Inklingo

How to Say "impetus" in Spanish

English → Spanish

impulso

/eem-POOL-soh//imˈpulso/

nounC2general
Use 'impulso' when referring to a driving force or momentum that promotes or stimulates a process, project, or activity.
A tiny green seedling rapidly shooting upwards out of the ground, illuminated by a single, stylized sunbeam, symbolizing a stimulus or boost.

Examples

El nuevo proyecto de ley dará un gran impulso al sector tecnológico.

The new bill will give a great boost to the technology sector.

La inversión extranjera fue un impulso vital para la economía local.

Foreign investment was a vital impetus for the local economy.

Formal Use

In formal language, 'impulso' is often used as a synonym for 'estímulo' (stimulus) when discussing policies or projects designed to help something grow.

motor

moh-TOHR/moˈtoɾ/

nounB2formal
Choose 'motor' when 'impetus' refers to the primary motivation, stimulus, or driving factor behind something, especially in a more formal or abstract context.
A stylized, brightly glowing central orb radiating powerful energy beams outward, symbolizing a driving force or motivation.

Examples

La innovación tecnológica es el motor de la economía moderna.

Technological innovation is the driving force of the modern economy.

Su pasión por la justicia fue el motor que impulsó toda su vida política.

His passion for justice was the motivation that drove his entire political life.

viento

bee-EHN-toh/ˈbjen.to/

nounB1idiomatic
Use 'viento' primarily in the idiomatic expression 'viento en popa' to mean that something is progressing smoothly and successfully, implying good momentum.
A small white sailboat speeding across dark blue water, its sail fully billowed by a powerful force, creating a visible wake.

Examples

Gracias a la nueva inversión, el proyecto va viento en popa.

Thanks to the new investment, the project is smooth sailing (going well).

El corredor iba a todo viento para ganar la carrera.

The runner was going at full speed to win the race.

Figurative Use

This meaning is almost always found inside the specific idioms listed. You rarely use 'viento' alone to mean 'speed' or 'news'.

Impulso vs. Motor

Learners often confuse 'impulso' and 'motor'. Remember that 'impulso' is more about a direct push or momentum, while 'motor' signifies a deeper, underlying cause or reason that drives something forward.

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