Inklingo
← Dictionary

voluntad

/boh-loon-TAHD/

willpower

A small figure straining slightly while successfully pushing a large, colorful block uphill, symbolizing internal drive and mental strength.

Showing great mental strength and self-control, this image represents voluntad as willpower.

voluntad(noun)

fB1

willpower

?

mental strength, self-control

,

resolve

?

determination, firmness of purpose

Also:

will

?

the faculty of choice

📝 In Action

Se necesita mucha voluntad para dejar de fumar.

B1

It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

Su fuerza de voluntad es increíble; nunca se rinde.

B2

Her willpower is incredible; she never gives up.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • determinación (determination)
  • ánimo (spirit)

Antonyms

  • debilidad (weakness)

Common Collocations

  • fuerza de voluntad – willpower (most common phrase)
  • tener voluntad – to have drive/willpower

💡 Grammar Points

Use with Strength

To talk about the amount of willpower, you usually use it with the word 'fuerza' (strength) to form the common phrase 'fuerza de voluntad'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Missing the 'De'

Mistake: "Quiero más fuerza voluntad."

Correction: Quiero más fuerza de voluntad. (Always include the little word 'de' to link 'fuerza' and 'voluntad'.)

A young child standing outside at night, looking up toward a single bright star with an expression of longing, symbolizing making a wish.

The desire or preference shown by the child wishing upon a star illustrates voluntad as a wish.

voluntad(noun)

fB2

wish

?

desire or preference

,

intention

?

purpose or plan

Also:

last will and testament

?

legal document (often shortened from 'última voluntad')

,

good will

?

willingness to help (often plural: 'buenas voluntades')

📝 In Action

Ella actuó de buena voluntad, pensando que ayudaría.

B2

She acted out of good will, thinking it would help.

El director ha respetado la voluntad del equipo.

C1

The director has respected the team's wishes (or intention).

Fue un error, lo juro, no fue mi voluntad.

B2

It was a mistake, I swear, it was not my intention.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • deseo (desire)
  • capricho (whim (often negative))

Common Collocations

  • contra la voluntad – against the will/wishes
  • última voluntad – last will (legal)

Idioms & Expressions

  • de buena voluntad – willingly; with good intentions

💡 Grammar Points

Against Your Will

If you are describing an action done against someone's wishes, use the preposition 'contra' (against), such as: 'Lo hicieron contra su voluntad' (They did it against her will).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

In very formal or legal contexts, 'voluntad' is often used as a shortened way to say 'last will and testament' (última voluntad).

✏️ 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

voluntario(voluntary / volunteer) - adjective/noun
voluntariamente(voluntarily) - adverb

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).