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How to Say "campaign" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “campaign” is “campaña” — use 'campaña' for organized efforts like political elections, advertising, or social awareness initiatives.

English → Spanish
nounA2general
Use 'campaña' for organized efforts like political elections, advertising, or social awareness initiatives.

Examples

El candidato empezó su campaña electoral la semana pasada.

The candidate started his electoral campaign last week.

lucha

LOO-chaˈlut͡ʃa

nounB1general
Choose 'lucha' when referring to a prolonged social movement or a persistent struggle against a problem like poverty or injustice.
A small, determined figure exerting great effort to push a very large, heavy boulder up a slight incline, symbolizing struggle.

Examples

La lucha contra la pobreza es global.

The struggle against poverty is global.

Superar la enfermedad fue una lucha constante.

Overcoming the illness was a constant battle.

Connecting the Fight

Use the preposition contra (against) or por (for) immediately after lucha to explain the purpose of the struggle: lucha contra el mal, lucha por la justicia.

Using 'Para' Instead of 'Por'

Mistake: “La lucha para la libertad.”

Correction: La lucha *por* la libertad. (When the fight benefits a cause or goal, use *por*.)

movimiento

moh-vee-mee-EHN-tohmo.βiˈmjen.to

nounB1general
Use 'movimiento' for a social or political movement characterized by collective action and shared goals, often with a focus on activism.
A line of four diverse people walking forward together with determined expressions, symbolizing a unified social movement or cause.

Examples

El movimiento ecologista tiene muchos seguidores jóvenes.

The ecological movement has many young followers.

Lucharon por el movimiento de derechos civiles.

They fought for the civil rights movement.

Countable Noun

In this sense, 'movimiento' is countable, meaning you can have 'un movimiento' or 'varios movimientos' (one movement, several movements).

cruzada

kroo-SAH-dahkɾuˈsaða

nounB2general
Opt for 'cruzada' to describe a determined and often morally charged campaign or crusade, usually initiated by an authority against a specific issue.
A group of people standing together holding colorful banners and flags in a peaceful march.

Examples

El gobierno ha iniciado una cruzada contra la corrupción.

The government has started a crusade against corruption.

Los caballeros partieron hacia la primera cruzada en el siglo XI.

The knights left for the first crusade in the 11th century.

Su vida es una cruzada constante por los derechos de los animales.

Her life is a constant quest for animal rights.

Using 'Cruzada' with 'Contra'

Just like in English, when this word means a 'campaign,' it is almost always followed by the word 'contra' (against) to show what you are fighting.

The Feminine Noun

This word is always feminine when used as a noun. You should always use feminine words with it, like 'una cruzada' or 'la cruzada'.

Don't use for the physical object

Mistake: “Vi una cruzada en la pared de la iglesia.”

Correction: Vi una cruz en la pared de la iglesia. Use 'cruz' for the physical cross object; 'cruzada' is only for the movement or campaign.

Campaign vs. Crusade vs. Struggle

Learners often confuse 'campaña' with 'cruzada' or 'lucha'. Remember that 'campaña' is the most general term for organized efforts like advertising or elections. 'Lucha' implies a longer, ongoing struggle, while 'cruzada' suggests a more forceful, morally driven campaign against a specific evil.

Related Translations

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