Inklingo

How to Say "sway" in Spanish

English → Spanish

influencia

een-floo-EN-see-ah/in.fluˈen.sja/

nounA2general
Use 'influencia' when referring to the power or control someone has over another person's opinions, actions, or decisions, often in a personal or social context.
A small, simple figure is standing at a fork in the road, appearing indecisive. A large, softly glowing, disembodied hand hovers behind the figure, gently nudging or directing the figure toward the path on the right.

Examples

Mi hermano mayor tiene mucha influencia en mis decisiones.

My older brother has a lot of influence on my decisions.

Mi hermana tiene mucha influencia en mis gustos musicales.

My sister has a lot of influence on my musical tastes.

La influencia de las redes sociales es innegable hoy en día.

The influence of social media is undeniable nowadays.

El director ejerció su influencia para cambiar la fecha de la reunión.

The director exerted his influence to change the meeting date.

Always Feminine

Since 'influencia' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun. You must always use 'la' or 'una' before it (e.g., la influencia, mucha influencia).

Prepositions with Influence

Mistake: “La influencia *en* mis amigos (using 'en' when talking about the effect on people)”

Correction: La influencia *sobre* mis amigos (or *en* works, but *sobre* is often preferred when describing influence directed at something/someone).

imperio

/imˈpeh-ree-oh//imˈpe.ɾjo/

nounC1formal
Use 'imperio' to describe a more formal or extensive dominion, control, or sphere of influence, often associated with political power, economic control, or a wide-ranging impact.
An image showing a colossal, stylized, armored gauntlet resting its palm gently but firmly on top of a simplified, colorful map of a large territory, illustrating absolute control.

Examples

El magnate construyó un imperio financiero en pocos años.

The magnate built a financial empire in a few years.

El dictador ejerció su imperio con mano de hierro.

The dictator exercised his dominion with an iron fist.

La ley debe tener imperio sobre todos los ciudadanos.

The law must have authority over all citizens.

Formal Usage

In this context, 'imperio' is often reserved for formal or written Spanish, referring to the abstract concept of powerful control, usually in legal or political discussions.

Choosing between 'influencia' and 'imperio'

Learners often confuse 'influencia' and 'imperio' by using the more formal 'imperio' in everyday personal contexts. Remember that 'influencia' is best for personal power over people, while 'imperio' suggests a broader, more established control or dominion.

Related Translations

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