Inklingo

How to Say "perseverance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

constancia

kons-TAHN-syah/konsˈtanθja/

nounB1general
Use 'constancia' when talking about maintaining a steady effort or commitment to something over a prolonged period, especially in the face of challenges.
A small plant growing through a crack in a hard stone surface.

Examples

Logró su meta gracias a su gran constancia.

He achieved his goal thanks to his great perseverance.

Estudio español con mucha constancia.

I study Spanish with great perseverance.

Su constancia en el gimnasio dio resultados.

Her consistency at the gym paid off.

La constancia es más importante que el talento.

Perseverance is more important than talent.

Using 'La' with Constancia

Even though it ends in 'a', just remember it is always a feminine word. Use 'la constancia' or 'mucha constancia'.

Paired with 'con'

To describe how someone does something, we often say 'con constancia' (with consistency) where English might use an adverb like 'consistently'.

Don't use it for soup!

Mistake: “La sopa tiene una constancia espesa.”

Correction: La sopa tiene una consistencia espesa. Use 'consistencia' for the physical texture of things, and 'constancia' for habits or records.

insistencia

/een-sees-TEN-syah//insi’stensja/

nounB1general
Use 'insistencia' when the focus is on repeatedly asking for something or pushing a particular point, often implying a degree of stubbornness or strong urging.
A small child pointing repeatedly at a toy on a shelf while looking at their parent.

Examples

Mi insistencia para que estudiaras dio frutos.

My insistence on you studying paid off.

Ante la insistencia de mi madre, fui al médico.

Because of my mother's insistence, I went to the doctor.

Tu insistencia dio resultados y conseguiste el trabajo.

Your persistence paid off and you got the job.

Perdona mi insistencia, pero todavía no tengo el informe.

Pardon my persistence, but I still don't have the report.

It's always feminine

Spanish words ending in '-encia' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word (e.g., 'la insistencia').

Connecting with 'de'

To say who is being insistent, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'la insistencia de mi jefe' means 'my boss's insistence.'

Using it as an action

Mistake: “Él tiene mucha insistencia para ir.”

Correction: Él insiste mucho en ir.

Constancia vs. Insistencia

Learners often confuse 'constancia' and 'insistencia' because both involve continuing something. Remember that 'constancia' is about steady, enduring effort towards a goal, while 'insistencia' is more about repeatedly demanding or pushing for something.

Related Translations

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