Inklingo

How to Say "action" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acción

nounA1general
Use 'acción' when referring to the general concept of doing something, a deed, or a process of activity, as well as the plot or events in a movie.

Examples

Es hora de pasar a la acción y resolver el problema.

It is time to move to action and solve the problem.

actividad

ahk-tee-bee-DAHD/ak.ti.βiˈðað/

nounB1general
Choose 'actividad' specifically when discussing economic, social, or scientific processes and operations, often in a more abstract or statistical sense.
A busy, colorful playground where several children are actively running, sliding down a yellow slide, and swinging on swings, conveying a sense of motion and liveliness.

Examples

La actividad económica en la ciudad aumentó el mes pasado.

Economic activity in the city increased last month.

Los sismólogos monitorean la actividad volcánica constantemente.

Seismologists constantly monitor volcanic activity.

Hay mucha actividad en el mercado antes de Navidad.

There is a lot of activity (busyness) in the market before Christmas.

actuación

nounB2formal
Use 'actuación' to describe a specific intervention, performance, or the way someone or something has proceeded in a particular situation, especially by authorities.

Examples

La rápida actuación policial evitó un accidente grave en la autopista.

The rapid police action prevented a serious accident on the highway.

Action vs. Activity vs. Performance

Learners often confuse 'acción' and 'actividad'. Remember that 'acción' is broader and can mean 'doing' or 'deed,' while 'actividad' usually refers to a process, especially economic or scientific. 'Actuación' is distinct and refers to a specific intervention or performance.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.