los estudios dio frutos.

Her constant endeavor in her studies paid off.

Esfuérzate un poco más, ¡ya casi llegas!

Make a little more effort, you're almost there!

Word Connections

Synonyms

diligencia (diligence)
trabajo (work)
empeño (determination)

Antonyms

pereza (laziness)
abandono (neglect)

Common Collocations

hacer un esfuerzo – to make an effort
el esfuerzo físico – physical effort/exertion
valer la pena el esfuerzo – to be worth the effort

Idioms & Expressions

a puro esfuerzo – by sheer effort/willpower

💡 Grammar Points

The 'hacer' connection

In Spanish, we usually 'make' effort, using the verb 'hacer' (to do/make). So, 'I made an effort' is 'Hice un esfuerzo.' This is the most common way to use it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Yo esfuerzo mucho."

Correction: Yo hago mucho esfuerzo (I make a lot of effort) or Yo me esfuerzo mucho (I exert myself a lot). Remember 'esfuerzo' is the noun (the thing), not the action itself.

⭐ Usage Tips

Encouragement

This word is great for encouraging others. You can say '¡Vale el esfuerzo!' (It’s worth the effort!) or '¡Ánimo, haz un esfuerzo!' (Come on, make an effort!).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: esfuerzo

Question 1 of 1

Which phrase correctly means 'It requires effort'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

esforzarse(to make an effort / to strive) - verb

esforzado(courageous / hard-working) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'esfuerzo' and 'fuerza'?

'Fuerza' means 'strength' or 'power' (the ability itself, like muscle strength). 'Esfuerzo' means 'effort' or 'exertion'—it is the *act* of applying that strength or energy to achieve something.