determinación
/deteɾminaˈθjon/
The English phrase grit can be translated into Spanish as determinación.
Determinación refers to the mental strength or quality of grit. It is also used to describe the act of deciding or the process of determining something.
Meaning: strength of mind (noun)
Which one should you use?
While determinación focuses on the mental quality of grit, you might use coraje if the context implies having the bravery or guts to face adversity. Additionally, determinación can specifically mean the act of making a decision.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Determinación is a feminine noun, meaning it is preceded by feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/deteɾminaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- While determinación is the standard term for grit, Spanish speakers often use the phrase tener agallas, which literally means 'to have gills'.
- If someone shows grit through sheer willpower, a Spaniard might say they have madera, which literally means they have the 'wood' or the right grain to become something great.
- To describe someone with an unbreakable spirit, a Spanish speaker might say they have temple, referring to the process of tempering metal to make it strong.
Examples in context
- A pesar de las dificultades, María mostró una gran determinación para alcanzar sus metas.Despite the difficulties, María showed great grit to achieve her goals.
- El equipo de fútbol demostró una tenacidad admirable durante todo el partido.The soccer team showed admirable grit throughout the entire game.
- La persistencia es clave para alcanzar el éxito en cualquier campo.Grit is key to achieving success in any field.
- El orador impresionó a la audiencia con su firmeza ante las críticas.The speaker impressed the audience with his grit in the face of criticism.
- La perseverancia es un valor fundamental en la resolución de problemas complejos.Grit is a fundamental value in solving complex problems.
- Juan demostró una determinación excepcional al enfrentarse a desafíos profesionales.Juan showed exceptional grit when facing professional challenges.
- Demostró una gran determinación para alcanzar su meta.He showed great grit to achieve his goal.
- Necesitas mucha determinación para este proyecto.You need a lot of grit for this project.
- Su determinación le ayudó a superar el obstáculo.His determination helped him overcome the obstacle.
- No pierdas la determinación en momentos difíciles.Don't lose your grit in difficult moments.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a difficult task at work.
- MaríaEste trabajo es muy difícil, Javier.This job is very difficult, Javier.
- JavierLo sé, pero necesitamos determinación.I know, but we need grit.
- MaríaTienes razón, no nos rendiremos.You're right, we won't give up.
- JavierTu determinación es admirable, María.Your determination is admirable, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry determinación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
