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How to Say "thrill" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “thrill” is “emoción” — use this for a general, strong feeling or emotional response, not necessarily tied to danger or excitement..

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emoción

nounA1general
Use this for a general, strong feeling or emotional response, not necessarily tied to danger or excitement.

Examples

Sentí una gran emoción al ganar el premio.

I felt great emotion upon winning the prize.

adrenalina

/ah-dre-nah-LEE-nah//aðɾenaˈlina/

nounB1general
This specifically refers to the rush of excitement and physical sensation associated with daring or dangerous activities.
A person with wide eyes and a huge smile riding a fast roller coaster with their hands in the air.

Examples

Las carreras de coches me dan mucha adrenalina.

Car racing gives me a lot of adrenaline.

Me encanta el subidón de adrenalina de las montañas rusas.

I love the adrenaline rush of roller coasters.

Hacer paracaidismo es pura adrenalina.

Skydiving is pure adrenaline/excitement.

Using 'Pura'

When you want to say something is 'pure excitement,' you say 'es pura adrenalina.' Since the word is feminine, 'puro' must change to 'pura'.

patada

pah-TAH-dah/paˈtaða/

nounB2informal
Use this informal term to describe a strong, sudden impact or 'kick' of sensation, often used for things like strong coffee or a powerful experience.
A stylized cartoon character sitting on a simple wooden chair, visibly startled. Their eyes are wide open, and their entire body posture suggests a sudden, strong shock or jolt.

Examples

Este licor tiene una buena patada.

This liquor has a good kick.

Este café tiene una patada de cafeína que me despierta.

This coffee has a caffeine punch that wakes me up.

La noticia de su renuncia fue una patada emocional para la empresa.

The news of his resignation was an emotional jolt for the company.

Ese tequila tiene una patada fuerte.

That tequila has a strong kick.

Describing Intensity

When 'patada' is used figuratively, it emphasizes sudden, high intensity. It usually describes an effect that is immediate and powerful, whether it's good (a strong flavor) or bad (a shock).

excitante

ehk-see-TAHN-teh/eɡsiˈtante/

nounC1formal/technical
This refers to something that causes excitement or stimulates, often in a more scientific or figurative sense, like a drug or a potent idea.
A colorful storybook illustration of a steaming mug filled with coffee, emitting vibrant, stylized yellow and orange energy lines that radiate upward, symbolizing its stimulating effect.

Examples

La cafeína actúa como un excitante para el cerebro.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant for the brain.

El café es un excitante del sistema nervioso.

Coffee is a stimulant for the nervous system.

Buscar un nuevo excitante es una tendencia humana.

Searching for a new thrill is a human tendency.

Using the Adjective as a Noun

When you put an article (like 'el' or 'un') in front of 'excitante,' it stops being a describing word and becomes the name of the thing itself: 'el excitante' means 'the stimulating thing' or 'the stimulant.'

Emoción vs. Adrenalina

Learners often confuse 'emoción' and 'adrenalina'. Remember, 'emoción' is a general strong feeling, while 'adrenalina' specifically describes the physical rush from exciting or risky activities.

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