Inklingo

How to Say "eagerness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entusiasmo

/en-too-see-AHZ-moh//entuˈsjázmo/

nounA2general
Use 'entusiasmo' when the eagerness is specifically about actively participating in or doing something with great energy and excitement.
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/eagerness.

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

nounA2
Choose 'ilusión' when the eagerness stems from a hopeful expectation or a pleasant anticipation of a future event or achievement.

ansiedad

ahn-syay-DAHD/ansjeˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'ansiedad' when the eagerness is characterized by a strong, sometimes impatient, anticipation or a feeling of nervous excitement about something to come.
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).

Entusiasmo vs. Ilusión

Learners often confuse 'entusiasmo' and 'ilusión'. Remember, 'entusiasmo' implies active energy and involvement in doing something, while 'ilusión' focuses more on hopeful, pleasant anticipation of a future outcome.

Related Translations

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