Inklingo

How to Say "to captivate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fascinar

/fas-see-NAHR//fasiˈnaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'fascinar' when something holds your attention completely, often due to admiration or deep interest.
A child with wide eyes and a bright smile looking closely at a glowing, colorful butterfly on a leaf.

Examples

Me fascina la arquitectura antigua de esta ciudad.

I am fascinated by the ancient architecture of this city.

A mis hijos les fascinan los dinosaurios.

My children love dinosaurs / Dinosaurs fascinate my children.

Siempre me ha fascinado la idea de viajar al espacio.

The idea of traveling to space has always fascinated me.

The 'Gustar' Rule

This verb works backwards compared to English. Instead of saying 'I fascinate it,' you say 'It fascinates me.' You start with words like me, te, le, nos, os, or les.

Matching the Thing You Love

The ending of the verb changes based on the thing that is fascinating. Use 'fascina' for one thing (Me fascina el libro) and 'fascinan' for multiple things (Me fascinan los libros).

Using 'Yo'

Mistake: “Yo fascino la música.”

Correction: Me fascina la música. In Spanish, the music is the one doing the action to you.

Missing the 'A'

Mistake: “Mis amigos les fascina bailar.”

Correction: A mis amigos les fascina bailar. When you mention specific people by name or title, you must put 'A' at the very beginning.

enganchar

/en-gan-char//eŋɡanˈtʃaɾ/

verbB1informal
Use 'enganchar' when something grabs your attention from the start and keeps you interested, like a good story or a catchy song.
A person sitting on a cozy chair, leaning forward with wide eyes and a smile while reading a book.

Examples

Esa serie de Netflix me enganchó desde el primer minuto.

That Netflix series hooked me from the very first minute.

Se enganchó a los videojuegos y ahora no estudia.

He got hooked on video games and now he doesn't study.

El primer capítulo no me engancha mucho.

The first chapter doesn't really grab me.

Using 'se' to get yourself hooked

When YOU are the one who becomes addicted or obsessed, use the 'se' form: 'engancharse a algo'.

Wrong preposition for addiction

Mistake: “Estoy enganchado con esta serie.”

Correction: Estoy enganchado a esta serie. In Spanish, you are hooked 'to' (a) things, not 'with' (con) them.

arrebatar

/ah-rre-bah-TAHR//areβaˈtaɾ/

verbB2
Use 'arrebatar' to describe being completely swept away or entranced by something, often with a strong emotional impact.
A wide-eyed child looking at a glowing, magical butterfly with wonder.

Examples

Su voz arrebató a todo el público.

Her voice captivated the entire audience.

Me arrebató la belleza del atardecer.

The beauty of the sunset entranced me.

Es una obra que arrebata los sentidos.

It is a work that thrills the senses.

Figurative Snatching

Think of this meaning as beauty 'snatching' your attention away from everything else.

Choosing Between Fascinar and Enganchar

Learners often confuse 'fascinar' and 'enganchar'. 'Fascinar' implies a deep, sustained interest or admiration, while 'enganchar' suggests being immediately drawn in and wanting to continue. Think of 'fascinar' as a deep interest and 'enganchar' as a hook.

Related Translations

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