Inklingo

How to Say "passionate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “passionate” is “ardiendo” — use 'ardiendo' to describe a physical sensation of intense heat, often related to fever or a burning feeling..

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ardiendo

/ar-DYEN-doh//aɾˈðjen̪.do/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ardiendo' to describe a physical sensation of intense heat, often related to fever or a burning feeling.
A simple illustration of a person's face (or child's face) with rosy red cheeks and visible sweat droplets, conveying the feeling of having a high fever or being burning hot.

Examples

Tenía la frente ardiendo por la fiebre.

His forehead was burning hot from the fever.

Sus palabras estaban ardiendo de rabia.

His words were blazing with rage (were full of intense anger).

El sol estaba ardiendo al mediodía.

The sun was scorching (burning hot) at noon.

Describing Intensity

When used as an adjective, 'ardiendo' often emphasizes extreme heat or extreme emotion, acting like an intensifier for the noun it modifies.

caliente

/ka-lyen-te//kaˈljente/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'caliente' to describe a person's temperament as hot-blooded, quick to anger, or lively.
A simple storybook illustration of a character with a strong blush and a large, stylized red heart floating above their head, symbolizing intense desire.

Examples

Es una persona de sangre caliente, se enoja con facilidad.

He's a hot-blooded person, he gets angry easily.

El entrenador se puso caliente con el árbitro por la mala decisión.

The coach got angry with the referee for the bad call.

En la película, el personaje principal es un amante muy caliente y apasionado.

In the movie, the main character is a very hot and passionate lover.

intenso

een-TEHN-soh/inˈtenso/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'intenso' to describe strong, deep feelings or a person who experiences emotions very deeply.
A child sitting at a small table, deeply engrossed and concentrating intensely on drawing a picture with a bright red crayon.

Examples

Ella tiene sentimientos muy intensos sobre la justicia social.

She has very intense feelings about social justice.

Es una persona muy intensa; siempre está pensando en el futuro.

He is a very intense person; he's always thinking about the future (meaning deeply focused/serious).

Tuvieron un debate intenso sobre política.

They had an intense debate about politics.

Using Ser vs. Estar

Since 'intenso' usually describes a core characteristic (like a personality trait or inherent strength), it almost always uses the verb 'ser' (e.g., 'Ella es intensa').

encendido

en-sen-DEE-doh/ensenˈdiðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'encendido' to describe a discussion, argument, or atmosphere that is heated and lively.
Two simplified characters facing each other closely, both having red faces and small plumes of smoke or steam rising from their heads, illustrating an intense, heated argument.

Examples

Tuvieron una discusión muy encendida sobre política.

They had a very heated discussion about politics.

Su rostro estaba encendido por la vergüenza.

Her face was flushed (red) with shame.

Figurative Meaning

Just like a fire can be 'lit,' emotions or arguments can be 'lit up' or 'heated.' This meaning is used for intense feelings or discussions.

ardiente

ar-DYEN-teh/aɾˈðjen.te/

adjectiveC1general
Use 'ardiente' to describe strong emotions, desires, or enthusiasm, often with a sense of fervor.
A simple, stylized red heart that appears to be glowing intensely and radiating warmth or passion.

Examples

Mostró un deseo ardiente de ganar la competencia.

He showed a passionate desire to win the competition.

Ella es una defensora ardiente de los derechos humanos.

She is a fervent/passionate defender of human rights.

Gender Invariable

This adjective always ends in '-e', meaning it describes both masculine nouns (deseo ardiente) and feminine nouns (pasión ardiente) without changing.

Mistaking Physical Heat for Emotional Intensity

Learners often confuse 'ardiendo' (burning with heat) with words describing emotional passion. Remember that 'ardiendo' is primarily for physical sensations of heat, like a fever, while words like 'ardiente' or 'intenso' are better for strong emotions or desires.

Related Translations

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