Spanish word

afán

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈfan/

Meaning

  • masculine nounenthusiasm

Example

Ella demuestra afán en cada clase.

She shows enthusiasm in every class.

Illustration for afán (enthusiasm)

More examples

Su afán por aprender idiomas es admirable.

His eagerness to learn languages is admirable.

Core concept

Strong, focused eagerness to achieve something.

Common phrases

  • tener afán

    have enthusiasm

  • afán de superación

    drive for self-improvement

  • afán por aprender

    eagerness to learn

Similar words

entusiasmo: Lively, joyful excitement that leads to active engagement.
motivación: Internal reason or urge that prompts action and sustained effort.
interés: Attention or curiosity directed toward a subject or object.
ganas: Immediate desire or wish to do something.

Definition in Spanish

Urgencia o gran interés que impulsa a actuar con empeño.

Word origin

Originally attested as medieval Spanish afán meaning desire or pressing need and connected to the verb afanar, it expanded to cover longing, determined effort, and eagerness.

Usage tips

  • Use afán de + noun to express a drive or ambition (afán de superación, afán de lucro) and prefer entusiasmo when only excitement is meant.

Other meanings

  • effortnoun
  • motivationnoun
  • longingnoun
  • hastenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • afanosoardentadjective
  • afanarsestriveverb

Word lists with this word