Inklingo

How to Say "influence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “influence” is “influencia” — use 'influencia' when referring to having the power to affect someone's decisions, actions, or opinions, similar to the English word 'influence'..

influencia🔊A2

Use 'influencia' when referring to having the power to affect someone's decisions, actions, or opinions, similar to the English word 'influence'.

{ui.learnMore}
factor🔊A2

Choose 'factor' when referring to a specific element or cause that contributes to a particular result or situation.

{ui.learnMore}
impacto🔊B1

Use 'impacto' to describe a strong effect or the power to cause significant change, often used for events or actions with noticeable consequences.

{ui.learnMore}
fuerza🔊B1

Employ 'fuerza' when the 'influence' is perceived as a powerful impact or sway that persuades or convinces others.

{ui.learnMore}
mueven🔊B1

Use 'mueven' (from mover) when describing how something (like a social issue) motivates or causes people to take action or react.

{ui.learnMore}
brazo🔊B2

Utilize 'brazo' metaphorically to refer to manpower or the ability to exert influence through human resources or authority.

{ui.learnMore}
palanca🔊B2

Use 'palanca' to talk about having connections, pull, or leverage that gives you an advantage in influencing decisions or getting opportunities.

{ui.learnMore}
mueva🔊B2

Use 'mueva' (from mover) when referring to the capacity of something (like art or an idea) to stir emotions, consciences, or provoke thought.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

influencia

een-floo-EN-see-ah/in.fluˈen.sja/

nounA2general
Use 'influencia' when referring to having the power to affect someone's decisions, actions, or opinions, similar to the English word 'influence'.
A small, simple figure is standing at a fork in the road, appearing indecisive. A large, softly glowing, disembodied hand hovers behind the figure, gently nudging or directing the figure toward the path on the right.

Examples

Mi hermana tiene mucha influencia en mis gustos musicales.

My sister has a lot of influence on my musical tastes.

La influencia de las redes sociales es innegable hoy en día.

The influence of social media is undeniable nowadays.

El director ejerció su influencia para cambiar la fecha de la reunión.

The director exerted his influence to change the meeting date.

Always Feminine

Since 'influencia' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun. You must always use 'la' or 'una' before it (e.g., la influencia, mucha influencia).

Prepositions with Influence

Mistake: “La influencia *en* mis amigos (using 'en' when talking about the effect on people)”

Correction: La influencia *sobre* mis amigos (or *en* works, but *sobre* is often preferred when describing influence directed at something/someone).

factor

fahk-TOHR/fakˈtoɾ/

nounA2general
Choose 'factor' when referring to a specific element or cause that contributes to a particular result or situation.
A single puzzle piece being placed into a larger puzzle to complete a picture.

Examples

El clima es un factor importante en este viaje.

The weather is an important factor on this trip.

Hay varios factores que debemos considerar.

There are several factors we must consider.

El factor suerte ayudó mucho al equipo.

The luck factor helped the team a lot.

Easy Cognate

This word is a 'perfect cognate,' meaning it looks and means the same thing in both Spanish and English. Just remember to stress the last syllable (TOHR).

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “la factor”

Correction: el factor. Even though it doesn't end in 'o', it is a masculine noun.

impacto

/eem-PAHK-toh//imˈpakto/

nounB1general
Use 'impacto' to describe a strong effect or the power to cause significant change, often used for events or actions with noticeable consequences.
A small figure planting a tiny seed in the ground, which instantly grows into a huge, radiant, colorful tree, symbolizing influence and effect.

Examples

La campaña de marketing tuvo un impacto enorme en las ventas.

The marketing campaign had an enormous impact on sales.

El impacto ambiental del proyecto es nuestra mayor preocupación.

The environmental impact of the project is our biggest concern.

¿Cuál fue el impacto de la crisis económica en la región?

What was the impact of the economic crisis in the region?

Always Masculine

Remember that 'impacto' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Using 'impacto' as a verb

Mistake: “La noticia me impacto mucho.”

Correction: La noticia me impactó mucho. (Use the correct verb form: 'impactar'.)

fuerza

/FWER-sah//ˈfweɾ.θa/

nounB1general
Employ 'fuerza' when the 'influence' is perceived as a powerful impact or sway that persuades or convinces others.
A determined young person walks resolutely down a path, ignoring a colossal, distracting stack of delicious chocolate pastries placed directly beside them, symbolizing willpower.

Examples

La fuerza de su argumento convenció a todos.

The force of his argument convinced everyone.

La nueva ley entrará en fuerza la próxima semana.

The new law will come into force next week.

Necesitas mucha fuerza de voluntad para dejar de fumar.

You need a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

mueven

MWEH-vehn/ˈmwe.βen/

verbB1general
Use 'mueven' (from mover) when describing how something (like a social issue) motivates or causes people to take action or react.
An energetic cartoon character standing next to a hesitant character, pointing encouragingly toward the top of a steep, green hill, inspiring them to start climbing.

Examples

Las injusticias sociales mueven a los ciudadanos a protestar.

Social injustices motivate the citizens to protest.

Sus palabras siempre me mueven; son muy inspiradoras.

Their words always move me; they are very inspiring.

Ellos mueven grandes cantidades de dinero en la bolsa.

They move (manage/handle) large amounts of money on the stock market.

Confusing Action and Feeling

Mistake: “Me mueven mucho estas películas. (Literal: These movies move me physically.)”

Correction: Me conmueven mucho estas películas. (Using 'conmover' is clearer for emotional impact, though 'mover' is also acceptable in certain contexts.)

brazo

BRAH-soh/ˈbɾaθo/

nounB2general
Utilize 'brazo' metaphorically to refer to manpower or the ability to exert influence through human resources or authority.
A storybook illustration showing a massive, stylized hand hovering protectively above a tiny, brightly colored village nestled in a valley, representing authority or influence.

Examples

Necesitamos más brazos para terminar la cosecha antes de la lluvia.

We need more hands (manpower) to finish the harvest before the rain.

La policía representa el brazo de la ley en la ciudad.

The police represent the arm (power/force) of the law in the city.

Ella es mi brazo derecho en la oficina.

She is my right-hand man/woman in the office.

palanca

/pah-LAHN-kah//paˈlaŋka/

nounB2informal
Use 'palanca' to talk about having connections, pull, or leverage that gives you an advantage in influencing decisions or getting opportunities.
A person standing on a tall platform reaching down to help another person up to their level.

Examples

Entró en esa empresa porque tiene mucha palanca.

He got into that company because he has a lot of pull/connections.

Sin palanca es difícil conseguir los permisos rápido.

Without influence, it is hard to get the permits quickly.

Palanca vs. Enchufe

Mistake: “Using 'enchufe' in Mexico to mean influence.”

Correction: Use 'palanca' in Latin America for more natural-sounding slang.

mueva

MWEH-vah/ˈmwe.βa/

verbB2general
Use 'mueva' (from mover) when referring to the capacity of something (like art or an idea) to stir emotions, consciences, or provoke thought.
A cheerful cartoon character is gently stirring a bowl filled with brightly colored, swirling liquid using a wooden spoon, symbolizing the stirring of emotions or feelings.

Examples

Ojalá que esta película mueva conciencias sobre el tema.

Hopefully this movie stirs consciences about the issue.

No creo que su súplica mueva al juez.

I don't think his plea will move (influence) the judge.

Subjunctive for Influence

When using 'mover' to mean influence or emotional impact, it almost always requires the special verb form ('mueva') because it expresses uncertainty, emotion, or desire, not a simple fact.

Choosing Between 'Influencia' and 'Impacto'

Learners often confuse 'influencia' and 'impacto'. Use 'influencia' for the power to sway opinions or decisions, like a person's influence. Use 'impacto' for a stronger, more noticeable effect or consequence, like the impact of an event.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.