Spanish Conversation · Level 16
90 words
Spanish word
esfuerzo
Pronunciation
IPA/esˈfweɾθo/
Meaning
- masculine nouneffort
Example
Necesito mucho esfuerzo para aprender español.
I need to put in a lot of effort to learn Spanish.
More examples
Hicimos un esfuerzo para llegar a tiempo.
We made an effort to arrive on time.
Core concept
Sustained push of physical or mental energy toward a goal.
Common phrases
hacer un esfuerzo
make an effort
mucho esfuerzo
considerable effort
sin esfuerzo
without effort
Similar words
empeño: Determined, persistent effort driven by strong will to complete something.
intento: A single attempt or try to achieve a specific purpose.
afán: Eager, earnest striving marked by intense motivation.
sacrificio: Giving up personal time or comfort to reach a goal.
Definition in Spanish
Esfuerzo es el empeño o la fuerza que se dedica a conseguir una tarea.
Word origin
Noun formed from Spanish esforzar plus the nominal ending -o, tracing back to Latin ex- 'out' and fortis 'strong', so the word denotes applied exertion.
Usage tips
- Hacer un esfuerzo is the common collocation for a concrete effort and esforzarse por + infinitive expresses ongoing striving, while intentar often sounds like a single attempt.