Inklingo

How to Say "power" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “power” is “poder” — use 'poder' for the general concept of influence, authority, or control, especially in abstract contexts like 'knowledge is power'..

poder🔊B1

Use 'poder' for the general concept of influence, authority, or control, especially in abstract contexts like 'knowledge is power'.

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energíaA2

Use 'energía' when referring to electricity supply or the general concept of energy, such as in renewable energy sources.

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electricidad🔊A1

Use 'electricidad' specifically for the utility or supply of electrical power that you pay for, like an electricity bill.

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fuerza🔊A2

Use 'fuerza' for physical might or strength, and also for the compelling influence or impact of something, like an argument.

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control🔊B1

Use 'control' when you mean direct influence over a situation, project, or outcome.

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potencia🔊B1

Use 'potencia' for mechanical capacity (like an engine's power) or physical strength, and in technical physics contexts.

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capacidad🔊B1

Use 'capacidad' for mental or physical ability or aptitude, the capacity to do something.

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facultad🔊B1

Use 'facultad' to mean the right or authority to do something, or the ability to perform a specific function, especially after loss.

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corriente🔊B1

Use 'corriente' as a common, informal term for electrical power supply.

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autoridad🔊A2

Use 'autoridad' to refer to the official right or power to give orders or make decisions.

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potencial🔊B2

Use 'potencial' to describe stored energy, often in a technical or scientific context, or latent ability.

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agencia🔊C1

Use 'agencia' to describe a person's capacity to act independently and make their own free choices, especially in a social or political context.

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virtud🔊C1

Use 'en virtud de' to mean 'by force of' or 'because of' a particular law, rule, or circumstance.

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brazos🔊B1

Use 'brazos' in the idiomatic phrase 'en los brazos de' to mean 'in the embrace of' or 'comforted by', not literal power.

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English → Spanish

poder

/poh-DEHR//poˈðeɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'poder' for the general concept of influence, authority, or control, especially in abstract contexts like 'knowledge is power'.
A single, majestic, glowing golden crown resting on a regal red velvet cushion, symbolizing authority and control.

Examples

El conocimiento es poder.

Knowledge is power.

El presidente tiene mucho poder.

The president has a lot of power.

Ella tiene el poder de cambiar las cosas.

She has the ability to change things.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-er' like a verb, when 'poder' is a noun, it's always masculine. So, remember to use 'el poder' or 'un poder'.

energía

nounA2general
Use 'energía' when referring to electricity supply or the general concept of energy, such as in renewable energy sources.

Examples

Necesitamos encontrar fuentes de energía más limpias.

We need to find cleaner energy sources.

electricidad

/eh-lek-trih-see-dahd//elek.tɾi.siˈðað/

nounA1general
Use 'electricidad' specifically for the utility or supply of electrical power that you pay for, like an electricity bill.
A glowing, stylized cartoon lightbulb connected to an energetic electrical current line, showing power transmission.

Examples

Necesito pagar la factura de la electricidad este mes.

I need to pay the electricity bill this month.

Cuando hay tormenta, a veces se va la electricidad.

When there is a storm, sometimes the power goes out.

Descubrieron cómo almacenar la electricidad de forma más eficiente.

They discovered how to store electricity more efficiently.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'electricidad' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la electricidad'. Nouns ending in -dad are almost always feminine.

Using 'luz' instead of 'electricidad'

Mistake: “La luz se fue.”

Correction: Se fue la electricidad. (While 'luz' is often used informally to mean power, 'electricidad' is the precise, broader term for the power supply when discussing technical aspects.)

fuerza

/FWER-sah//ˈfweɾ.θa/

nounA2general
Use 'fuerza' for physical might or strength, and also for the compelling influence or impact of something, like an argument.
A strong person straining to lift a large, heavy grey boulder high above their head, demonstrating physical strength.

Examples

No tengo la fuerza para levantar esa caja.

I don't have the strength to lift that box.

El viento soplaba con mucha fuerza.

The wind was blowing with a lot of force.

Para abrirlo, tienes que hacer fuerza.

To open it, you have to use force.

La fuerza de su argumento convenció a todos.

The force of his argument convinced everyone.

Always Feminine

Fuerza is a feminine word, so you'll always pair it with feminine words like 'la', 'una', 'mucha', or 'poca'. For example, 'la fuerza' (the strength) or 'mucha fuerza' (a lot of strength).

control

/kon-trol//konˈtɾol/

nounB1general
Use 'control' when you mean direct influence over a situation, project, or outcome.
A giant, powerful human hand gently but firmly holding and directing a small, colorful wooden toy block, symbolizing power and command.

Examples

El nuevo gerente tiene el control total del proyecto.

The new manager has total control of the project.

Es importante mantener el control en situaciones de estrés.

It's important to maintain control in stressful situations.

Perdió el control del coche en el hielo.

He lost control of the car on the ice.

Always Masculine

Even though it doesn't end in -o, 'control' is a masculine word. Always say 'el control' or 'un control', not 'la control'.

potencia

/poh-TEN-syah//poˈten.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'potencia' for mechanical capacity (like an engine's power) or physical strength, and in technical physics contexts.
A cartoon depiction of a massive, muscular arm easily lifting a large, heavy boulder with one hand, symbolizing physical strength.

Examples

El motor de este coche tiene mucha potencia.

This car's engine has a lot of power.

Necesitas más potencia para levantar esa caja pesada.

You need more strength to lift that heavy box.

La potencia de su voz llenó la sala de conciertos.

The power of her voice filled the concert hall.

La nueva potencia económica está emergiendo en Asia.

The new economic power is emerging in Asia.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a,' 'potencia' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la potencia' or 'una potencia'.

Math Usage

In math, you usually say 'elevado a la potencia de...' (raised to the power of...). For example, 'diez a la potencia de cinco' (ten to the power of five).

capacidad

/kah-pah-see-dahd//kapaˈsiðað/

nounB1general
Use 'capacidad' for mental or physical ability or aptitude, the capacity to do something.
A young person standing confidently while effortlessly juggling three brightly colored balls high in the air, demonstrating natural skill.

Examples

Tiene una gran capacidad para aprender idiomas rápidamente.

She has a great ability to learn languages quickly.

Dudo de mi capacidad para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

I doubt my capability to finish the project on time.

Todos tenemos la capacidad de cambiar nuestras vidas.

We all have the capacity (potential) to change our lives.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-d', 'capacidad' is always a feminine noun, so you use feminine articles: 'la capacidad', 'una capacidad'.

Using 'de' after

When talking about the ability to do something, use the preposition 'de' followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive): 'capacidad de trabajar' (ability to work).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El capacidad”

Correction: La capacidad. Remember most nouns ending in '-dad' are feminine.

facultad

fah-kool-TAHD/fa.kulˈtað/

nounB1general
Use 'facultad' to mean the right or authority to do something, or the ability to perform a specific function, especially after loss.
A simple illustration of a person skillfully juggling three bright red apples while standing on one leg, symbolizing capacity and ability.

Examples

Perdió la facultad de movimiento tras el accidente.

She lost the ability to move after the accident.

El director tiene la facultad de contratar y despedir personal.

The director has the power (or authority/right) to hire and fire staff.

La facultad de razonar es lo que nos distingue.

The capacity for reason is what distinguishes us.

Using 'Tener la facultad'

When talking about having the right or authority to do something, use 'tener la facultad de' followed by the action (in the infinitive form).

corriente

koh-rree-EN-teh/koˈrjente/

nounB1informal
Use 'corriente' as a common, informal term for electrical power supply.
A standard wall electrical outlet glowing brightly with yellow stylized lightning bolts radiating outward, representing power.

Examples

¿Puedes conectar esto a la corriente?

Can you plug this into the power/electricity?

Se fue la corriente por la tormenta.

The power went out because of the storm.

The Outlet

The word for the wall socket where you plug things in is often 'tomacorriente' (literally 'take current'), which helps reinforce this meaning.

Confusing Power

Mistake: “Using 'poder' to mean 'electrical power'.”

Correction: Use 'corriente' or 'electricidad'. 'Poder' means ability or authority.

autoridad

au-to-ri-DAD/aw.to.ɾiˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'autoridad' to refer to the official right or power to give orders or make decisions.
A person standing on a small pedestal holding a megaphone, symbolizing the power to give orders or authority.

Examples

El director tiene la autoridad de aprobar el presupuesto.

The director has the authority to approve the budget.

No tienes autoridad para decirme qué hacer.

You don't have the power/right to tell me what to do.

La ley le da autoridad al policía en ese momento.

The law gives the police officer authority at that moment.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -ad are feminine (like 'amistad' or 'ciudad'), 'autoridad' is a great reminder that you must always use the feminine articles: 'la autoridad', 'una autoridad'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El autoridad (Incorrect)”

Correction: La autoridad (Correct). Remember that -dad endings usually signal a feminine noun.

potencial

poh-ten-SYAL/po.tenˈsjal/

nounB2technical
Use 'potencial' to describe stored energy, often in a technical or scientific context, or latent ability.
A close-up illustration of a young, sturdy oak sapling with unusually large, deep roots extending downward into the soil, emphasizing its strong foundation for future growth.

Examples

El joven tiene un gran potencial para la música.

The young man has great potential for music.

Debemos aprovechar el potencial de la energía solar.

We must harness the potential of solar energy.

It's Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'capacity' or 'capability,' 'potencial' is always masculine: 'el potencial'.

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La potencial de la empresa.”

Correction: El potencial de la empresa. (Remember to use 'el' because 'potencial' as a noun is masculine.)

agencia

/a-HEN-sya//aˈxen.sja/

nounC1abstract
Use 'agencia' to describe a person's capacity to act independently and make their own free choices, especially in a social or political context.
A simplified illustration of a human hand firmly pushing down a large, red lever on a control panel, symbolizing the capacity to act or exert power.

Examples

Los trabajadores exigieron mayor agencia sobre cómo se organizaba la producción.

The workers demanded greater agency over how production was organized.

Perder la agencia sobre tu propio destino es aterrador.

Losing agency over your own destiny is terrifying.

Abstract Use

This advanced meaning is often found in combination with abstract concepts like 'moral,' 'política,' or 'económica' to discuss control within those areas.

virtud

/beer-TOOD//biɾˈtuð/

nounC1formal
Use 'en virtud de' to mean 'by force of' or 'because of' a particular law, rule, or circumstance.
A small green sprout growing through a crack in a heavy stone.

Examples

En virtud de la nueva ley, el contrato queda cancelado.

By virtue of the new law, the contract is cancelled.

brazos

BRAH-sohs/ˈbɾasos/

nounB1idiomatic
Use 'brazos' in the idiomatic phrase 'en los brazos de' to mean 'in the embrace of' or 'comforted by', not literal power.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two stylized figures wrapping their arms around each other in a comforting embrace.

Examples

Encontró consuelo en los brazos de su abuela.

She found comfort in her grandmother's embrace (or arms).

La joven cayó en los brazos de la delincuencia.

The young woman fell into the grasp (or power) of crime.

Electricity vs. General Power

A very common mistake is using 'poder' or 'fuerza' when you mean electricity. Always use 'electricidad' or 'energía' when talking about electrical supply, and 'corriente' for an informal reference to plugging something in.

Related Translations

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