Inklingo

How to Say "to excite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emocionar

eh-moh-syoh-NAHR/emoθjoˈnar/

verbB1general
Use 'emocionar' when something causes a strong emotional response, often a feeling of thrill, deep feeling, or being moved.
A child handing a single bright flower to an elderly person who is smiling warmly with a hand over their heart.

Examples

Esa canción siempre me emociona mucho.

That song always moves me a lot.

Sus palabras emocionaron a todo el público.

His words touched the entire audience.

Me emociona saber que vas a venir a visitarnos.

It excites me to know that you are coming to visit us.

Using it like 'Gustar'

When you want to say something moves you, the thing doing the moving is the subject. Say 'Me emociona la película' (The movie moves me).

People vs. Things

If you are 'moving' a person, remember to use the personal 'a' after the verb: 'El final emocionó a Juan'.

Confusing 'Excite' with 'Emocionar'

Mistake: “Using 'excitar' for emotional excitement.”

Correction: Use 'emocionar' or 'entusiasmar'. In Spanish, 'excitar' often has a physical or sexual connotation.

entusiasmar

/en-too-syas-MAR//entusjasˈmaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'entusiasmar' when something generates enthusiasm, excitement, or keen interest in a person about a particular idea or prospect.
A child jumping in the air with a wide smile and arms raised in excitement.

Examples

La idea de viajar a España me entusiasma.

The idea of traveling to Spain thrills me.

Ese profesor entusiasma a sus alumnos con sus historias.

That teacher excites his students with his stories.

No me entusiasma mucho el plan de ir al cine.

I'm not very thrilled about the plan to go to the cinema.

The 'Gustar' Connection

This word often works like 'gustar'. Instead of saying 'I thrill the idea,' you say 'The idea thrills me' (La idea me entusiasma).

Adding the 'Se'

When you want to say 'to get excited' (yourself), you add 'se' to the end: 'entusiasmarse'. You'll usually follow this with 'con' or 'por' to show what you're excited about.

Confusing 'Excite' with 'Excitar'

Mistake: “Using 'excitar' for general happiness.”

Correction: Use 'entusiasmar' for being thrilled/happy. In Spanish, 'excitar' often has a physical or nervous connotation that might sound strange in casual conversation.

Emocionar vs. Entusiasmar

Learners often confuse 'emocionar' and 'entusiasmar'. Remember that 'emocionar' is about a deeper emotional reaction, while 'entusiasmar' is more about generating excitement and keen interest in a specific plan or idea.

Related Translations

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