How to Say "eager" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “eager” is “entusiasta” — use this when someone is full of excitement and keen interest, often in a general way or when describing a person's disposition.
entusiasta
en-too-syas-tahentuˈsjasta
Examples
Ella es una profesora muy entusiasta.
She is a very enthusiastic teacher.
Recibieron la noticia con un grito entusiasta.
They received the news with an enthusiastic shout.
A pesar de los problemas, él se mantiene entusiasta.
Despite the problems, he stays enthusiastic.
One ending for everyone
This word is a 'rebel' adjective! It ends in -a even when you are describing a man. You never say 'entusiasto'.
Trait vs. State
Use 'ser' with entusiasta when describing someone's personality (he is an enthusiastic person). If you want to say someone is excited right now, it's better to use 'estar entusiasmado'.
The 'O' Trap
Mistake: “El niño es muy entusiasto.”
Correction: El niño es muy entusiasta. The word always ends in 'a' regardless of the person's gender.
motivado
mo-tee-BAH-dohmotiˈβaðo
Examples
Estoy muy motivado con mi nuevo curso de español.
I am very motivated with my new Spanish course.
Necesitamos un equipo de personas motivadas.
We need a team of motivated people.
No se siente motivado para estudiar hoy.
He doesn't feel driven to study today.
Matching the Gender
This word changes its ending based on who you are describing. Use 'motivado' for men and 'motivada' for women.
Estar vs. Ser
Usually, you use this with the verb 'estar' because motivation is often a temporary feeling or state of mind.
Using 'Ser' by Mistake
Mistake: “Soy motivado hoy.”
Correction: Estoy motivado hoy. Use 'estar' for how you feel in the moment.
ansioso
ahn-SYOH-sohanˈsjo.so
Examples
Estoy ansioso por empezar mis vacaciones en la playa.
I am eager to start my beach vacation.
Los niños estaban ansiosos de abrir sus regalos.
The children were keen (or impatient) to open their presents.
Positive Anticipation
When 'ansioso' means 'eager,' it often describes a positive or exciting feeling, even though the root word 'ansiedad' (anxiety) is usually negative.
animado
ah-nee-MAH-dohaniˈmaðo
Examples
Estoy muy animado a empezar el curso.
I am very encouraged/eager to start the course.
Sus palabras me dejaron más animada.
Her words left me feeling more encouraged.
¿Estás animado para ir a correr?
Are you up for going for a run?
The 'Up For It' meaning
When you ask someone '¿Te animas?', you are asking if they want to join in or if they are 'up for' an activity.
Prepositions with Motivation
Use 'a' after 'animado' when you are encouraged to do an action (e.g., 'animado a estudiar'). Use 'con' for things (e.g., 'animado con el proyecto').
Confusing with 'Excited'
Mistake: “Estoy excitado por el viaje.”
Correction: Say 'estoy animado' or 'emocionado'. In Spanish, 'excitado' often has a sexual meaning.
impaciente
eem-pah-syen-tehim.paˈθjen.te
Examples
Mi hermano es muy impaciente; nunca puede esperar cinco minutos.
My brother is very impatient; he can never wait five minutes.
Estoy impaciente por empezar mis vacaciones.
I am eager to start my vacation.
La multitud se puso impaciente cuando el concierto se retrasó.
The crowd grew impatient when the concert was delayed.
One word for everyone
This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for 'él' (him), 'ella' (her), or 'usted' (you) without changing the ending.
Ser vs. Estar
Use 'ser' if someone is naturally an impatient person, and 'estar' if they are just feeling impatient right now.
Avoid 'impacienta'
Mistake: “Ella es impacienta.”
Correction: Say 'Ella es impaciente.' The word never ends in 'a' or 'o'.
hambriento
ahm-bree-EN-tohamˈbɾjen.to
Examples
El joven artista estaba hambriento de reconocimiento internacional.
The young artist was hungry for international recognition.
Era una organización hambrienta de poder y control.
It was an organization greedy for power and control.
Confusing 'Ansioso' and 'Impaciente'
Related Translations
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