How to Say "motion" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “motion” is “movimiento” — use this word for the general state of being in movement or a physical action of the body.
movimiento
moh-vee-mee-EHN-tohmo.βiˈmjen.to
Examples
Hizo un movimiento brusco y se cayó.
He made a sudden movement and fell down.
Necesitas más movimiento para ejercitar los músculos.
You need more motion to exercise your muscles.
Los movimientos de la gimnasta fueron perfectos.
The gymnast's movements were perfect.
Use with 'Hacer'
To talk about performing a single action or gesture, Spanish often uses the verb 'hacer' (to make/do) with 'movimiento': 'Hacer un movimiento' (To make a movement).
gesto
HES-tohˈxes.to
Examples
Hizo un gesto de dolor al tocarse la rodilla.
He made a gesture of pain when he touched his knee.
Con un gesto, el camarero nos indicó que la mesa estaba lista.
With a gesture, the waiter indicated to us that the table was ready.
Su gesto de sorpresa era tan cómico que todos reímos.
His expression of surprise was so comical that we all laughed.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'gesto' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el gesto' (the gesture).
Pronouncing the 'G'
Mistake: “Pronouncing the 'g' like the English 'g' in 'go' ('ges-toh').”
Correction: The correct sound is the strong Spanish 'j' sound, like the English 'h' in 'hello' ('HES-toh').
moción
mo-SYOHNmoˈsjon
Examples
El concejal presentó una moción para construir una nueva biblioteca.
The councilman presented a motion to build a new library.
La moción de censura contra el presidente no tuvo éxito.
The motion of no confidence against the president was not successful.
Solicito una moción de orden para aclarar este punto.
I request a point of order to clarify this point.
Always Feminine
Words ending in '-ción' are almost always feminine in Spanish. Use 'la' and 'una' with them.
Making Proposals
In Spanish, you 'present' (presentar) or 'submit' (someter) a motion, just like you would with a formal document.
Confusing with 'Emotion'
Mistake: “Me dio mucha moción verte.”
Correction: Me dio mucha emoción verte.
incidente
in-see-DEN-tehin.siˈðen.te
Examples
El abogado presentó un incidente sobre la validez de las pruebas.
The lawyer presented a procedural matter regarding the validity of the evidence.
La corte debe resolver primero este incidente antes de continuar el juicio.
The court must resolve this side issue first before continuing the trial.
Movement vs. Proposal
Related Translations
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