Inklingo

How to Say "effort" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “effort” is “esfuerzo” — use this word for the general act of trying hard or exerting oneself physically or mentally towards a goal.

esfuerzo🔊A2

Use this word for the general act of trying hard or exerting oneself physically or mentally towards a goal.

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intento🔊A2

Use this when referring to the exertion put into a specific attempt or trial of something, focusing on the act of trying.

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sacrificio🔊A2

Use this to describe the hard work, dedication, or self-denial involved in achieving something, often implying a cost.

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méritoB1

Use this when describing how hard something was to achieve, focusing on the praiseworthy quality of the effort put in.

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pena🔊B1

This word is primarily used in the phrase 'valer la pena,' meaning 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worth it.'

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afánB2

Use this to describe intense hard work, toil, or eagerness, often in the context of work or a passionate pursuit.

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huevo🔊B2

Use this informal term, especially in Mexico and Spain, to refer to dedication, guts, or significant effort, often implying courage.

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English → Spanish

esfuerzo

es-FWEHR-sohesˈfweɾso

nounA2general
Use this word for the general act of trying hard or exerting oneself physically or mentally towards a goal.
A small, determined cartoon character is straining visibly, using all its strength to push a massive gray boulder up a gentle green slope, illustrating intense physical effort.

Examples

Hicimos un gran esfuerzo para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

We made a great effort to finish the project on time.

Con mucho esfuerzo, logró levantar la caja pesada.

With a lot of exertion, he managed to lift the heavy box.

Su esfuerzo constante en los estudios dio frutos.

Her constant endeavor in her studies paid off.

The 'hacer' connection

In Spanish, we usually 'make' effort, using the verb 'hacer' (to do/make). So, 'I made an effort' is 'Hice un esfuerzo.' This is the most common way to use it.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Yo esfuerzo mucho.”

Correction: Yo hago mucho esfuerzo (I make a lot of effort) or Yo me esfuerzo mucho (I exert myself a lot). Remember 'esfuerzo' is the noun (the thing), not the action itself.

intento

in-TEN-tohinˈtento

nounA2general
Use this when referring to the exertion put into a specific attempt or trial of something, focusing on the act of trying.
A determined brown bear cub making an attempt to climb a steep, grassy hill, showing physical effort.

Examples

Después de varios intentos, finalmente lo logré.

After several attempts, I finally managed it.

Hizo un intento de llamar, pero nadie contestó.

He made an attempt to call, but nobody answered.

Vale la pena hacer el intento.

It's worth making the attempt / It's worth a try.

It's a Thing, Not an Action

Think of 'intento' as a 'thing' – specifically, 'an attempt'. Because it's a noun, you'll often see it with words like 'un' (a), 'el' (the), or 'varios' (several).

Paired with 'Hacer'

In Spanish, you don't 'give' a try, you 'make' one. The most common partner verb for 'intento' is 'hacer' (to make). For example, 'hacer un intento'.

Confusing it with the Verb

Mistake: “Hizo intento de abrir la puerta.”

Correction: Hizo un intento de abrir la puerta. (He made an attempt to open the door.) Since 'intento' here is a 'thing' (a noun), it needs an article like 'un' before it.

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syohsa.kɾiˈfi.sjo

nounA2general
Use this to describe the hard work, dedication, or self-denial involved in achieving something, often implying a cost.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child carefully placing a single, shiny red apple onto a large, empty wooden plate, symbolizing giving up something valuable.

Examples

Estudiar todos los días fue un gran sacrificio, pero valió la pena.

Studying every day was a great sacrifice, but it was worth it.

Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera ir a la universidad.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could go to university.

Su sacrificio y disciplina la llevaron a ganar la medalla de oro.

Her dedication and discipline led her to win the gold medal.

Using 'Hacer'

To talk about making a sacrifice, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un sacrificio'.

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Hizo mucho sacrificio.”

Correction: Hizo muchos sacrificios. (Often used in the plural when referring to multiple acts of effort or renunciation.)

mérito

nounB1general
Use this when describing how hard something was to achieve, focusing on the praiseworthy quality of the effort put in.

Examples

Tu dibujo tiene mucho mérito, te esforzaste mucho.

Your drawing has a lot of merit; you put in a lot of effort.

pena

PEH-nahˈpena

nounB1general
This word is primarily used in the phrase 'valer la pena,' meaning 'to be worth the effort' or 'to be worth it.'
A determined hiker standing triumphantly on the high peak of a steep mountain, symbolizing that the great effort was worthwhile.

Examples

Aprender un nuevo idioma vale la pena.

Learning a new language is worth the effort.

Merece la pena visitar ese museo.

It's worthwhile to visit that museum.

A duras penas llegamos a tiempo.

We barely managed to arrive on time.

afán

nounB2general
Use this to describe intense hard work, toil, or eagerness, often in the context of work or a passionate pursuit.

Examples

Olvidó sus penas en el afán del trabajo diario.

He forgot his sorrows in the toil of daily work.

huevo

OO-EH-vohˈweβo

nounB2informal
Use this informal term, especially in Mexico and Spain, to refer to dedication, guts, or significant effort, often implying courage.
A tiny, determined mouse standing confidently on the edge of a large, steep wooden step, illustrating bravery.

Examples

Tienes que echarle más huevos a este proyecto si quieres terminarlo a tiempo.

You have to put more effort/guts into this project if you want to finish it on time.

Se necesita mucho huevo para decirle la verdad a tu jefe.

It takes a lot of guts to tell your boss the truth.

Using 'Echarle'

The phrase 'echarle huevos' (to put guts into it) means to apply intense effort or dedication. It's often used reflexively or with 'le' referring to the task.

General vs. Specific Effort

The most common mistake is using 'esfuerzo' for every situation. Remember that 'intento' focuses on a specific try, 'sacrificio' implies cost, and 'afán' suggests intense work or eagerness.

Related Translations

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