impotencia
“impotencia” means “helplessness” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
helplessness
Also: powerlessness, frustration
📝 In Action
Siento una gran impotencia al ver las noticias sobre la guerra.
B1I feel a great sense of helplessness when I see the news about the war.
La impotencia de no poder ayudar a su familia lo ponía muy triste.
B2The helplessness of not being able to help his family made him very sad.
Gritó de impotencia cuando se dio cuenta de que había perdido las llaves.
B1He shouted in frustration because he realized he had lost his keys.
impotence
Also: erectile dysfunction
📝 In Action
El estrés puede ser una de las causas de la impotencia.
B2Stress can be one of the causes of impotence.
Consulte a su médico si sufre de impotencia.
B2Consult your doctor if you suffer from impotence.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "impotencia" in Spanish:
erectile dysfunction→frustration→helplessness→impotence→powerlessness→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: impotencia
Question 1 of 3
Which verb is most commonly used to describe experiencing the feeling of 'impotencia'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'impotentia,' which literally means 'lack of power.' It combines the prefix 'in-' (not) with 'potentia' (power).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'impotencia' be used by women?
Absolutely! When referring to the feeling of helplessness or powerlessness, it is used by everyone regardless of gender.
Is 'impotencia' the same as 'frustración'?
They are close, but 'impotencia' is more specific. It means you are frustrated specifically because you lack the power to do anything about a problem.
Is it a 'false friend' with English?
No, it's a true cognate. It translates perfectly to 'impotence' in English for both the medical and the emotional meanings.