How to Say "sway" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “sway” is “influencia” — use 'influencia' when referring to the power to affect someone's opinions, decisions, or actions, often in a personal or social context.
influencia
een-floo-EN-see-ahin.fluˈen.sja
Examples
Mi abuela tiene mucha influencia en la familia.
My grandmother has a lot of influence in the family.
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-ohimˈpe.ɾjo
Examples
El imperio de la moda dicta las tendencias cada temporada.
The sway of fashion dictates trends each season.
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.
vara
bah-rahˈba.ɾa
Examples
El jefe tiene la vara en esta empresa y todos siguen sus órdenes.
The boss holds the sway in this company and everyone follows his orders.
En este pueblo, el alcalde tiene la vara alta.
In this town, the mayor has a lot of influence.
No intentes discutir con ella; tiene la vara de mando.
Don't try to argue with her; she holds the staff of command.
Él tiene vara en ese departamento.
He has pull in that department.
Symbolic Power
The 'vara' represents the physical staff that leaders or mayors used to carry as a symbol of their office.
Influencia vs. Imperio/Vara
Related Translations
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