How to Say "efficiency" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “efficiency” is “efectividad” — use 'efectividad' when you want to talk about how well something achieves its intended result or goal, focusing on the outcome..
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.
productividad
pro-dook-tee-bee-DAHD/pɾoðuktibiˈðað/
Examples
Necesito mejorar mi productividad para terminar mis tareas pronto.
I need to improve my productivity to finish my tasks soon.
La productividad de la fábrica aumentó con las nuevas máquinas.
The factory's productivity increased with the new machines.
Trabajar desde casa puede afectar la productividad de diferentes maneras.
Working from home can affect productivity in different ways.
Identifying the gender
In Spanish, words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' and make any describing words match (e.g., 'la productividad alta').
Making it plural
To make this word plural, add '-es' to the end: 'las productividades'. This isn't very common, but it's used when comparing different types of output.
Using the wrong 'the'
Mistake: “el productividad”
Correction: la productividad (because words ending in -dad are feminine).
rendimiento
/ren-dee-myehn-toh//ren.diˈmjen.to/
Examples
El rendimiento del equipo ha mejorado mucho este mes.
The team's performance has improved a lot this month.
Este motor tiene un rendimiento muy alto y gasta poca gasolina.
This engine has very high efficiency and uses little gas.
El bajo rendimiento escolar a veces se debe al cansancio.
Poor school performance is sometimes due to tiredness.
Using 'de' for possession
To say 'the performance of [something]', always use 'el rendimiento de...'. For example: 'el rendimiento de la batería' (the battery's performance).
Always Masculine
Regardless of who or what you are talking about, this word is always masculine. Even if you're talking about a woman's performance, use 'el rendimiento'.
Performance as a show
Mistake: “Using 'rendimiento' to mean a theater performance.”
Correction: Use 'actuación' or 'función' for theater. 'Rendimiento' is only for efficiency or how well a task is done.
Efectividad vs. Eficiencia
Related Translations
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