voluntad
“voluntad” means “willpower” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
willpower, resolve
Also: will
📝 In Action
Se necesita mucha voluntad para dejar de fumar.
B1It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.
Su fuerza de voluntad es increíble; nunca se rinde.
B2Her willpower is incredible; she never gives up.
wish, intention
Also: last will and testament, good will
📝 In Action
Ella actuó de buena voluntad, pensando que ayudaría.
B2She acted out of good will, thinking it would help.
El director ha respetado la voluntad del equipo.
C1The director has respected the team's wishes (or intention).
Fue un error, lo juro, no fue mi voluntad.
B2It was a mistake, I swear, it was not my intention.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: voluntad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'voluntad' in the sense of mental strength or determination?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *voluntas*, meaning 'will, wish, or desire'. This root gives us the core meaning of choice and intention.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'voluntad' masculine or feminine?
'Voluntad' is always a feminine noun. Even though it ends in 'd' and not 'a,' you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la voluntad,' 'mucha voluntad').
How do I specifically say 'willpower'?
While 'voluntad' technically means 'willpower,' the most natural and frequently used phrase in Spanish is 'fuerza de voluntad' (force of will).