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How to Say "thrilling" in Spanish

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emocionante

eh-moh-syoh-NAHN-teh/emoˈθjonante/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'emocionante' to describe something that evokes strong feelings, often related to adventure, suspense, or significant events, making it feel intense and captivating.
A smiling child on a bright red bicycle speeds down a grassy hill, arms raised high in a gesture of excitement.

Examples

El final del partido de fútbol fue realmente emocionante.

The end of the soccer game was truly exciting (or thrilling).

Viajar sola por Asia ha sido la experiencia más emocionante de mi vida.

Traveling alone through Asia has been the most thrilling experience of my life.

Su discurso sobre la unidad nacional fue muy emocionante para todos los presentes.

His speech about national unity was very moving for everyone present.

Gender Agreement

Since 'emocionante' ends in '-e', it describes both masculine and feminine things without changing form (e.g., 'el libro emocionante', 'la película emocionante'). You only need to change the ending to '-es' for plural (e.g., 'los momentos emocionantes').

Action vs. State

Adjectives ending in '-ante' describe the cause of the action. 'Emocionante' means the thing ITSELF is exciting or moving. Contrast this with 'emocionado', which describes the person feeling the excitement.

Confusing Emocionante and Emocionado

Mistake: “Using 'Estoy emocionante' to say 'I am excited'.”

Correction: The correct phrase is 'Estoy emocionado/a' (I am excited). Use 'emocionante' only to describe the thing that caused your feeling: 'La noticia es emocionante' (The news is exciting).

excitante

ehk-see-TAHN-teh/eɡsiˈtante/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'excitante' when referring to something that causes a sudden rush of excitement, pleasure, or stimulation, often associated with entertainment or thrilling experiences.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child jumping high in the air with a huge smile and wide eyes, clearly excited, next to a large, brightly wrapped gift box.

Examples

La película de acción fue muy excitante.

The action movie was very exciting.

Tener un trabajo nuevo es una perspectiva excitante.

Having a new job is an exciting prospect.

El debate fue tan excitante que nadie quería irse.

The debate was so stimulating that no one wanted to leave.

Adjective Agreement (Number Only)

Since 'excitante' ends in 'e', it is used for both masculine and feminine things. You only need to change the ending to 'excitantes' if you are describing more than one thing.

Mixing up 'Excitante' and 'Excitado'

Mistake: “La película está excitada. (The movie is excited.)”

Correction: La película es excitante. (The movie is exciting.) 'Excitante' describes the thing causing the feeling; 'excitado' describes the person feeling it.

Emocionante vs. Excitante

Learners often confuse 'emocionante' and 'excitante'. While both can mean thrilling, 'emocionante' is more about evoking deep feelings and suspense, whereas 'excitante' leans towards a more immediate, stimulating excitement or pleasure.

Related Translations

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