Which one should you use?
If you wish to use a verb to express the idea, there are subtle differences. The verb influenciar is often used as a direct transitive verb, meaning to influence someone directly. In contrast, the verb influir is more commonly used with the preposition en to mean influencing something or someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the slang term onda can be used to refer to the influence or vibe that something or someone has. In Spain, the colloquial term pegue is used to describe the power of attraction or influence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
influencia is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by feminine articles or adjectives such as la or una. When using the verb influir to mean exerting influence upon something, it is almost always followed by the preposition en.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈflwenθja/
Did you know?
- While influencia is a general term, Spanish speakers use the word enchufe to describe a specific type of influence. This refers to 'having a plug' or a secret connection that grants unfair professional advantages.
- In legal or formal contexts, Spanish uses the term tráfico de influencias to describe the crime of 'influence peddling'. This suggests that influence is something being 'trafficked' or traded like a commodity.
- In certain Latin American contexts, having influencia can specifically imply 'pull' or 'connections' with powerful people to get things done.
Examples in context
- Sos una mala influencia.You're a bad influence.This sentence uses influencia to describe a bad influence.Tatoeba #2972941 by hayastan, translation #2546246 by CK
- Tom es una mala influencia.Tom is a bad influence.Tatoeba #2972919 by hayastan, translation #2546426 by CK
- Su influencia se extiende por todo el país.His influence extends all over the country.This sentence uses influencia to describe how influence extends across a country.Tatoeba #613940 by Leono, translation #286902 by CK
- El artista tuvo una gran influencia en la música contemporánea.The artist had a great influence on contemporary music.
- Las ideas del filósofo ejercieron influencia en la sociedad.The philosopher's ideas exerted influence on society.
- Ella es una líder con un gran poder de influencia.She is a leader with a great power of influence.
- El presidente tiene un alto poder de influencia en las decisiones del gobierno.The president has a high power of influence over government decisions.
- Ese restaurante tiene mucho pegue, siempre está lleno de gente.That restaurant has a lot of appeal, it's always packed with people.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a politician at a cafe.
- Elena¿Crees que él tiene mucha influencia?Do you think he has much influence?
- DanielSí, su influencia es muy grande en la región.Yes, his influence is very large in the region.
- ElenaEso me preocupa un poco.That worries me a little.
- DanielEs cierto, pero hay que tener cuidado.It's true, but we have to be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “influence” translations and entries influencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
