Inklingo

How to Say "activity" in Spanish

English → Spanish

actividad

ahk-tee-bee-DAHD/ak.ti.βiˈðað/

NounA1General
Use 'actividad' for a general task, hobby, or the state of being busy or lively, especially in an economic context.
A close-up of a child's hands carefully planting a small green seedling into rich brown soil using a tiny red shovel.

Examples

Mi actividad favorita es leer novelas de misterio.

My favorite activity is reading mystery novels.

Tenemos muchas actividades escolares planeadas para este mes.

We have many school activities planned for this month.

Siempre hago actividad física por las mañanas.

I always do physical activity in the mornings.

La actividad económica en la ciudad aumentó el mes pasado.

Economic activity in the city increased last month.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it, not 'el' or 'un'. This is true for almost all Spanish words ending in -dad.

acción

NounA1General
Use 'acción' when referring to a specific deed, a physical movement, or taking initiative to solve a problem.

Examples

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

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

ocupación

NounB1General
Use 'ocupación' to refer to your job, profession, or any significant undertaking that occupies your time.

Examples

Tengo muchas ocupaciones esta semana.

I have many things to do this week.

movimiento

moh-vee-mee-EHN-toh/mo.βiˈmjen.to/

NounB2Financial/Technical
Use 'movimiento' specifically for transactions or changes in an account, like bank statements or credit card activity.
Two cartoon hands positioned across from each other, exchanging a small stack of simplified green paper currency, representing a financial transaction.

Examples

Verifica los últimos movimientos de tu tarjeta de crédito.

Check the latest transactions on your credit card.

El banco me envió el informe de todos los movimientos de enero.

The bank sent me the report of all January activity/entries.

Use in Plural

When referring to a list or history of financial activity, 'movimiento' is almost always used in the plural: 'los movimientos'.

Choosing between 'actividad' and 'acción'

Learners often confuse 'actividad' and 'acción'. Remember, 'actividad' is broader, covering hobbies, tasks, and general busyness, while 'acción' implies a more concrete, often forceful, deed or movement towards a goal.

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