Inklingo

How to Say "active" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “active” is “activo” — use 'activo' when referring to someone being busy, engaged in activities, or generally lively, especially when describing physical or mental engagement. It can also refer to the active voice in grammar.

English → Spanish

activo

ahk-TEE-vohakˈti.βo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'activo' when referring to someone being busy, engaged in activities, or generally lively, especially when describing physical or mental engagement. It can also refer to the active voice in grammar.
A drawing of a busy child running quickly while holding books and smiling, illustrating a lively and engaged person.

Examples

Mi abuelo todavía es muy activo y hace ejercicio todos los días.

My grandfather is still very active and exercises every day.

Necesitamos un plan activo para resolver el problema rápidamente.

We need an active plan to solve the problem quickly.

Ella es una ciudadana muy activa en su comunidad.

She is a very active citizen in her community.

En esta oración, el verbo está en voz activa.

In this sentence, the verb is in the active voice.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'activo' must match the thing it describes. If you are describing a female noun (like 'persona'), use 'activa'. If it's plural (like 'niños'), use 'activos'.

Grammar Use

When discussing grammar, 'voz activa' (active voice) means the person or thing doing the action is the main focus of the sentence.

Confusing Form

Mistake: “La persona está activo.”

Correction: La persona está activa. (Always match the gender of the noun.)

dinámica

adjectiveA2general
Use 'dinámica' (feminine form of 'dinámico') when describing someone, typically a leader, who is full of energy and enthusiasm.

Examples

Ella es una líder muy dinámica.

She is a very dynamic leader.

militante

mee-lee-TAHN-tehmiliˈtante

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'militante' when someone is deeply committed to a particular cause, belief system, or religion, often implying active participation or advocacy.
A person kneeling in a garden, carefully planting a small tree while wearing a shirt with a heart symbol.

Examples

Él es un católico militante.

He is a practicing/active Catholic.

Tiene una actitud militante contra la injusticia.

She has an active/combative stance against injustice.

Su postura militante le ha traído algunos problemas.

His activist-like stance has brought him some problems.

Gender-Neutral Adjective

Adjectives ending in -e don't change for gender. You can say 'un hombre militante' or 'una mujer militante'.

Activo vs. Dinámico

Learners often confuse 'activo' and 'dinámico'. Remember that 'activo' is the general term for being busy or engaged, while 'dinámico' specifically highlights a high level of energy and drive, often in a leadership context.

Related Translations

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