Inklingo

How to Say "energy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

energía

nounA2general
Use 'energía' when referring to the scientific concept of power, fuel, or electricity, or for a person's general physical or mental vitality.

Examples

Necesitamos encontrar fuentes de energía más limpias.

We need to find cleaner energy sources.

energía

nounB1general
Use 'energía' when describing a person's increased physical or mental stamina, often as a result of rest, food, or stimulants like coffee.

Examples

Después de tomar café, tengo más energía para trabajar.

After having coffee, I have more energy to work.

fuerzas

FWEHR-sas (or FWEHR-thas in Spain)/fweɾ.θas/

nounA2general
Use 'fuerzas' when talking about a person's physical strength or vitality, especially when they are recovering from illness or exertion.
A strong person, depicted as a simplified storybook character, easily lifting a large, heavy boulder above their head, illustrating physical strength.

Examples

Después de la enfermedad, le faltaban fuerzas para levantarse.

After the illness, he lacked the strength to get up.

Tenemos que reunir fuerzas antes de la caminata.

We have to gather our energy (or strength) before the hike.

Lo hizo con todas sus fuerzas, pero no fue suficiente.

He did it with all his might, but it wasn't enough.

Always Plural for Energy

When talking about physical or emotional vigor, 'fuerzas' is almost always used in its plural form, even though we often translate it as the singular 'strength' in English.

Missing the S

Mistake: “Usando 'fuerza' para decir 'I don't have strength/energy'.”

Correction: When meaning energy or vigor, use the plural: 'No tengo fuerzas.' (I don't have energy/strength).

ánimo

nounB1general
Use 'ánimo' when referring to one's mental drive, motivation, or spirit to do something, particularly when feeling unenthusiastic.

Examples

No tengo mucho ánimo para ir a trabajar hoy.

I don't have much energy/spirit to go to work today.

Energía vs. Fuerzas vs. Ánimo

Learners often confuse 'energía' with 'fuerzas' when talking about physical vitality. While 'energía' can refer to general stamina, 'fuerzas' specifically implies a lack or presence of physical strength, often in a recovery context. Don't use 'fuerzas' for the scientific concept of energy.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.