inspiración
“inspiración” means “inspiration” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
inspiration
Also: muse, flash of genius
📝 In Action
Necesito un café para tener inspiración y empezar a escribir.
A2I need a coffee to get inspiration and start writing.
El paisaje de la montaña fue la inspiración para su nueva pintura.
B1The mountain landscape was the inspiration for her new painting.
Su discurso fue una gran inspiración para todos los jóvenes emprendedores.
B2His speech was a great inspiration for all the young entrepreneurs.
inhalation
Also: breath (in)
📝 In Action
Durante la clase de yoga, se enfatiza la inspiración profunda y lenta.
B2During the yoga class, deep and slow inhalation is emphasized.
El médico revisó su capacidad de inspiración para descartar problemas pulmonares.
C1The doctor checked his inhalation capacity to rule out lung problems.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: inspiración
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'inspiración' in its technical sense of breathing?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *inspiratio*, which literally meant 'a breathing in' (like air) but also metaphorically referred to 'a divine influence' or 'a spirit breathed into' a person, giving them genius or creativity. Both modern Spanish meanings (creative drive and breathing) directly reflect this Latin duality.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'inspiración' different from 'motivación'?
'Inspiración' is usually a sudden, powerful idea or stimulus that starts a creative process (like a flash of light). 'Motivación' (motivation) is the general, continuous desire or energy needed to keep working on a task.
Does 'inspiración' always mean a good idea?
Yes, almost always. While it can technically refer to any stimulus, in everyday Spanish, 'tener una inspiración' means having a great or brilliant idea, not just any random thought.