Inklingo

How to Say "impulse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

impulso

/eem-POOL-soh//imˈpulso/

nounC1general
Use 'impulso' when referring to a general sudden urge or motivation, especially for actions like buying or making a decision, often without deep thought.
A simplified character suddenly jumping up from a chair, driven by a sudden urge for a cupcake on a table.

Examples

Compró el coche por un impulso, sin pensarlo mucho.

He bought the car on an impulse, without thinking about it much.

Sentí el impulso de levantarme y aplaudir.

I felt the urge to stand up and applaud.

Using Prepositions

When talking about acting on a sudden urge, Spanish uses the preposition 'por' (by/for) or 'de' (of): 'Actué por impulso' or 'Tuve el impulso de llamar.'

Confusing 'Impulso' and 'Impulsividad'

Mistake: “Using 'impulsividad' when referring to a single action.”

Correction: 'Impulsividad' is the personality trait (being impulsive), while 'impulso' is the singular action or feeling that leads to the act. Say: 'Fue un impulso' (It was an impulse).

pronto

/PRON-toh//ˈpɾon.to/

nounC1general
Use 'pronto' specifically to describe a sudden, strong, and often brief outburst of emotion or behavior, like anger or excitement.
A solid, smooth, blue ceramic vase suddenly and sharply erupting with a contained, bright orange and yellow visual burst of light and energy from its top.

Examples

En un pronto de ira, golpeó la mesa.

In an outburst of anger, he hit the table.

Le dio un pronto y decidió viajar por el mundo.

He had a sudden impulse and decided to travel the world.

Impulso vs. Pronto

Learners often confuse 'impulso' and 'pronto' because both can describe sudden urges. Remember that 'impulso' is broader and often relates to decisions or purchases, while 'pronto' is typically reserved for sudden, intense emotional reactions or outbursts.

Related Translations

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