Inklingo

How to Say "action" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “action” is “acción” — use 'acción' when referring to the act of doing something, a process, or a specific deed, especially when emphasizing the doing itself or a call to move forward.

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acción

nounA1general
Use 'acción' when referring to the act of doing something, a process, or a specific deed, especially when emphasizing the doing itself or a call to move forward.

Examples

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

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

acto

AHK-tohˈak.to

nounA2general
Use 'acto' when referring to a specific, completed deed or event, often highlighting its nature or significance, like an act of kindness or bravery.
A child happily planting a small sapling into the ground using a shovel, symbolizing a specific action or deed.

Examples

Fue un acto de gran valentía salvar al perro.

It was an act of great bravery to save the dog.

Pedimos disculpas por nuestros actos pasados.

We apologize for our past actions.

Gender Rule

'Acto' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles and adjectives: 'el acto', 'un acto', 'ciertos actos'.

acción

nounB1general
Use 'acción' when talking about the plot or events unfolding within a movie or story, referring to the narrative movement and excitement.

Examples

La acción de la película transcurre en el siglo XIX.

The plot of the movie takes place in the 19th century.

actividad

ahk-tee-bee-DAHDak.ti.βiˈðað

nounB1general
Use 'actividad' when referring to a state of being active, especially in economic, scientific, or geological contexts, or simply a general activity or pursuit.
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

nounB2general
Use 'actuación' when describing the way someone or something acted or performed in a specific situation, often implying intervention or a professional performance.

Examples

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

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

Acción vs. Acto

Learners often confuse 'acción' and 'acto'. Remember that 'acción' is broader, covering the process of doing or movement, while 'acto' usually refers to a specific, completed deed or event. Think of 'acción' as the general idea of acting and 'acto' as a single instance of doing.

Related Translations

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