How to Say "catalyst" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “catalyst” is “acelerador” — use 'acelerador' when the catalyst's primary function is to speed up an existing process or development.
acelerador
ah-seh-leh-rah-doraseleɾaˈðoɾ
Examples
La nueva ley fue un acelerador para la economía del país.
The new law was a catalyst for the country's economy.
Estamos usando un acelerador químico para que la pintura seque rápido.
We are using a chemical accelerator so the paint dries fast.
El acelerador de partículas es una maravilla de la ingeniería.
The particle accelerator is a marvel of engineering.
Figurative Language
Just like in English, you can use physical objects to describe abstract ideas. Using 'acelerador' for 'progress' sounds very professional.
Gender confusion
Mistake: “La acelerador de partículas.”
Correction: El acelerador de partículas.
motor
moh-TOHRmoˈtoɾ
Examples
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.
gatillo
gah-TEE-yoɡaˈtiʝo
Examples
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.
detonador
deh-toh-nah-DOHRdetonaˈðoɾ
Examples
Ese pequeño incidente fue el detonador de la huelga general.
That small incident was the trigger for the general strike.
Sus palabras actuaron como un detonador para la discusión familiar.
His words acted as a spark for the family argument.
La crisis económica fue el principal detonador de las protestas.
The economic crisis was the main catalyst for the protests.
Abstract Nouns
Even when used metaphorically for ideas or events, the word remains masculine: 'el detonador'.
Confusing with 'Causa'
Mistake: “Thinking 'detonador' and 'causa' are exactly the same.”
Correction: While 'causa' is the general reason, 'detonador' is the specific event that makes the explosion happen right now (the 'last straw').
Catalyst vs. Trigger
Related Translations
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