Inklingo

How to Say "eagerness" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “eagerness” is “afán” — use 'afán' when expressing a deep-seated, persistent desire or drive to accomplish something, often related to learning or ambition.

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afán

nounB1general
Use 'afán' when expressing a deep-seated, persistent desire or drive to accomplish something, often related to learning or ambition.

Examples

Tiene un gran afán por aprender cosas nuevas.

She has a great eagerness to learn new things.

entusiasmo

en-too-see-AHZ-mohentuˈsjázmo

nounA2general
Choose 'entusiasmo' when the eagerness is characterized by excitement and a lively, energetic approach to an activity.
A joyful child airborne, jumping high with arms raised and a wide smile, surrounded by simple radiating energy lines on a bright, plain background.

Examples

Estudio español con mucho entusiasmo.

I study Spanish with a lot of enthusiasm.

Su entusiasmo por el nuevo proyecto es contagioso.

His excitement for the new project is contagious.

El equipo perdió el entusiasmo después de la primera derrota.

The team lost all enthusiasm after the first defeat.

Masculine Noun Reminder

'Entusiasmo' is a masculine noun, so always use the masculine article 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el entusiasmo', never 'la entusiasmo'.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Habló *de* entusiasmo.”

Correction: Habló *con* entusiasmo. (Use 'con' to mean 'with enthusiasm' or 'with excitement'.)

ilusión

nounA2general
Use 'ilusión' to describe eager anticipation, especially for a future event or goal that brings happiness and hope.

Examples

Tengo mucha ilusión por empezar la universidad.

I'm really eager to start university.

ansiedad

ahn-syay-DAHDansjeˈðað

nounA2general
Employ 'ansiedad' when the eagerness involves a strong sense of anticipation, sometimes bordering on impatience or nervousness, about something about to happen.
A smiling child standing on tiptoes, eagerly peering over a brightly colored gift box. The child looks highly excited and anticipatory.

Examples

Esperaba la película con mucha ansiedad.

She waited for the movie with great eagerness/anticipation.

Tengo ansiedad de comer algo dulce después de cenar.

I have a craving to eat something sweet after dinner.

La ansiedad por ganar la carrera era evidente en sus ojos.

The eagerness to win the race was evident in his eyes.

Expressing Craving

When 'ansiedad' means 'craving' or 'strong desire,' it is often followed by 'de' and then the thing you want: 'ansiedad de chocolate' (craving for chocolate).

Afán vs. Entusiasmo vs. Ansiedad

Learners often confuse 'afán' and 'entusiasmo' with 'ansiedad'. Remember that 'ansiedad' implies a stronger, potentially nervous, anticipation for something to happen, while 'afán' and 'entusiasmo' describe a more general, positive drive or excitement for an activity or goal.

Related Translations

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