Inklingo

How to Say "to thrill" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entusiasmar

/en-too-syas-MAR//entusjasˈmaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this word when 'to thrill' means to cause someone to feel great excitement or eagerness about something, often a future event or idea.
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.

arrebatar

/ah-rre-bah-TAHR//areβaˈtaɾ/

verbB2general
Use this word when 'to thrill' means to deeply move or captivate someone emotionally, often through an experience or performance.
A wide-eyed child looking at a glowing, magical butterfly with wonder.

Examples

Su voz arrebató a todo el público.

Her voice thrilled 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.

Enthusiasm vs. Emotional Captivation

Learners often confuse 'entusiasmar' and 'arrebatar' by using 'entusiasmar' for experiences that deeply move you emotionally, like a performance. Remember, 'entusiasmar' is about generating excitement for something, while 'arrebatar' is about being swept away by emotion.

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