Inklingo

How to Say "passion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “passion” is “pasión” — use this word for a strong enthusiasm or deep interest in a hobby, subject, or activity, or for intense romantic or sexual love..

pasión🔊A2

Use this word for a strong enthusiasm or deep interest in a hobby, subject, or activity, or for intense romantic or sexual love.

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entusiasmo🔊A2

Choose this word when referring to a general, deep, and strong feeling of excitement or eagerness about something.

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calor🔊B1

Use 'calor' to describe the emotional intensity or fervor someone puts into an action or performance.

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fiebre🔊B1

Employ this word to denote a widespread, strong desire or craze for something, like a trend or popular item.

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fuego🔊B2

This word implies a powerful, almost fiery emotion or intensity, often used metaphorically for strong conviction or spirit.

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amor🔊A1

While 'amor' primarily means 'love,' it can sometimes imply a deep enthusiasm or devotion, particularly in contexts like a mother's love for her child.

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English → Spanish

pasión

pah-SYOHN/paˈsjon/

nounA2general
Use this word for a strong enthusiasm or deep interest in a hobby, subject, or activity, or for intense romantic or sexual love.
A joyful artist painting a landscape on an easel with enthusiasm, illustrating strong enthusiasm or interest.

Examples

Mi mayor pasión es viajar por Latinoamérica.

My greatest passion is traveling through Latin America.

Puso mucha pasión en el proyecto y lo terminó a tiempo.

She put a lot of enthusiasm into the project and finished it on time.

El fútbol es la pasión de mi vida.

Soccer is the passion of my life.

La pasión entre ellos era evidente para todos.

The passion between them was obvious to everyone.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-ón', 'pasión' is a feminine noun, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El pasión por la música.”

Correction: La pasión por la música. (Remember to use 'la' because 'pasión' is feminine.)

entusiasmo

/en-too-see-AHZ-moh//entuˈsjázmo/

nounA2general
Choose this word when referring to a general, deep, and strong feeling of excitement or eagerness about something.
A joyful child airborne, jumping high with arms raised and a wide smile, surrounded by simple radiating energy lines on a bright, plain background.

Examples

Estudio español con mucho entusiasmo.

I study Spanish with a lot of enthusiasm.

Su entusiasmo por el nuevo proyecto es contagioso.

His excitement for the new project is contagious.

El equipo perdió el entusiasmo después de la primera derrota.

The team lost all enthusiasm after the first defeat.

Masculine Noun Reminder

'Entusiasmo' is a masculine noun, so always use the masculine article 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el entusiasmo', never 'la entusiasmo'.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Habló *de* entusiasmo.”

Correction: Habló *con* entusiasmo. (Use 'con' to mean 'with enthusiasm' or 'with excitement'.)

calor

/kah-LOR//kaˈloɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'calor' to describe the emotional intensity or fervor someone puts into an action or performance.
A stylized depiction of a human silhouette with a glowing, fiery red and orange heart emanating intense energy waves from the chest, symbolizing emotional passion.

Examples

Puso mucho calor en su presentación, y todos aplaudieron.

He put a lot of passion into his presentation, and everyone applauded.

Nos recibieron con gran calor humano.

They welcomed us with great human warmth/kindness.

El calor del debate era palpable.

The fervor (intensity) of the debate was palpable.

Figurative Use

In this context, 'calor' moves from physical temperature to emotional temperature, indicating high energy or intensity.

fiebre

fee-EH-breh/'fje.βɾe/

nounB1general
Employ this word to denote a widespread, strong desire or craze for something, like a trend or popular item.
A large crowd of people running excitedly with hands outstretched towards a single, attractive, brightly colored object floating in the distance, illustrating mass enthusiasm.

Examples

Hay una fiebre por las zapatillas deportivas en este barrio.

There is a craze for athletic shoes in this neighborhood.

La fiebre del Mundial de fútbol se siente en todas partes.

The World Cup fever is felt everywhere.

Muchos se mudaron a California durante la fiebre del oro.

Many people moved to California during the gold rush (gold fever).

Connecting the Craze

When using 'fiebre' to mean 'craze,' you usually connect it to the object of interest using the preposition 'por' (for) or 'de' (of/the).

fuego

/fwe-go//ˈfwe.ɣo/

nounB2general
This word implies a powerful, almost fiery emotion or intensity, often used metaphorically for strong conviction or spirit.
A person speaking or singing with intense energy, symbolized by a stylized flame radiating from their chest, representing passion.

Examples

Habló con el fuego de un verdadero líder.

He spoke with the passion of a true leader.

Tenía fuego en la mirada.

She had a fire in her eyes.

amor

/ah-mor//aˈmoɾ/

nounA1general
While 'amor' primarily means 'love,' it can sometimes imply a deep enthusiasm or devotion, particularly in contexts like a mother's love for her child.
A heartwarming depiction of a mother gently embracing her young child, illustrating deep affection and unconditional love.

Examples

El amor de una madre es incondicional.

A mother's love is unconditional.

Siento un gran amor por ti.

I feel a great love for you.

Tiene un amor increíble por la música clásica.

He has an incredible love for classical music.

Always Masculine: 'el amor'

Even when you're talking about love for a woman or something seen as feminine, the word 'amor' itself is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el amor' (the love) or 'un amor' (a love).

Using 'amor' for Everyday 'Likes'

Mistake: “Tengo amor por la pizza.”

Correction: Me encanta la pizza. 'Amor' is a very strong word, usually saved for people, pets, or deep passions like art or music. For everyday things you enjoy, even a lot, it's more natural to use 'me gusta' (I like) or 'me encanta' (I love/adore).

Pasión vs. Entusiasmo

The most common confusion is between 'pasión' and 'entusiasmo.' While both convey strong feeling, 'pasión' often implies a deeper, more consuming interest or even romantic love, whereas 'entusiasmo' is a more general, outward display of excitement.

Related Translations

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