Inklingo

How to Say "impulse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

impulso

eem-POOL-sohimˈpulso

nounC1general
Use 'impulso' when referring to a sudden, spontaneous urge or desire to do something, often without much 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-tohˈpɾon.to

nounC1general
Choose 'pronto' to describe a sudden, intense, and often emotional outburst or urge, frequently associated with anger or strong feelings.
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.

moción

mo-SYOHNmoˈsjon

nounC1formal/technical
Use 'moción' for a more abstract or technical concept, like an internal nudge or a force that sets something in motion, rather than a personal urge.
A colorful bird mid-flight with its wings spread wide against a clear blue sky.

Examples

La ley de la moción perpetua es un concepto fascinante.

The law of perpetual motion is a fascinating concept.

Sintió una moción interna que le impulsó a ayudar.

He felt an internal impulse that drove him to help.

Abstract Movement

In this sense, 'moción' often refers to an abstract or internal movement rather than just walking or running.

Impulso vs. Pronto

Learners often confuse 'impulso' and 'pronto' because both can mean a sudden urge. Remember that 'impulso' is a general spontaneous desire, while 'pronto' typically implies a more intense, emotional, and sometimes negative outburst.

Related Translations

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