How to Say "to motivate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to motivate” is “motivar” — use 'motivar' when you want to express giving someone a general reason or incentive to do something..
motivar
/moh-tee-BAHR//motiˈβaɾ/
Examples
Mi profesor me motiva a estudiar más.
My teacher motivates me to study more.
Es difícil motivar a los empleados los lunes.
It is difficult to motivate employees on Mondays.
Me motiva mucho viajar por el mundo.
Traveling the world inspires me a lot.
The 'Personal A'
When you motivate a specific person, you must use the word 'a' before their name or the noun describing them (e.g., 'Motivar a Juan').
Connecting Actions
If you want to say you motivate someone to do something, use 'a' before the second verb: 'Me motiva a trabajar'.
Confusing Motivar with Motivo
Mistake: “Él es mi motivar.”
Correction: Él es mi motivo (He is my reason/motive). Use the noun 'motivo' for 'a reason' and 'motivar' for the action.
estimular
/es-tee-moo-lar//esti muˈlaɾ/
Examples
Los padres deben estimular la curiosidad de sus hijos.
Parents should encourage their children's curiosity.
El profesor estimula a los estudiantes a leer más.
The teacher encourages the students to read more.
Esta música me estimula a trabajar más rápido.
This music motivates me to work faster.
Using 'a' with People
When you are encouraging a person, you must put the word 'a' before them, like 'Estimulo a mi hermano' (I encourage my brother).
Connecting to Actions
If you encourage someone TO DO something, use the pattern: estimular a [alguien] a [verbo]. For example: 'Me estimulan a estudiar' (They encourage me to study).
Missing the 'a' connector
Mistake: “Estimulo mi hijo a leer.”
Correction: Estimulo a mi hijo a leer. You need the 'personal a' because you are acting on a person.
Motivar vs. Estimular
Related Translations
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