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tensión

ten-SEE-ohn/tenˈsjon/

tension

Also: stress, strain
NounfB1
A small cartoon character struggling to lift an oversized, heavy gray cube, visually representing stress or anxiety.

📝 In Action

Siento mucha tensión antes de una presentación importante.

A2

I feel a lot of tension/stress before an important presentation.

La tensión política entre los dos países es preocupante.

B1

The political tension between the two countries is worrying.

Para aliviar la tensión, salimos a caminar un rato.

B1

To relieve the stress/tension, we went out for a walk for a while.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • aliviar la tensión – to relieve the tension
  • crear tensión – to create tension

blood pressure

Also: pressure
NounfB2
Spain
A simplified, colorful illustration of a cartoon arm with a blood pressure cuff inflating, showing internal pressure lines pulsing rapidly.

📝 In Action

El doctor me dijo que mi tensión está un poco alta.

B2

The doctor told me my blood pressure is a bit high.

¿Te has tomado la tensión hoy?

B2

Have you taken your blood pressure today?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tensión arterial (arterial pressure)
  • presión sanguínea (blood pressure)

Antonyms

  • hipotensión (low blood pressure)

Common Collocations

  • tensión alta / baja – high / low blood pressure
  • tomarse la tensión – to take one's blood pressure

tension

Also: strain, tightness
NounfB2
A thick, bright red rope pulled extremely taut between two solid anchor posts, visibly vibrating from the strain.

📝 In Action

Sufrió una tensión en los isquiotibiales mientras corría.

B2

He suffered a strain in his hamstrings while running.

Hay que ajustar la tensión de las cuerdas de la guitarra.

B2

We have to adjust the tension of the guitar strings.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tirantez (tautness)
  • fuerza (force)

Common Collocations

  • tensión muscular – muscle tension/tightness

voltage

Also: potential difference
NounfC1technical
A stylized illustration of a simple electrical outlet socket connected to a thick wire, with bright blue electrical arcs visibly jumping from the wire terminal.

📝 In Action

La tensión eléctrica estándar en Europa es de 230 voltios.

C1

The standard electric voltage in Europe is 230 volts.

Conectar un aparato de 110V a una alta tensión puede dañarlo.

C1

Connecting a 110V appliance to high voltage can damage it.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • voltaje (voltage)

Common Collocations

  • alta tensión – high voltage
  • baja tensión – low voltage

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tensión" in Spanish:

potential difference→voltage→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tensión

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'tensión' is used in the phrase: 'Mi abuelo se toma la tensión todas las mañanas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tenso(tense (adjective)) — Adjective
tensionar(to put under tension (verb)) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónopinión
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *tensiōnem*, which means 'a stretching out' or 'a straining.' It shares roots with the English word 'tension,' having developed through the concept of stretching a rope until it is tight and strained.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: tensionFrench: tension

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tensión' always feminine?

Yes, 'tensión' is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la tensión alta').

How is 'tensión' different from 'presión'?

'Presión' means literal pressure (like air pressure or a deadline pressing down on you). 'Tensión' is usually used for psychological stress, relationship strain, muscle tightness, or electrical voltage. While they overlap (especially in 'blood pressure,' which can be 'tensión' or 'presión'), 'tensión' covers more of the emotional and strained relationship meanings.