Inklingo

How to Say "intensity" in Spanish

English → Spanish

brillo

BREE-yoh/ˈbɾiʎo/

nounB1general
Use 'brillo' when referring to the intensity of intellectual thought, talent, or a strong, positive emotion like enthusiasm or passion.
An illustration of a character with a large, intensely bright, radiating star floating above their head, symbolizing a brilliant idea or intellectual insight.

Examples

El joven escritor mostró un brillo intelectual que sorprendió a todos.

The young writer showed an intellectual brilliance that surprised everyone.

La actriz actuó con un brillo inigualable en el escenario.

The actress performed with unparalleled brilliance (or intensity) on stage.

Figurative Use

Think of this meaning as describing someone or something that 'shines' or stands out because of its quality or skill.

violencia

/byo-LEN-sya//bjoˈlensja/

nounB1general
Use 'violencia' to describe the intensity of a destructive natural event, like a storm or earthquake, or the intensity of aggressive action.
A high quality storybook illustration of a small, sad figure sitting alone on the floor, hugging their knees. A large, jagged crack runs down the brightly colored wall behind them, symbolizing trauma or harm.

Examples

La policía actuó con violencia para dispersar la manifestación.

The police acted with violence to disperse the demonstration.

Hay que combatir la violencia de género con educación y leyes estrictas.

Gender violence must be fought with education and strict laws.

La violencia de la tormenta causó daños severos en la costa.

The intensity of the storm caused severe damage on the coast.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'violencia' is a feminine noun, so you must use the feminine article 'la' or adjectives that end in '-a' with it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El violencia”

Correction: La violencia. Remember abstract nouns ending in '-cia' are almost always feminine.

furia

FOO-ree-ah/ˈfuɾja/

nounB2general
Use 'furia' to describe the intense force or speed of something powerful and often destructive, such as a storm, an attack, or a strong emotion like rage.
A powerful, turbulent ocean wave crashing forcefully against a dark rock formation under a stormy sky, symbolizing the raw intensity of nature.

Examples

La furia del huracán dejó la costa devastada.

The force (or fury) of the hurricane left the coast devastated.

El atleta corrió con furia para alcanzar la meta.

The athlete ran with intense speed/intensity to reach the finish line.

Figurative Use

When applied to nature (wind, sea, storm), 'furia' emphasizes the destructive and uncontrolled power, similar to how we use 'fury' in English literary contexts.

Intensity of Natural Phenomena

Learners often confuse 'violencia' and 'furia' when describing natural events. While both can imply destructive intensity, 'violencia' leans towards aggression or brutality, whereas 'furia' emphasizes raw, untamed power and speed.

Related Translations

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