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How to Say "consequence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “consequence” is “consecuencia” — use 'consecuencia' for the direct, logical result of an action or event, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship..

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consecuencia

/kon-seh-KWEN-syah//konseˈkwensja/

nounB1
Use 'consecuencia' for the direct, logical result of an action or event, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.
A row of colorful dominoes falling down one by one after the first one was pushed.

Examples

Si no estudias, la consecuencia será suspender el examen.

If you don't study, the consequence will be failing the exam.

Toda acción tiene una consecuencia.

Every action has a consequence.

Llegué tarde como consecuencia del tráfico.

I arrived late as a result of the traffic.

Debes asumir las consecuencias de tus decisiones.

You must accept the consequences of your decisions.

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, so you should use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la consecuencia').

Result vs. Consequence

Mistake: “Using 'consecuencia' only for bad things.”

Correction: While often used for negative outcomes, it can also be used neutrally in formal logic or science.

resultado

/reh-soo-TAH-doh//resuɫˈt̪aðo/

nounA2
Use 'resultado' to refer to the outcome of a process, competition, or situation, often like a score or final status.
A small, brown terracotta pot sitting on a light surface. A single, very large, vibrant red flower with green leaves has successfully bloomed from the pot, symbolizing a positive outcome.

Examples

El resultado de las elecciones sorprendió a todos.

The result of the elections surprised everyone.

¿Cuál fue el resultado del partido anoche?

What was the score of the game last night?

Necesitamos un resultado más positivo para la reunión.

We need a more positive outcome for the meeting.

Los científicos publicaron los resultados de su experimento.

The scientists published the results of their experiment.

Masculine Gender

Since 'resultado' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it, like 'El resultado es claro' (The result is clear).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “La resultado fue sorprendente.”

Correction: El resultado fue sorprendente. (Remember the pattern: most nouns ending in -o are masculine.)

efecto

eh-FEK-toh/eˈfekto/

nounA2
Use 'efecto' for the observable impact or influence something has, especially a direct, often physical or noticeable, reaction.
A single domino falls, knocking over a small flower pot.

Examples

El efecto del sol en la piel puede ser dañino.

The effect of the sun on the skin can be harmful.

La medicina ya hizo efecto en mí.

The medicine already had an effect on me.

El aumento de precios es un efecto de la escasez.

The price increase is a result of the shortage.

Using 'Efecto' in Phrases

A very common phrase is 'hacer efecto' (to take effect/to work), used often with medicine or advice.

Confusing 'Efecto' and 'Afecto'

Mistake: “Using 'afecto' when you mean 'effect'.”

Correction: 'Afecto' means affection or fondness. 'Efecto' is the consequence or result. 'El clima me afectó' (The weather affected me).

producto

proh-DOOK-toh/pɾoˈðukto/

nounB1
Use 'producto' when describing something as the direct result or creation stemming from a specific cause or circumstance, emphasizing origin.
A small, newly planted seed growing into a tall, vibrant green plant with leaves, illustrating the concept of a result or outcome.

Examples

Su éxito es producto de años de trabajo duro.

His success is the product of years of hard work.

Su tristeza es producto de la soledad que siente.

His sadness is the result of the loneliness he feels.

El escándalo fue producto de una investigación periodística.

The scandal was the consequence of a journalistic investigation.

Figurative Use

When used this way, 'producto' often follows the verb 'ser' (to be) to explain the origin or cause of something abstract.

importancia

im-por-TAN-sia/im.porˈtan.sja/

nounB1
Use 'importancia' to translate 'consequence' when it refers to the significance or seriousness of a situation or event.
A brightly glowing golden key resting on a tall marble pedestal, symbolizing its significance, surrounded by small, dull grey rocks.

Examples

No subestimes la importancia de este acuerdo.

Do not underestimate the importance of this agreement.

La reunión de hoy tiene mucha importancia para el proyecto.

Today's meeting has a lot of importance for the project.

No le des tanta importancia a ese pequeño error.

Don't give so much importance to that small mistake.

Para mí, la familia es lo que tiene más importancia.

For me, family is what has the most significance.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'importancia' is a feminine word, so you must use feminine words with it: 'mucha importancia', 'la importancia'.

Using 'de importancia'

You can use 'de importancia' (of importance) as an adjective phrase to describe nouns, like 'un tema de importancia' (an important topic).

Using 'Importante' as a Noun

Mistake: “La importante de la reunión es el presupuesto.”

Correction: La importancia de la reunión es el presupuesto. (The quality of being important is 'importancia', while 'importante' is the adjective.)

Resultado vs. Consecuencia

Learners often confuse 'resultado' and 'consecuencia'. Remember that 'resultado' is usually the outcome of a game, test, or process, while 'consecuencia' implies a more direct, often negative, result of a specific action.

Related Translations

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