Inklingo

How to Say "boost" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forboostis empujónuse 'empujón' when 'boost' refers to a literal push or a helpful nudge that enables someone to start or continue an action, often in a personal context.

empujónB1

Use 'empujón' when 'boost' refers to a literal push or a helpful nudge that enables someone to start or continue an action, often in a personal context.

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estímuloB1

Choose 'estímulo' when 'boost' signifies an incentive or encouragement, especially financial or motivational, designed to increase activity or effort.

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inyecciónB1

Use 'inyección' metaphorically when 'boost' implies a sudden, significant increase in something vital, like energy, morale, or capital, to revive a situation.

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impulso🔊C2

Opt for 'impulso' when 'boost' refers to a significant push forward or a driving force that promotes growth or development, particularly in economic or technological sectors.

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vitamina🔊A1

Use 'vitamina' metaphorically for a 'boost' that provides essential energy, vitality, or encouragement, similar to how vitamins benefit health.

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English → Spanish

empujón

nounB1general
Use 'empujón' when 'boost' refers to a literal push or a helpful nudge that enables someone to start or continue an action, often in a personal context.

Examples

Esta beca fue el empujón que necesité para terminar mis estudios.

This scholarship was the boost I needed to finish my studies.

estímulo

nounB1general
Choose 'estímulo' when 'boost' signifies an incentive or encouragement, especially financial or motivational, designed to increase activity or effort.

Examples

El nuevo bono es un gran estímulo para los trabajadores.

The new bonus is a great incentive for the workers.

inyección

nounB1general
Use 'inyección' metaphorically when 'boost' implies a sudden, significant increase in something vital, like energy, morale, or capital, to revive a situation.

Examples

La empresa necesita una inyección de capital urgente para seguir operando.

The company needs an urgent infusion of capital to keep operating.

impulso

eem-POOL-sohimˈpulso

nounC2general
Opt for 'impulso' when 'boost' refers to a significant push forward or a driving force that promotes growth or development, particularly in economic or technological sectors.
A tiny green seedling rapidly shooting upwards out of the ground, illuminated by a single, stylized sunbeam, symbolizing a stimulus or boost.

Examples

El nuevo proyecto de ley dará un gran impulso al sector tecnológico.

The new bill will give a great boost to the technology sector.

La inversión extranjera fue un impulso vital para la economía local.

Foreign investment was a vital impetus for the local economy.

Formal Use

In formal language, 'impulso' is often used as a synonym for 'estímulo' (stimulus) when discussing policies or projects designed to help something grow.

vitamina

bee-tah-MEE-nahbi.taˈmi.na

nounA1figurative
Use 'vitamina' metaphorically for a 'boost' that provides essential energy, vitality, or encouragement, similar to how vitamins benefit health.
A colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables like oranges, broccoli, and strawberries on a clean surface.

Examples

Necesito una vitamina de café para empezar el día.

I need a coffee boost to start the day.

La naranja tiene mucha vitamina C.

Oranges have a lot of vitamin C.

Necesito comprar unas vitaminas en la farmacia.

I need to buy some vitamins at the pharmacy.

Tus palabras fueron una vitamina para mi ánimo.

Your words were a boost for my spirits.

It's a feminine word

Since it ends in 'a', it is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la vitamina'.

Making it plural

To talk about more than one, just add an 's' to the end: 'las vitaminas'.

Gender confusion

Mistake:el vitamina

Correction: la vitamina. Even though some health terms can be tricky, this one follows the standard rule for words ending in 'a'.

Choosing Between 'Empujón' and 'Estímulo'

Learners often confuse 'empujón' and 'estímulo'. Remember that 'empujón' is more like a physical or personal nudge to get something started, while 'estímulo' is typically an external incentive, often financial, to increase effort or activity.

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