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How to Say "strenuous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

enérgico

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'enérgico' when referring to a strong, forceful, or vigorous action, often in a formal or official context, like measures taken or a protest.

Examples

El gobierno tomó medidas enérgicas contra el crimen.

The government took forceful measures against crime.

penoso

/peh-NOH-soh//peˈnoso/

adjectiveC1
Use 'penoso' when describing something that requires great effort, is difficult, or arduous, typically referring to physical or mental labor.
A person pushing a very large, heavy boulder up a steep green hill.

Examples

Después de un penoso trabajo de diez horas, terminamos el proyecto.

After ten hours of strenuous work, we finished the project.

El ascenso a la cumbre fue largo y penoso.

The climb to the summit was long and arduous.

Tuvieron que realizar una penosa marcha por el desierto.

They had to undertake a laborious march through the desert.

Word Order for Emphasis

Placing 'penoso' before the noun (e.g., 'un penoso trabajo') emphasizes the difficulty and the feeling of the effort involved.

Formal Action vs. Difficult Task

Learners often confuse 'enérgico' and 'penoso' by using 'enérgico' for difficult tasks. Remember, 'enérgico' implies a strong, often formal, action, while 'penoso' specifically describes the difficulty or laboriousness of a task itself.

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