Inklingo

How to Say "dedication" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “dedication” is “dedicación” — use this for general commitment to a task, job, or goal, similar to the most common English meaning. It's also used for the formal ceremony of opening a new building or monument.

dedicaciónB1

Use this for general commitment to a task, job, or goal, similar to the most common English meaning. It's also used for the formal ceremony of opening a new building or monument.

Learn more →
devociónB1

Choose this when expressing a strong emotional commitment or loyalty to a person, cause, or activity, often implying a sense of worship or deep feeling.

Learn more →
entrega🔊B2

Use this when emphasizing the act of giving oneself completely to something, highlighting the total commitment and effort involved.

Learn more →
sacrificio🔊A2

This word implies that the commitment involved giving something up or enduring hardship for a task or goal.

Learn more →
celo🔊B2

Use this to describe zealousness or intense enthusiasm and commitment in carrying out a duty or task, often with a sense of diligence.

Learn more →
religiónC1

This is a figurative use, comparing an activity or pursuit to a religion to emphasize the extreme level of commitment and passion involved.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

dedicación

nounB1general
Use this for general commitment to a task, job, or goal, similar to the most common English meaning. It's also used for the formal ceremony of opening a new building or monument.

Examples

Ella trabaja con mucha dedicación.

She works with a lot of dedication.

devoción

nounB1general
Choose this when expressing a strong emotional commitment or loyalty to a person, cause, or activity, often implying a sense of worship or deep feeling.

Examples

Tiene una gran devoción por su trabajo.

She has a great devotion to her work.

entrega

en-TREH-gahenˈtɾe.ɣa

nounB2general
Use this when emphasizing the act of giving oneself completely to something, highlighting the total commitment and effort involved.
A person kneeling, deeply focused and carefully tending to a single, small plant in a garden, symbolizing intense commitment.

Examples

El atleta mostró una entrega total a su entrenamiento.

The athlete showed total dedication to his training.

Tras el asedio, se firmó la entrega de la ciudad.

After the siege, the surrender of the city was signed.

Abstract Usage

This meaning is often modified by adjectives like 'total' or 'completa' to emphasize the degree of devotion or surrender.

Mixing Dedication Words

Mistake: “Using 'dedicación' when you mean an act of giving up.”

Correction: 'Entrega' covers both giving effort and giving up, while 'dedicación' only covers effort.

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syohsa.kɾiˈfi.sjo

nounA2general
This word implies that the commitment involved giving something up or enduring hardship for a task or goal.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child carefully placing a single, shiny red apple onto a large, empty wooden plate, symbolizing giving up something valuable.

Examples

Estudiar todos los días fue un gran sacrificio, pero valió la pena.

Studying every day was a great sacrifice, but it was worth it.

Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera ir a la universidad.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could go to university.

Su sacrificio y disciplina la llevaron a ganar la medalla de oro.

Her dedication and discipline led her to win the gold medal.

Using 'Hacer'

To talk about making a sacrifice, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un sacrificio'.

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Hizo mucho sacrificio.”

Correction: Hizo muchos sacrificios. (Often used in the plural when referring to multiple acts of effort or renunciation.)

celo

SEH-loh/ˈθelo/ (Spain), /ˈselo/ (Latin America)

nounB2general
Use this to describe zealousness or intense enthusiasm and commitment in carrying out a duty or task, often with a sense of diligence.
A person with a wide smile and bright eyes vigorously waving a colorful banner.

Examples

El joven médico cumple con su deber con mucho celo.

The young doctor carries out his duty with great zeal.

Debemos proteger nuestras tradiciones con celo.

We must protect our traditions with dedication.

Trabaja con un celo profesional envidiable.

He works with an enviable professional diligence.

Using 'con' to describe how something is done

This word almost always follows 'con' (with) to explain the attitude or care someone puts into an action.

Singular vs. Plural Meaning

In the singular, it means dedication. If you add an 's' (celos), the meaning usually changes to romantic jealousy.

Confusing 'celo' with 'jealousy'

Mistake: “Siento mucho celo de mi novio.”

Correction: Siento muchos celos de mi novio. Use the plural 'celos' for romantic envy.

religión

nounC1figurative
This is a figurative use, comparing an activity or pursuit to a religion to emphasize the extreme level of commitment and passion involved.

Examples

Para muchos aficionados, el fútbol es una religión.

For many fans, football (soccer) is a religion.

Dedication vs. Devotion

Learners often confuse 'dedicación' and 'devoción'. Remember, 'dedicación' is the most general term for commitment, while 'devoción' implies a deeper, more emotional or even spiritual connection to the object of commitment.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.