Inklingo

How to Say "persistence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

insistencia

een-sees-TEN-syahinsi’stensja

nounB1general
Use 'insistencia' when referring to the act of continuing to do something or demanding something, often despite difficulty or opposition.
A small child pointing repeatedly at a toy on a shelf while looking at their parent.

Examples

Su insistencia en practicar todos los días dio sus frutos.

His persistence in practicing every day 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.

supervivencia

soo-per-vee-VEN-seeahsuperbiˈβenθja

nounB1general
Use 'supervivencia' when 'persistence' refers to the state of continuing to exist or live, especially in challenging conditions.
A close-up illustration of a small, bright green sapling successfully growing out of a deep crack in dry, brown, cracked earth, symbolizing resilience and continued existence.

Examples

La persistencia de las antiguas tradiciones es admirable.

The persistence of ancient traditions is admirable.

La escasez de agua puso en peligro la supervivencia de la colonia.

The lack of water put the colony's survival in danger.

El instinto de supervivencia nos obliga a buscar refugio.

The instinct of survival forces us to seek shelter.

La pequeña empresa luchaba por su supervivencia en el mercado.

The small company was fighting for its survival in the market.

Feminine Noun Pattern

Most Spanish nouns that end in -encia (like 'supervivencia' or 'paciencia') are feminine, so they always use the articles 'la' or 'una'.

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Luchar a la supervivencia (Fighting *to* survival)”

Correction: Luchar por la supervivencia (Fighting *for* survival). Spanish uses 'por' to show the goal or objective of the fight.

Insistencia vs. Supervivencia

The most common mistake is using 'insistencia' when the meaning is about continued existence. Remember, 'insistencia' implies active effort or demand, while 'supervivencia' focuses on simply staying alive or existing.

Related Translations

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