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How to Say "efforts" in Spanish

English → Spanish

esfuerzos

ess-FWEHR-sohs/esˈfweɾθos/

nounB1general
Use 'esfuerzos' for general attempts, hard work, or the exertion of energy towards a goal, without necessarily implying sacrifice or extreme physical labor.
A small, determined cartoon person straining intensely while pushing a massive gray boulder up a slight green hill, illustrating hard work.

Examples

Todos sus **esfuerzos** valieron la pena cuando ganó el campeonato.

All his efforts were worth it when he won the championship.

La compañía está haciendo grandes **esfuerzos** para reducir la contaminación.

The company is making great **efforts** to reduce pollution.

Necesitas más **esfuerzos** para terminar la carrera.

You need more **effort** (or 'more efforts') to finish the race.

Plural Form

Esfuerzos is the plural form of the masculine noun 'esfuerzo' (effort). Remember to use the plural articles like los (the) or unos (some) before it.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-os,' like many plural nouns, its singular form is also masculine (el esfuerzo). Adjectives describing it must also be plural and masculine (e.g., grandes esfuerzos).

Mixing Singular and Plural

Mistake: “Hizo mucho esfuerzo para terminar.”

Correction: Hizo muchos **esfuerzos** para terminar. (Use the plural when referring to multiple actions or generalized hard work.)

sacrificios

/sah-cree-fee-syohs//sakɾiˈfisjos/

nounB1general
Choose 'sacrificios' when the 'efforts' involve giving up something important, like time, money, or personal comfort, for a greater good.
A child handing their favorite toy to another child who looks sad.

Examples

Mis padres hicieron muchos **sacrificios** para que yo pudiera estudiar.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could study.

Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera estudiar.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could study.

Lograr el éxito requiere grandes sacrificios.

Achieving success requires great sacrifices.

Plural and Gender

This word is the plural form of 'sacrificio'. Because it ends in 'os', it is masculine, so you use 'los' or 'muchos' with it.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “tomar sacrificios”

Correction: hacer sacrificios

trabajos

trah-BAH-hos/tɾaˈβa.xos/

nounB1general
Use 'trabajos' to describe strenuous physical or mental exertion, often implying a large, demanding task or project.
A person gritting their teeth and sweating profusely while putting maximum effort into pushing a large, heavy boulder up a slope.

Examples

La construcción de las pirámides requirió grandes **trabajos**.

The construction of the pyramids required great labors/efforts.

La construcción de las pirámides requirió grandes trabajos.

The construction of the pyramids required great labors/efforts.

Sus trabajos para lograr la paz fueron reconocidos.

His efforts to achieve peace were recognized.

Formal and Figurative

This meaning is often used figuratively to describe intense mental or physical exertion, not just paid employment.

Choosing Between 'Esfuerzos' and 'Sacrificios'

Learners often use 'esfuerzos' when they mean 'sacrificios'. Remember, if the effort involved giving something up (like time or comfort), 'sacrificios' is the more precise and appropriate word. 'Esfuerzos' is a broader term for general hard work.

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