Inklingo

How to Say "insistence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empeño

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to the persistent effort, dedication, or strong will someone puts into achieving a goal or idea.

Examples

Puso mucho empeño en su proyecto de ciencias.

He put a lot of insistence/effort into his science project.

insistencia

/een-sees-TEN-syah//insi’stensja/

nounB1general
Use this word to describe the act of repeatedly demanding, asking for, or urging something, often to the point of annoyance or persistence.
A small child pointing repeatedly at a toy on a shelf while looking at their parent.

Examples

La insistencia del vendedor me convenció de comprar el producto.

The seller's insistence convinced me to buy the product.

Ante la insistencia de mi madre, fui al médico.

Because of my mother's insistence, I went to the doctor.

Tu insistencia dio resultados y conseguiste el trabajo.

Your persistence paid off and you got the job.

Perdona mi insistencia, pero todavía no tengo el informe.

Pardon my persistence, but I still don't have the report.

It's always feminine

Spanish words ending in '-encia' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word (e.g., 'la insistencia').

Connecting with 'de'

To say who is being insistent, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'la insistencia de mi jefe' means 'my boss's insistence.'

Using it as an action

Mistake: “Él tiene mucha insistencia para ir.”

Correction: Él insiste mucho en ir.

Effort vs. Demand

Learners often confuse "empeño" and "insistencia" by using them interchangeably. Remember that "empeño" is about the effort you put into something, while "insistencia" is about repeatedly asking for or demanding something from others.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.