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iniciativa

ee-nee-syah-tee-bah/iniθjaˈtiβa/

“iniciativa” means “initiative” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

initiative

Also: drive, resourcefulness
NounfB1
A small child reaching up to help an elderly person carry a basket.

📝 In Action

Ella siempre toma la iniciativa en las reuniones.

B1

She always takes the initiative in meetings.

Buscamos a alguien con iniciativa y ganas de trabajar.

B1

We are looking for someone with drive and a desire to work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • proactividad (proactivity)
  • resolución (determination)

Antonyms

  • pasividad (passivity)
  • apatía (apathy)

Common Collocations

  • tomar la iniciativa – to take the initiative
  • tener iniciativa – to have initiative
  • falta de iniciativa – lack of initiative

initiative

Also: proposal, scheme
NounfB2formal
A group of people planting small trees together in a park.

📝 In Action

Es una iniciativa para limpiar las playas.

B2

It is an initiative to clean the beaches.

El gobierno lanzó una nueva iniciativa educativa.

B2

The government launched a new educational initiative.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • iniciativa ciudadana – citizen initiative
  • a iniciativa de – at the suggestion of

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "iniciativa" in Spanish:

drive→initiative→proposal→resourcefulness→scheme→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: iniciativa

Question 1 of 2

If someone 'toma la iniciativa', what are they doing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'initium' (beginning), related to the verb 'inire' (to go in). It entered Spanish via the French word 'initiative'.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: initiativeFrench: initiativeItalian: iniziativa

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'iniciativa' only refer to personal drive?

No, it can also refer to a specific plan, project, or law proposal, such as a 'legislative initiative'.

Is there a masculine version like 'iniciativo'?

No. While 'iniciativo' exists as an adjective (meaning 'introductory'), it is extremely rare. The noun meaning 'drive' or 'project' is always the feminine 'iniciativa'.