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How to Say "affective" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emocional

eh-moh-syoh-NAHLe.mo.sjoˈnal

adjectiveA2psychological term for mood
Use this word when referring to a person's mood, feelings, or the support they need regarding their emotional state.
A young child with wide eyes and a beaming smile, jumping high into the air with their arms extended, surrounded by bright colors, illustrating a feeling of pure happiness.

Examples

Ella necesita apoyo emocional después de la pérdida.

She needs emotional support after the loss.

La inteligencia emocional es clave para manejar los conflictos.

Emotional intelligence is key to managing conflicts.

Tuvimos una conversación muy emocional sobre el futuro.

We had a very emotional conversation about the future.

Adjective Agreement (Invariable Form)

This adjective is special because its ending (-al) does not change based on the gender of the noun. It works for both masculine and feminine nouns (el apoyo emocional, la salud emocional). You only change it for plural: emocionales.

Confusing 'Emocional' and 'Emotivo'

Mistake: “Using 'emocional' when you mean 'moving' or 'touching' (e.g., *una película emocional*).”

Correction: Use 'emotivo/a' (or 'conmovedor/a') when describing something that causes a strong feeling in others, like a movie or a song. Use 'emocional' only to describe something *related* to emotion, like a process or state (e.g., 'una respuesta emocional').

afectivo

ah-fek-TEE-bohafekˈtiβo

adjectiveB1technical term used in psychology
This is the most direct translation of 'affective' and is commonly used in psychology to describe an environment or relationship that is nurturing and emotionally supportive.
A child hugging a large, soft teddy bear with a warm smile.

Examples

Los niños necesitan un ambiente afectivo y seguro.

Children need an emotional and safe environment.

El perro creó un vínculo afectivo muy fuerte con su dueño.

The dog created a very strong emotional bond with its owner.

Es importante tener responsabilidad afectiva en las relaciones.

It is important to have emotional responsibility in relationships.

Gender and Number Agreement

This word changes its ending based on what it describes. Use 'afectivo' for masculine items and 'afectiva' for feminine items. Add an 's' for plural.

Word Placement

In Spanish, this word usually comes AFTER the person or thing it is describing, like in 'vínculo afectivo'.

Afectivo vs. Efectivo

Mistake: “Tengo mucho dinero afectivo.”

Correction: Tengo mucho dinero en efectivo.

sentimental

sen-tee-men-talsentimenˈtal

adjectiveB1pertaining to emotion
Use this word when something has value or meaning because of the emotions or memories associated with it, rather than its practical worth.
A close-up illustration of two hands gently holding a small, faded photograph, symbolizing cherished memories.

Examples

Esa vieja foto tiene un gran valor sentimental para mi abuela.

That old photo has great sentimental value for my grandmother.

Necesitas tomar una decisión lógica, no sentimental.

You need to make a logical decision, not an emotional one.

La vida sentimental del actor es muy privada.

The actor's emotional life is very private.

Gender is Easy

Since 'sentimental' ends in 'l', it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun: 'el valor sentimental' and 'la vida sentimental'.

Affective vs. Emocional vs. Sentimental

Learners often confuse 'afectivo' and 'emocional'. Remember that 'emocional' describes a person's current state of feelings or mood, while 'afectivo' often describes the quality of an environment or relationship related to emotional well-being.

Related Translations

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