Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| espíritu emprendedor | /espiɾitu empɾendedoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| espíritu empresarial | /espiɾitu empɾesaɾjal/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| empresarialidad | /empɾesaɾjalidad/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
Use espíritu emprendedor to describe the drive and initiative of an individual, while empresarialidad is a technical or academic term used to describe entrepreneurship as a phenomenon or a field of study.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase espíritu emprendedor literally translates to 'entrepreneurial spirit'.
Which one should you use?
While espíritu emprendedor focuses on an individual's personal drive and initiative, espíritu empresarial focuses more on a business-oriented or corporate mindset and is closely associated with professional business environments. Additionally, empresarialidad is used specifically in technical or academic contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase iniciativa empresarial is used. In Spain, espíritu emprendedor means entrepreneurial spirit.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because espíritu is a masculine noun, the accompanying adjective must be in the masculine form, as seen in espíritu emprendedor. Conversely, empresarialidad is a feminine noun, so any adjectives used with it must also be feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/espiɾitu empɾendedoɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word empresa can refer to a corporate business or a daunting and difficult personal challenge, such as a dangerous mission.
- The term empresarial is derived from the Latin root 'prehendere', which means 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.
Examples in context
- El emprendimiento es clave para el desarrollo económico.Entrepreneurship is key to economic development.
- La creación de empresas impulsa la innovación y el empleo.The creation of businesses drives innovation and employment.
- Estoy pensando en montar un negocio propio.I'm thinking of starting my own business.
- Su espíritu emprendedor la llevó al éxito.Her entrepreneurship led her to success.
- Necesitamos más espíritu emprendedor en esta empresa.We need more entrepreneurship in this company.
- El profesor elogió su espíritu emprendedor.The teacher praised his entrepreneurship.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing their career goals.
- DanielMaría, ¿te gustaría montar tu propia empresa?María, would you like to start your own company?
- MaríaSí, siempre he tenido un espíritu emprendedor.Yes, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
- DanielEso es genial, tienes muchas ideas brillantes.That is great, you have many brilliant ideas.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, ahora solo necesito un plan.Thanks, Daniel, now I just need a plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “entrepreneurship” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emprendedor, empresarial, espíritu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
