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How to Say "willpower" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “willpower” is “voluntad” — use 'voluntad' when referring to the inner strength, determination, or self-discipline required to achieve something or resist temptation..

English → Spanish

voluntad

/boh-loon-TAHD//bolunˈtad/

nounB1general
Use 'voluntad' when referring to the inner strength, determination, or self-discipline required to achieve something or resist temptation.
A small figure straining slightly while successfully pushing a large, colorful block uphill, symbolizing internal drive and mental strength.

Examples

Se necesita mucha voluntad para dejar de fumar.

It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

Su fuerza de voluntad es increíble; nunca se rinde.

Her willpower is incredible; she never gives up.

Use with Strength

To talk about the amount of willpower, you usually use it with the word 'fuerza' (strength) to form the common phrase 'fuerza de voluntad'.

Missing the 'De'

Mistake: “Quiero más fuerza voluntad.”

Correction: Quiero más fuerza de voluntad. (Always include the little word 'de' to link 'fuerza' and 'voluntad'.)

ganas

GAH-nahs/ˈɡanas/

nounA1informal
Use 'ganas' when talking about the motivation, energy, or desire to do something, often in a more casual context.
A simplified illustration showing a person reaching upwards with great effort towards a bright, shimmering star in the night sky.

Examples

¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine esta noche?

Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?

No tengo ningunas ganas de trabajar hoy.

I have absolutely no desire to work today.

Ella estudió con muchas ganas y sacó una A.

She studied with a lot of enthusiasm/effort and got an A.

Always Plural

Even though it refers to a single want or desire, ganas is almost always used in its plural feminine form, often requiring plural adjectives and articles if they are present.

The 'Tener Ganas' Structure

You express 'to want' or 'to feel like doing' something using the verb tener (to have): 'Tengo ganas de comer' (I have desires of eating = I feel like eating).

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy ganas / Estoy ganas.”

Correction: Use *Tener* (to have). *Tengo ganas* is correct. Think of it as 'I possess the desire.'

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Tengo ganas ir al parque.”

Correction: Always include the preposition *de* when followed by a verb: *Tengo ganas de ir* (I feel like going).

Ganas vs. Voluntad

Learners often confuse 'ganas' and 'voluntad' by using 'ganas' when they mean inner strength. Remember, 'voluntad' is about self-control and determination, while 'ganas' is about desire or motivation to act.

Related Translations

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