Inklingo

How to Say "excitement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “excitement” is “emoción” — use 'emoción' for a general feeling of strong emotion, thrill, or deep feeling, often experienced when witnessing or experiencing something significant..

emociónA1

Use 'emoción' for a general feeling of strong emotion, thrill, or deep feeling, often experienced when witnessing or experiencing something significant.

{ui.learnMore}
entusiasmo🔊A2

Choose 'entusiasmo' when describing a state of eager enjoyment, lively interest, or high-spirited energy directed towards an activity or goal.

{ui.learnMore}
ilusiónA2

Use 'ilusión' to express positive anticipation and eager hope for something in the future, especially when starting something new.

{ui.learnMore}
ilusiones🔊A2

Use the plural 'ilusiones' when referring to multiple hopes or dreams related to a specific project or future prospect.

{ui.learnMore}
adrenalina🔊B1

Opt for 'adrenalina' specifically when the excitement is intense, physical, and often related to thrill-seeking or high-risk activities.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

emoción

nounA1general
Use 'emoción' for a general feeling of strong emotion, thrill, or deep feeling, often experienced when witnessing or experiencing something significant.

Examples

Sintió una gran emoción al recibir la noticia.

She felt great emotion upon receiving the news.

entusiasmo

/en-too-see-AHZ-moh//entuˈsjázmo/

nounA2general
Choose 'entusiasmo' when describing a state of eager enjoyment, lively interest, or high-spirited energy directed towards an activity or goal.
A joyful child airborne, jumping high with arms raised and a wide smile, surrounded by simple radiating energy lines on a bright, plain background.

Examples

Pintó la habitación con mucho entusiasmo.

He painted the room with a lot of enthusiasm.

Estudio español con mucho entusiasmo.

I study Spanish with a lot of enthusiasm.

Su entusiasmo por el nuevo proyecto es contagioso.

His excitement for the new project is contagious.

El equipo perdió el entusiasmo después de la primera derrota.

The team lost all enthusiasm after the first defeat.

Masculine Noun Reminder

'Entusiasmo' is a masculine noun, so always use the masculine article 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el entusiasmo', never 'la entusiasmo'.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Habló *de* entusiasmo.”

Correction: Habló *con* entusiasmo. (Use 'con' to mean 'with enthusiasm' or 'with excitement'.)

ilusión

nounA2general
Use 'ilusión' to express positive anticipation and eager hope for something in the future, especially when starting something new.

Examples

Tengo mucha ilusión por empezar mi nuevo trabajo.

I have a lot of excitement/eagerness to start my new job.

ilusiones

/ee-loo-SYOH-ness//iluˈsjones/

nounA2general
Use the plural 'ilusiones' when referring to multiple hopes or dreams related to a specific project or future prospect.
A small child looking up at a bright, colorful shooting star in a night sky with a joyful expression.

Examples

Puso todas sus ilusiones en ese emprendimiento.

He placed all his hopes/excitement in that venture.

Tengo muchas ilusiones puestas en este nuevo proyecto.

I have high hopes for this new project.

No quiero hacerme ilusiones todavía.

I don't want to get my hopes up yet.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-es', this word is feminine. Use 'las' or 'muchas' with it.

Hopes vs. Magic

Mistake: “Using 'esperanzas' for every situation.”

Correction: While 'esperanza' is 'hope' (the belief something will happen), 'ilusión' is more about the 'excitement' and 'joy' felt while waiting for it.

adrenalina

/ah-dre-nah-LEE-nah//aðɾenaˈlina/

nounB1informal
Opt for 'adrenalina' specifically when the excitement is intense, physical, and often related to thrill-seeking or high-risk activities.
A person with wide eyes and a huge smile riding a fast roller coaster with their hands in the air.

Examples

Sentir la adrenalina de saltar en paracaídas es increíble.

Feeling the adrenaline rush of skydiving is incredible.

Me encanta el subidón de adrenalina de las montañas rusas.

I love the adrenaline rush of roller coasters.

Hacer paracaidismo es pura adrenalina.

Skydiving is pure adrenaline/excitement.

Using 'Pura'

When you want to say something is 'pure excitement,' you say 'es pura adrenalina.' Since the word is feminine, 'puro' must change to 'pura'.

General Emotion vs. Future Hope

The most common confusion is between 'emoción' and 'ilusión'. 'Emoción' describes a strong feeling you are experiencing now or have experienced, while 'ilusión' specifically refers to eager anticipation and hope for something that hasn't happened yet.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.