How to Say "effectiveness" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “effectiveness” is “efectividad” — use this when referring to the general ability of something to produce a desired or intended result, focusing on its power to achieve the goal..
efectividad
/eh-fek-tee-bee-DAHD//efektibiˈdad/
Examples
La efectividad de esta vacuna es muy alta.
The effectiveness of this vaccine is very high.
Necesitamos mejorar la efectividad de nuestro equipo de ventas.
We need to improve the effectiveness of our sales team.
El director cuestionó la efectividad de las nuevas normas.
The director questioned the effectiveness of the new rules.
The '-dad' Ending Rule
Most Spanish words ending in '-dad' are feminine. This means you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la efectividad').
Making it Plural
To talk about more than one type of effectiveness, just add '-es' to the end: 'las efectividades'. The 'd' doesn't change!
Efectividad vs. Efectivo
Mistake: “Using 'efectividad' when you mean 'cash'.”
Correction: Use 'efectivo' for 'cash' and 'efectividad' for 'how well something works'. Saying 'pagué con efectividad' sounds like you paid with a high-performance attitude instead of money!
eficacia
/eh-fee-KAH-syah//efiˈkasja/
Examples
La eficacia de la vacuna está probada.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is proven.
Queremos mejorar la eficacia de nuestro equipo de trabajo.
We want to improve the effectiveness of our work team.
El plan fue ejecutado con gran eficacia.
The plan was executed with great effectiveness.
It's a Feminine Word
Since 'eficacia' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun. You should always use feminine words with it, like 'la eficacia' or 'una eficacia'.
Abstract Nouns and Articles
When talking about 'effectiveness' in a general sense in Spanish, you usually need to use the word 'la' (the) before it, unlike in English.
Confusing it with 'Efficiency'
Mistake: “Using 'eficiencia' when you mean 'getting the result done'.”
Correction: Use 'eficacia' for reaching a goal (getting results) and 'eficiencia' for how well you used your time or resources to get there.
eficiencia
/eh-fee-thyen-syah//efiˈθjenθja/
Examples
Queremos mejorar la eficiencia de nuestra oficina.
We want to improve the efficiency of our office.
La eficiencia energética es importante para ahorrar dinero.
Energy efficiency is important for saving money.
El nuevo software aumenta la eficiencia del equipo.
The new software increases the team's efficiency.
Always Feminine
Words ending in '-cia' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Describing the Type
In English, we say 'energy efficiency' (two nouns together). In Spanish, you must put the description after the word, usually with an adjective like 'energética' or by using 'de' (of).
Eficiencia vs. Eficacia
Mistake: “Using efficiency when you just mean things got done.”
Correction: Use 'eficiencia' for HOW well resources were used, and 'eficacia' for whether the goal was achieved at all.
validez
/bah-lee-DEHS//baliˈdes/
Examples
Tu pasaporte tiene una validez de diez años.
Your passport is valid for ten years.
El billete de tren pierde su validez si no se usa hoy.
The train ticket loses its validity if it's not used today.
Necesitamos confirmar la validez legal del contrato antes de firmar.
We need to confirm the legal validity of the contract before signing.
Using 'Tener' with Validez
In Spanish, we usually say something 'has validity' (tiene validez) rather than just saying it 'is valid.' It focuses on the quality the object possesses.
Gender and Endings
Words ending in '-ez' that name qualities are almost always feminine (la validez). When you describe it, use feminine adjectives like 'la validez técnica'.
Validez vs. Validación
Mistake: “El contrato necesita validez.”
Correction: Depending on what you mean, use 'validación' for the *act* of making it valid, and 'validez' for the *state* of being valid.
vigencia
/bee-HEN-syah//biˈxenθja/
Examples
El pasaporte tiene una vigencia de diez años.
The passport has a validity of ten years.
Esa ley ya no tiene vigencia en este país.
That law is no longer in effect in this country.
Sus teorías científicas aún mantienen su vigencia.
His scientific theories still remain relevant today.
Using 'tener' vs. 'estar'
To say something is currently valid, we usually say it 'has validity' (tiene vigencia) rather than 'is validity'.
Abstract Noun Usage
This word describes the state of being active or 'alive' for a rule or document. It is always feminine.
Validity vs. Validation
Mistake: “La validación del pasaporte es de cinco años.”
Correction: La vigencia del pasaporte es de cinco años. 'Validación' is the act of making something valid; 'vigencia' is the time it stays valid.
Efectividad vs. Eficacia
Related Translations
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