Inklingo

How to Say "energy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “energy” is “energía” — use 'energía' when referring to a scientific concept like solar or electrical energy, or for a person's general physical or mental stamina.

English → Spanish

energía

nounA2/B1general
Use 'energía' when referring to a scientific concept like solar or electrical energy, or for a person's general physical or mental stamina.

Examples

Necesitamos encontrar fuentes de energía más limpias.

We need to find cleaner energy sources.

fuerzas

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

nounA2general
Use 'fuerzas' primarily when referring to physical strength or the ability to exert oneself, often after a period of weakness or illness.
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).

vitalidad

bee-tah-lee-DAHDbita-liˈðað

nounA2general
Use 'vitalidad' to describe a general sense of liveliness, zest for life, or inherent vigor, often associated with youth or good health.
A child jumping high in the air with a big smile in a bright green field.

Examples

Mi abuela tiene mucha vitalidad y sale a caminar todos los días.

My grandmother has a lot of vitality and goes for a walk every day.

La música le dio vitalidad a la fiesta.

The music gave vitality to the party.

Perdí mi vitalidad después de trabajar tantas horas seguidas.

I lost my energy after working so many hours in a row.

The '-dad' Gender Rule

Words that end in '-dad' (like vitality/vitalidad) are almost always feminine. This means you should use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Singular vs. Plural

While you can say 'vitalidades' in theory, it is almost always used in the singular form to describe a general quality of a person or thing.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El vitalidad de los niños es increíble.”

Correction: La vitalidad de los niños es increíble. (Always use 'la' because it's a feminine noun).

ánimo

nounB1general
Use 'ánimo' when referring to one's mental state, mood, or motivation to do something; it's about having the spirit or drive.

Examples

No tengo mucho ánimo para ir a trabajar hoy.

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

nervio

NER-byohˈner.βjo

nounB1informal
Use 'nervio' to describe a strong sense of drive, vigor, or even a slightly aggressive push to achieve something.
A person with wide eyes and clenched hands looking anxious, with colorful zig-zag lines around their head to represent stress.

Examples

Tengo muchos nervios por el examen de mañana.

I have a lot of drive/nerves for tomorrow's exam.

Esa canción tiene mucho nervio.

That song has a lot of energy/spirit.

Los nervios me traicionaron durante la entrevista.

My nerves got the better of me during the interview.

Using 'Tener' vs 'Estar'

Use 'tener nervios' (to have nerves) for the feeling of anxiety, but use 'estar nervioso' (to be nervous) to describe your state.

Plural for Anxiety

Mistake: “Tengo un nervio.”

Correction: Tengo nervios.

Energía vs. Ánimo vs. Fuerzas

Learners often confuse 'energía' with 'ánimo' and 'fuerzas'. Remember that 'energía' is broad, covering physical and scientific concepts. 'Fuerzas' specifically refers to physical strength, especially when recovering from weakness. 'Ánimo' is about your mental state and motivation to act.

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