Inklingo

How to Say "initiative" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “initiative” is “iniciativa” — use this when referring to the ability to take charge, act independently, or be the first to do something, especially in social or professional contexts.

English → Spanish

iniciativa

ee-nee-syah-tee-bahiniθjaˈtiβa

nounB1general
Use this when referring to the ability to take charge, act independently, or be the first to do something, especially in social or professional contexts.
A small child reaching up to help an elderly person carry a basket.

Examples

Ella siempre toma la iniciativa en las reuniones.

She always takes the initiative in meetings.

Buscamos a alguien con iniciativa y ganas de trabajar.

We are looking for someone with drive and a desire to work.

Es una iniciativa para limpiar las playas.

It is an initiative to clean the beaches.

El gobierno lanzó una nueva iniciativa educativa.

The government launched a new educational initiative.

Always Feminine

Even though it starts with 'i', this word is always feminine. Use 'la iniciativa' or 'una iniciativa'.

Using 'a iniciativa de'

This phrase is used to say that something happened because a specific person suggested it. Example: 'A iniciativa de María, fuimos al cine' (At Maria's suggestion, we went to the movies).

Don't confuse with 'inicio'

Mistake: “El iniciativa del proyecto.”

Correction: La iniciativa del proyecto (or 'el inicio' if you mean the start).

iniciativa

nounB2general
Use this when referring to a specific project, plan, or organized effort aimed at achieving a particular goal.

Examples

Es una iniciativa para limpiar las playas.

It is an initiative to clean the beaches.

empuje

em-POO-hehemˈpu.xe

nounB1general
Use this when you want to highlight someone's strong drive, energy, and proactive spirit to get things started and moving forward.
A determined athlete sprinting forward with great energy.

Examples

Necesitamos a una persona con mucho empuje para liderar este equipo.

We need a person with a lot of drive to lead this team.

El empuje del agua rompió la pared de madera.

The push of the water broke the wooden wall.

Su carrera profesional ha cobrado un nuevo empuje este año.

His professional career has gained new momentum this year.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always masculine: 'el empuje'.

Noun vs. Action

Use 'empuje' to talk about the quality of being energetic or the general force of something. Use 'empujón' for a single, physical shove.

Empuje vs. Empujón

Mistake: “Me dio un empuje en la fila.”

Correction: Me dio un empujón en la fila. (Use 'empujón' for a physical shove by a person).

Iniciativa vs. Empuje

Learners often confuse 'iniciativa' and 'empuje'. Remember that 'iniciativa' can mean both taking charge and a specific project, while 'empuje' specifically refers to the drive or energy behind starting something.

Related Translations

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