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How to Say "momentum" in Spanish

English → Spanish

impulso

eem-POOL-sohimˈpulso

nounB1general
Use 'impulso' when referring to the force gained by movement, like the push needed to start or maintain motion.
A simplified human hand applying physical force to push a single, brightly colored wooden block across a flat surface.

Examples

El balón de fútbol necesitaba un buen impulso para cruzar la línea de gol.

The soccer ball needed a good push/force to cross the goal line.

Necesitas un buen impulso para saltar esa barrera.

You need a good push/spring to jump that barrier.

El cohete tomó impulso y se elevó al cielo.

The rocket gathered thrust and rose into the sky.

Physical Action

When describing physical action, 'impulso' refers to the initial, sudden force that sets something in motion.

dinámica

nounB1general
Choose 'dinámica' when talking about the underlying energy or driving force behind a process, situation, or group.

Examples

La dinámica de grupo cambió cuando llegó el nuevo líder.

The group's dynamics changed when the new leader arrived.

empuje

em-POO-hehemˈpu.xe

nounB1general
Use 'empuje' to describe the drive, push, or forward force of a person, project, or initiative.
A determined athlete sprinting forward with great energy.

Examples

El proyecto tiene mucho empuje y avanzará rápidamente.

The project has a lot of drive and will move forward quickly.

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).

momento

mo-MEN-tomoˈmento

nounB2general
Opt for 'momento' when referring to an opportune time or the right point in time to act, especially in contexts like sports, politics, or physics (as in 'moment').
A large boulder rolling down a hill, representing the concept of momentum and opportunity.

Examples

Este es el momento perfecto para invertir en la bolsa.

This is the perfect moment to invest in the stock market.

Es el momento de actuar y hacer un cambio.

This is the time (the opportune moment) to act and make a change.

El equipo perdió el momento y el otro equipo anotó.

The team lost momentum and the other team scored.

La decisión fue de gran momento para el futuro de la empresa.

The decision was of great importance for the company's future.

Physical force vs. Opportune time

Learners often confuse 'impulso', 'dinámica', and 'empuje' with 'momento'. Remember that 'impulso', 'dinámica', and 'empuje' relate to force, energy, or drive, while 'momento' refers to a specific point in time or an opportune occasion.

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