Inklingo

How to Say "dedication" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entrega

en-TREH-gah/enˈtɾe.ɣa/

nounB2general
Use 'entrega' when referring to a strong personal commitment, devotion, or full involvement in an activity or cause.
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-syoh/sa.kɾiˈfi.sjo/

nounA2general
Use 'sacrificio' when the dedication involves significant effort, hardship, or giving something up to achieve a 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.)

religión

nounC1informal
Use 'religión' metaphorically to describe an extreme, almost fanatical level of devotion or commitment, often to a hobby or passion.

Examples

Para muchos aficionados, el fútbol es una religión.

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

Choosing Between 'Entrega' and 'Sacrificio'

Learners often confuse 'entrega' and 'sacrificio'. Remember that 'entrega' focuses on the commitment itself, while 'sacrificio' emphasizes the cost or effort required for that commitment.

Related Translations

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