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How to Say "intuition" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “intuition” is “intuición” — use 'intuición' when referring to the general ability to understand or know something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.

English → Spanish

intuición

nounB1general
Use 'intuición' when referring to the general ability to understand or know something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.

Examples

Mi intuición me dice que algo no va bien.

My intuition tells me that something is not right.

corazonada

ko-ra-so-NA-dakoɾasoˈnaða

nounB1general
Choose 'corazonada' for a specific feeling or hunch about a future event or situation, often without any logical basis.
A person standing at a fork in a forest path, looking towards one trail with a soft, warm glow emanating from their chest.

Examples

Tuve la corazonada de que vendrías hoy.

I had a hunch that you would come today.

Siempre sigo mi corazonada cuando conozco a alguien nuevo.

I always follow my gut feeling when I meet someone new.

Fue una simple corazonada la que me hizo comprar el billete de lotería.

It was a simple hunch that made me buy the lottery ticket.

Using 'Tener' with Corazonada

Just like in English we 'have' a hunch, in Spanish you almost always use 'tener' (to have) or 'seguir' (to follow) with this word.

The Gender of Intuition

This word is always feminine ('la corazonada'), even if a man is the one having the feeling.

Avoid literal 'Heart' meanings

Mistake: “Me duele la corazonada.”

Correction: Me duele el corazón.

instinto

een-STEEN-tohinˈstinto

nounB2general
Use 'instinto' to describe a more primal, animal-like, or deeply ingrained gut feeling that guides your actions.
A young child standing still, gently holding their hand over their stomach, which emits a faint, soft yellow glow, symbolizing intuition or a 'gut feeling.'

Examples

Mi instinto me dice que esta inversión es un error.

My gut feeling tells me this investment is a mistake.

Ella tiene un buen instinto para los negocios.

She has good intuition for business.

olfato

ohl-FAH-toholˈfato

nounB2informal, general
Employ 'olfato' when referring to a natural talent or keen sense for detecting or understanding something, especially in a professional or practical context.
A detective holding a magnifying glass, looking at a single glowing gold coin on the ground.

Examples

Ella tiene un gran olfato para los negocios.

She has a great nose for business.

Mi olfato me dice que esta oferta es una trampa.

My gut tells me this offer is a trap.

El detective usó su olfato para resolver el caso.

The detective used his intuition to solve the case.

Figurative Use

Just like in English we say someone has a 'nose for news,' Spanish uses the literal word for the sense of smell to describe instinct.

Using 'nariz' instead

Mistake: “Tiene una buena nariz para el dinero.”

Correction: Tiene un buen olfato para el dinero. (While 'nariz' is the physical body part, 'olfato' is the talent).

Intuición vs. Corazonada vs. Instinto

Learners often confuse 'intuición', 'corazonada', and 'instinto'. Remember that 'intuición' is the general ability, 'corazonada' is a specific hunch about something that might happen, and 'instinto' is a deeper, more primal gut feeling.

Related Translations

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