Inklingo

How to Say "motion" in Spanish

English → Spanish

movimiento

moh-vee-mee-EHN-toh/mo.βiˈmjen.to/

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to the physical act or state of moving, such as a body part or an object changing position.
A red ball mid-roll across a bright green field, depicted with simple motion lines indicating speed and change of position.

Examples

El tren inició su movimiento lentamente.

The train began its movement slowly.

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-toh/ˈxes.to/

nounA2general
Use this word to describe a deliberate physical action or movement of the hands, head, or body that conveys a meaning or expresses an emotion.
A simple cartoon illustration of a single hand giving a thumbs up sign, representing a physical gesture.

Examples

Hizo un gesto para pedir silencio.

He made a gesture to ask for silence.

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').

incidente

in-see-DEN-teh/in.siˈðen.te/

nounC1formal
Use this word specifically in a legal or formal procedural context to refer to a proposal or action submitted to a court.
An illustration showing a wide, straight gray path representing a procedure that is forced to detour slightly around a small, distinct red block placed in the middle, symbolizing a procedural side issue.

Examples

Se presentó un incidente para detener el proceso.

A motion was filed to stop the proceedings.

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.

Confusing 'movimiento' and 'gesto'

Learners often confuse 'movimiento' and 'gesto'. Remember that 'movimiento' refers to any physical movement or change in position, while 'gesto' specifically implies a meaningful or expressive bodily action, often with the hands or face.

Related Translations

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