Inklingo

How to Say "exercise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ejercicio

eh-hehr-SEE-seeoh/e.xerˈsi.sjo/

nounA1/A2/B2general/formal
Use 'ejercicio' for general physical activity, academic problems or drills, or the formal practice of a right or duty.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a happy stick figure running on a green path under a blue sky, representing physical exercise.

Examples

Hacer ejercicio por la mañana me da mucha energía.

Exercising in the morning gives me a lot of energy.

Necesitas más ejercicio para mantenerte en forma.

You need more exercise to stay in shape.

El profesor nos mandó diez ejercicios de gramática para mañana.

The teacher assigned us ten grammar exercises for tomorrow.

Este ejercicio de matemáticas es muy difícil.

This math problem is very difficult.

Always Masculine

Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' with this word: 'el ejercicio' (the exercise), even though it ends in '-o'.

Formal Construction

In this formal sense, 'ejercicio' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' and then a specific abstract noun (e.g., 'el ejercicio de la autoridad').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hago deporte/practico deporte (instead of 'hacer ejercicio').”

Correction: While 'deporte' is related, the most natural way to say 'to exercise' is 'hacer ejercicio'.

gimnasia

heem-NAH-syah/ximˈnasja/

nounA1general
Use 'gimnasia' specifically for physical activity aimed at fitness and staying in shape, often implying a routine.
A person in colorful athletic wear doing a jumping jack in a bright room.

Examples

Hago gimnasia todas las mañanas para mantenerme en forma.

I do exercise every morning to stay in shape.

Mi hija practica gimnasia rítmica en el club.

My daughter practices rhythmic gymnastics at the club.

Hoy tenemos clase de gimnasia a las diez.

Today we have PE class at ten.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la gimnasia).

Activity vs. Location

Mistake: “Voy a la gimnasia para levantar pesas.”

Correction: Voy al gimnasio para levantar pesas.

problema

/pro-BLEH-mah//pɾoˈβle.ma/

nounA2academic
Use 'problema' when referring to a specific task or question, especially in academic contexts like math or grammar.
A child's hand successfully placing the final piece into a simple, colorful wooden block puzzle on a clean surface.

Examples

No entiendo este problema de matemáticas.

I don't understand this math problem.

El profesor nos dio diez problemas para resolver en casa.

The teacher gave us ten problems to solve at home.

El libro plantea un problema filosófico muy interesante.

The book poses a very interesting philosophical problem.

Ejercicio vs. Problema for Academic Tasks

Learners often confuse 'ejercicio' and 'problema' for academic tasks. While 'ejercicio' can be used for drills, 'problema' is more common for specific questions or challenges, like in math or science.

Related Translations

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