How to Say "passionate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “passionate” is “apasionado” — use this word when describing someone who has or shows strong feelings, enthusiasm, or a deep interest in something, like a hobby, a cause, or a person.
apasionado
ah-pah-syoh-NAH-dohapasjoˈnaðo
Examples
Ella es una artista apasionada por su trabajo.
She is an artist passionate about her work.
Él es un defensor apasionado de los derechos humanos.
He is a passionate defender of human rights.
Tuvieron un encuentro apasionado después de muchos años.
They had a passionate encounter after many years.
Ella es muy apasionada con todo lo que hace.
She is very passionate about everything she does.
Matching Gender and Number
This word must change to match the person it describes. Use 'apasionado' for a man, 'apasionada' for a woman, and 'apasionados/as' for groups.
Using with 'Ser'
Use 'ser' when describing someone's personality (e.g., 'Él es apasionado'). Use 'estar' if you are describing a temporary state or how someone is acting in a specific moment.
Passionate vs. Exciting
Mistake: “Using 'apasionado' to describe a movie or a book.”
Correction: Use 'apasionante' for things that cause passion (like a book) and 'apasionado' for the person who feels it.
intenso
een-TEHN-sohinˈtenso
Examples
Sufrió una pérdida intensa que cambió su vida.
He suffered an intense loss that changed his life.
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').
ardiente
ar-DYEN-tehaɾˈðjen.te
Examples
Tenía un anhelo ardiente de explorar el mundo.
He had a passionate desire to explore the world.
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.
encendido
en-sen-DEE-dohensenˈdiðo
Examples
Tuvieron una conversación encendida sobre sus diferencias.
They had a passionate conversation about their differences.
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.
caliente
ka-lyen-tekaˈljente
Examples
No discutas con él cuando está caliente.
Don't argue with him when he's hot-tempered.
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.
ardiendo
ar-DYEN-dohaɾˈðjen̪.do
Examples
Su piel estaba ardiendo por el sol.
His skin was burning hot from the sun.
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.
Choosing Between 'Apasionado' and 'Ardiente'
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.