How to Say "catalyst" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “catalyst” is “gatillo” — use 'gatillo' when the catalyst is something that initiates a sudden, rapid, or explosive event, much like pulling a trigger..
gatillo
gah-TEE-yo/ɡaˈtiʝo/
Examples
La renuncia del director fue el gatillo para la reestructuración de la empresa.
The director's resignation was the trigger for the company's restructuring.
La caída de la bolsa fue el gatillo para la crisis económica.
The stock market crash was the trigger for the economic crisis.
Después de meses de dudas, por fin apretó el gatillo y compró la casa.
After months of doubting, he finally pulled the trigger (made the final decision) and bought the house.
Action Starter
When used figuratively, 'gatillo' often appears with verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'convertirse en' (to become) to describe the cause of a large event.
motor
moh-TOHR/moˈtoɾ/
Examples
La inversión en energías renovables es el motor del cambio climático positivo.
Investment in renewable energy is the engine of positive climate change.
La innovación tecnológica es el motor de la economía moderna.
Technological innovation is the driving force of the modern economy.
Su pasión por la justicia fue el motor que impulsó toda su vida política.
His passion for justice was the motivation that drove his entire political life.
Trigger vs. Driving Force
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.