How to Say "to influence" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to influence” is “influir” — use this general term when something has an effect on someone or something, without a strong implication of manipulation or specific outcome shaping.
influir
een-floo-EERin.fluˈir
Examples
El clima puede influir en mis planes para el fin de semana.
The weather can influence my plans for the weekend.
Sus palabras influyeron mucho en mi decisión.
Her words influenced my decision a lot.
Varios factores influyeron en el resultado de las elecciones.
Several factors affected the outcome of the elections.
Always Use 'En'
In English, you influence something. In Spanish, you always influence IN something. Always put 'en' after the verb.
The 'Y' Rule
When you have the letter 'i' between two vowels, it turns into a 'y'. That's why we say 'influyo' and 'influyendo' instead of using an 'i'.
Missing the 'En'
Mistake: “No quiero influir tu decisión.”
Correction: No quiero influir en tu decisión. (Spanish requires 'en' to connect the action to the thing being affected.)
influenciar
een-floo-en-syahrinfluensˈjaɾ
Examples
Sus amigos intentaron influenciar su decisión.
Her friends tried to influence her decision.
Es fácil influenciar a los niños pequeños.
It is easy to influence small children.
No dejes que los medios de comunicación influencien tu opinión.
Don't let the media influence your opinion.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you influence a specific person or people, you must use the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Él influencia a su hermano' (He influences his brother).
Desires and Influence
If you are trying to influence someone to do something, the second verb needs a special form (the subjunctive). For example: 'Quiero que el libro te influencie' (I want the book to influence you).
Don't use 'en' with 'influenciar'
Mistake: “Él influencia en mi opinión.”
Correction: Él influencia mi opinión. Unlike the related verb 'influir', 'influenciar' acts directly on the object without needing the word 'en' (in).
condicionar
kon-dee-syoh-NARkondisjoˈnaɾ
Examples
El mal tiempo condicionó el éxito del evento.
The bad weather influenced the success of the event.
Nuestra educación suele condicionar nuestra forma de pensar.
Our education often shapes our way of thinking.
La falta de presupuesto condicionará las futuras contrataciones.
The lack of budget will limit future hiring.
Using the word as a filter
Think of this word as describing a 'filter' or a 'limit'. When one thing 'condiciona' another, it acts like a boundary that forces the second thing to go in a certain direction.
The 'By' Connection
When you want to say something is influenced 'by' something else, use 'por': 'Está condicionado por el dinero' (It is influenced by money).
Don't use 'en'
Mistake: “La lluvia condiciona en el tráfico.”
Correction: La lluvia condiciona el tráfico. You don't need 'en' (in); the verb acts directly on the object.
incidir
een-see-DEERinsiˈðiɾ
Examples
Las nuevas leyes van a incidir en el precio de la vivienda.
The new laws are going to impact housing prices.
El clima puede incidir negativamente en la cosecha de este año.
The weather can negatively influence this year's harvest.
Factores externos incidieron en la decisión del comité.
External factors influenced the committee's decision.
The 'en' connection
This verb almost always needs the word 'en' (in/on) after it to show what is being impacted. You don't just 'incidir something', you 'incidir EN something'.
Using 'a' instead of 'en'
Mistake: “Esto va a incidir a mi trabajo.”
Correction: Esto va a incidir EN mi trabajo. (Think of it as 'falling into' or 'landing on' a topic).
determinar
day-ter-mee-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ
Examples
La geografía del país determina su clima y agricultura.
The country's geography determines (or dictates) its climate and agriculture.
La oferta y la demanda determinan el precio final.
Supply and demand determine the final price.
inclinar
een-klee-nahriŋkliˈnaɾ
Examples
Me inclino por la primera propuesta; parece más barata.
I'm leaning toward the first proposal; it seems cheaper.
Sus palabras inclinaron la balanza a mi favor.
His words tipped the scales in my favor.
La falta de tiempo me inclina a pensar que no vendrá.
The lack of time leads me to believe he won't come.
Choosing with 'Por'
When you want to say you are leaning toward a choice, use 'inclinarse' followed by 'por'. For example: 'Me inclino por el café'.
Using 'a' instead of 'por'
Mistake: “Me inclino a la pizza.”
Correction: Me inclino por la pizza. (While 'a' can be used with verbs, 'por' is the standard for choosing between objects.)
manipular
mah-nee-poo-larmanipuˈlaɾ
Examples
Él sabe cómo manipular a la gente para conseguir lo que quiere.
He knows how to manipulate people to get what he wants.
Los medios pueden manipular la opinión pública.
The media can manipulate public opinion.
No permitas que nadie te manipule emocionalmente.
Don't let anyone manipulate you emotionally.
Object pronouns
When manipulating a person, we usually use 'a' before their name (the personal 'a'). For example: 'Manipula a su hermano'.
Don't confuse with 'Handel'
Mistake: “El compositor Manipular...”
Correction: Handel es el nombre del músico.
Influir vs. Influenciar
Related Translations
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