Inklingo

How to Say "stimulus" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estímulo

nounB1, B2general
Use 'estímulo' when referring to a general boost, especially in economic or financial contexts, or for a physical/biological reaction to an external factor.

Examples

El gobierno implementó un estímulo fiscal para reactivar la economía.

The government implemented a fiscal stimulus to reactivate the economy.

incentivo

/in-sen-TEE-bo//insenˈtiβo/

nounB1general
Choose 'incentivo' when you mean something that encourages or motivates a person or group to act or perform better.
A donkey walking forward to reach a bright orange carrot hanging from a string in front of it.

Examples

La empresa ofreció un incentivo a los empleados que superaran sus metas.

The company offered an incentive to employees who exceeded their goals.

El equipo necesita un incentivo para trabajar más rápido.

The team needs an incentive to work faster.

Los descuentos son un gran incentivo para los clientes nuevos.

Discounts are a great incentive for new customers.

El gobierno anunció nuevos incentivos fiscales para las pequeñas empresas.

The government announced new tax incentives for small businesses.

Always Masculine

The word is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change based on who receives the reward.

Using 'Para'

To explain what the incentive is for, use the word 'para' followed by the action or the person it is meant for.

Incentivo vs. Incentivar

Mistake:Yo necesito un incentivar.

Correction: Yo necesito un incentivo.

impulso

/eem-POOL-soh//imˈpulso/

nounC2general
Use 'impulso' for a significant boost or push, particularly in economic or social development, suggesting a strong forward momentum.
A tiny green seedling rapidly shooting upwards out of the ground, illuminated by a single, stylized sunbeam, symbolizing a stimulus or boost.

Examples

La inversión extranjera dio un fuerte impulso al desarrollo industrial.

Foreign investment gave a strong boost to industrial development.

El nuevo proyecto de ley dará un gran impulso al sector tecnológico.

The new bill will give a great boost to the technology sector.

La inversión extranjera fue un impulso vital para la economía local.

Foreign investment was a vital impetus for the local economy.

Formal Use

In formal language, 'impulso' is often used as a synonym for 'estímulo' (stimulus) when discussing policies or projects designed to help something grow.

Estímulo vs. Incentivo

Learners often confuse 'estímulo' and 'incentivo' because both can refer to a boost. Remember that 'incentivo' specifically implies motivation for action, while 'estímulo' is broader, covering general boosts and reactions.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.