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How to Say "actions" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “actions” is “acciones” — use 'acciones' when referring to specific deeds, tasks, or the general concept of things being done, especially in a formal or official context..

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acciones

/ak-SYOH-nes//akˈθjones/

nounA1general
Use 'acciones' when referring to specific deeds, tasks, or the general concept of things being done, especially in a formal or official context.
A simple storybook illustration of a cheerful character performing three distinct physical actions: running, waving, and reaching up.

Examples

Las acciones de la policía fueron rápidas y efectivas.

The actions of the police were fast and effective.

Necesitamos tomar acciones inmediatas para arreglar la situación.

We need to take immediate steps to fix the situation.

Sus buenas acciones siempre inspiran a otros.

His good deeds always inspire others.

Feminine Plural

Remember that 'acciones' is always plural and feminine, so any descriptive words (adjectives) used with it must also be plural and feminine, like 'acciones rápidas' (fast actions).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El acciones”

Correction: La acción (singular) / Las acciones (plural). This word is feminine because it ends in '-ción'.

actos

AHK-tohs/ˈaktos/

nounA2general
Use 'actos' to describe specific events or deeds, often with a moral or significant implication, emphasizing the accomplishment of something.
A colorful illustration of a small child offering a bright red apple to an elderly person who is smiling.

Examples

Sus actos de bondad fueron admirados por todos.

His acts of kindness were admired by everyone.

Debemos ser responsables por nuestros propios actos.

We must be responsible for our own actions.

Always Plural

Since 'actos' is the plural form of 'acto,' it always pairs with plural words and verbs (e.g., 'los actos,' 'fueron actos').

movimientos

/moh-vee-mee-EHN-tohs//moβiˈmjentos/

nounA1general
Use 'movimientos' to describe physical shifts in position or general behavior, like the way a person or animal moves.
A red sphere rolling quickly across a smooth green floor, indicating physical action.

Examples

Los movimientos del bebé en la cuna me despertaron.

The baby's movements in the crib woke me up.

Necesitas hacer movimientos más lentos para no caerte.

You need to make slower movements so you don't fall.

Always Plural & Masculine

Since this word ends in '-os', it is always plural and masculine. Use the masculine plural articles (like 'los') and adjectives with it.

obras

OH-bras/ˈoβɾas/

nounB2formal
Use 'obras' to refer to the results or products of actions, particularly when they are significant achievements or good deeds.
A small child holding the hand of an elderly person, helping them safely step over a puddle on the sidewalk.

Examples

Será recordado por sus buenas obras de caridad.

He will be remembered for his good deeds of charity.

La fe sin obras es una fe muerta.

Faith without works is dead faith. (Biblical context)

Formal Usage

This meaning of 'obras' is often found in serious discussions about morality, history, or philosophy, referring to the sum of a person's life actions.

Acciones vs. Actos vs. Movimientos

Learners often confuse 'acciones' and 'actos'. Remember that 'acciones' is broader, referring to things done generally or officially, while 'actos' emphasizes specific, often significant, deeds. 'Movimientos' is primarily about physical motion, not the deed itself.

Related Translations

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