Inklingo

How to Say "arouse" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “arouse” is “despierte” — use 'despierte' when 'arouse' means to wake someone up, either literally from sleep or figuratively from a state of inactivity or unawareness..

English → Spanish

despierte

/des-pyer-te//desˈpjeɾte/

verbB1
Use 'despierte' when 'arouse' means to wake someone up, either literally from sleep or figuratively from a state of inactivity or unawareness.
A person with messy hair is sitting up in a bright, cozy bed, stretching their arms wide toward the ceiling, having just woken up.

Examples

Señor, despierte, ya es mediodía.

Sir, wake up, it's already noon.

Espero que mi hijo despierte con buen ánimo mañana.

I hope my son wakes up in a good mood tomorrow.

Necesito que su creatividad despierte para el proyecto.

I need his/her creativity to awaken for the project.

Formal Command

When giving a polite, formal instruction to someone you address as 'Usted', you use the 'despierte' form. This is the same form as the subjunctive.

The Special Subjunctive Form

'Despierte' is a special verb form (the present subjunctive) used when you express wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessities about someone else's actions, often after words like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'necesito que' (I need that).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using *desperte* instead of *despierte*.”

Correction: The verb *despertar* changes its 'e' to 'ie' in almost all forms except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms. Remember the pattern: E -> IE.

Confusing Command Levels

Mistake: “Using 'despierte' for a casual friend (Tú).”

Correction: Use 'despierta' for friends and family (Tú command). Use 'despierte' only for formal situations (Usted command).

encender

en-sen-DEHR/en.senˈdeɾ/

verbB1
Use 'encender' when 'arouse' refers to igniting or stimulating strong feelings like anger, passion, or interest.
A simplified character is looking upward with wide, inspired eyes. A bright, vibrant flame appears right above their head, symbolizing the ignition of a strong feeling or passion.

Examples

La injusticia encendió la rabia de los manifestantes.

The injustice ignited the protesters' rage.

Esa canción siempre me enciende la nostalgia.

That song always stirs up nostalgia in me.

Figurative Use

In this meaning, 'encender' acts like a mental switch, turning on an intense emotion or reaction in a person or group.

Literal vs. Figurative Meanings

Learners often confuse 'despierte' and 'encender' by not distinguishing between waking someone up (literal or figurative) and igniting emotions. Remember 'despierte' is for waking, while 'encender' is for sparking feelings.

Related Translations

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