Inklingo

How to Say "autonomy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

independencia

in-de-pen-DEN-sia/in.de.penˈden.sja/

nounB2general
Use 'independencia' when referring to a state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others, such as political independence or financial independence.
A small, colorful bird flying happily out of an open wooden cage, symbolizing freedom from control.

Examples

Ella valora mucho su independencia financiera.

She really values her financial independence.

Para lograr la independencia, debes aprender a tomar tus propias decisiones.

To achieve independence, you must learn to make your own decisions.

El niño mostró una gran independencia al vestirse solo.

The child showed great independence by dressing himself.

Always Feminine

Since 'independencia' ends in '-cia,' it is a feminine noun. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la independencia,' 'nuestra independencia').

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El independencia”

Correction: La independencia. Remember that nouns ending in -cia are almost always feminine.

agencia

/a-HEN-sya//aˈxen.sja/

nounC1formal
Use 'agencia' when emphasizing the power or ability to act independently and make one's own choices, particularly in a context of self-determination or control over one's actions.
A simplified illustration of a human hand firmly pushing down a large, red lever on a control panel, symbolizing the capacity to act or exert power.

Examples

Los trabajadores exigieron mayor agencia sobre cómo se organizaba la producción.

The workers demanded greater agency over how production was organized.

Perder la agencia sobre tu propio destino es aterrador.

Losing agency over your own destiny is terrifying.

Abstract Use

This advanced meaning is often found in combination with abstract concepts like 'moral,' 'política,' or 'económica' to discuss control within those areas.

Independencia vs. Agencia

Learners often confuse 'independencia' and 'agencia' because both relate to autonomy. Remember that 'independencia' is about the state of being free, while 'agencia' is about the capacity to act and make choices within that freedom.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.