esfuerzos

ess-FWEHR-sohsesˈfweɾθos

“esfuerzos” means “efforts” in Spanish (general attempts or hard work).

efforts

Also: endeavors, attempts

NounmB1

A small, determined cartoon person straining intensely while pushing a massive gray boulder up a slight green hill, illustrating hard work.

📝 In Action

Todos sus **esfuerzos** valieron la pena cuando ganó el campeonato.

All his **efforts** were worth it when he won the championship.

La compañía está haciendo grandes **esfuerzos** para reducir la contaminación.

The company is making great **efforts** to reduce pollution.

Necesitas más **esfuerzos** para terminar la carrera.

You need more **effort** (or 'more efforts') to finish the race.

Word Connections

Synonyms

intentos (attempts)
trabajo (work)

Antonyms

descuido (neglect)

Common Collocations

hacer esfuerzos – to make efforts
doblar los esfuerzos – to redouble/double efforts
recompensar los esfuerzos – to reward the efforts

Idioms & Expressions

A pesar de todos los esfuerzos – Despite all attempts/efforts

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "esfuerzos" in Spanish:

attempts→efforts→endeavors→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: esfuerzos

Question 1 of 2

Which verb is most commonly used with 'esfuerzos' to mean 'to try hard'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

esfuerzo(effort (singular noun)) — Noun

esforzarse(to make an effort / to strive (verb)) — Verb

esforzado(hardworking / courageous (adjective)) — Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

recursoscursos

📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Old Spanish verb *esforzar*, which itself traces back to Vulgar Latin *exfortiāre*, meaning 'to strengthen' or 'to make strong.' It literally captures the idea of applying force or strength to accomplish something.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: esforçosFrench: efforts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'esfuerzos' countable in Spanish?

Yes, unlike the English word 'effort,' which is often treated as uncountable, the Spanish plural **esfuerzos** is very common. You can count them (dos esfuerzos, tres esfuerzos) or refer to them generally (muchos esfuerzos).

When should I use the singular 'esfuerzo' versus the plural 'esfuerzos'?

Use **esfuerzo** (singular) when referring to the general concept of effort or a single action ('Fue un gran esfuerzo'). Use **esfuerzos** (plural) when referring to multiple attempts, repeated actions, or generalized hard work over time ('Todos mis esfuerzos').