impulso
/imˈpulso/
The English word momentum is translated into Spanish as impulso.
impulso is used to describe the impetus of a body in motion or the momentum of an idea or a course of events. In a physical context, it refers specifically to the quantity of motion. However, note that in a psychological context, impulso can also mean an impulse, such as a sudden urge.
Meaning: impetus, either of a body in motion, or of an idea or course of events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word impulso is derived from the verb impulsar, which means to push or drive forward and literally translates to impulse or push.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, the term envión may be used instead of impulso or dinamismo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun impulso is masculine, so it is used with the definite article el to say "the momentum" (el impulso).
How do you pronounce it?
/imˈpulso/
Did you know?
- While 'impulso' describes the force of an idea, a Spanish speaker might use the word 'vuelo' (flight) to describe a person or project that has gained significant momentum.
- The Latin root of impulso is 'impulsus', which shares its history with the English word 'pulse', linking the idea of a physical push to a rhythmic beat.
- In business contexts, the verb impulsar is frequently used to mean 'to promote' or 'to market' a product instead of just physically driving it forward.
Examples in context
- La Segunda Ley de Newton enuncia: "La fuerza es igual a el cambio en el impulso por el cambio en el tiempo. Para una masa constante, la fuerza equivale a la masa por la aceleración."Newton's Second Law says: "Force is equal to the change in momentum per change in time. For a constant mass, force equals mass times acceleration".This sentence shows the use of impulso in the context of Newton's Second Law.Tatoeba #1752592 by marcelostockle, translation #1402412 by MrShoval
- El proyecto ha ganado un buen impulso gracias al trabajo en equipo.The project has gained good momentum thanks to teamwork.
- La empresa ha logrado mantener un alto nivel de dinamismo en su crecimiento.The company has managed to maintain a high level of momentum in its growth.
- La fiesta va cobrando ritmo a medida que se unen más personas.The party is gaining momentum as more people join in.
- El equipo logró un envión importante después de ganar el torneo.The team gained significant momentum after winning the tournament.
- El proyecto lleva una buena inercia y avanza de acuerdo con lo planificado.The project has good momentum and is progressing as planned.
- El proyecto ganó mucho impulso el mes pasado.The project gained a lot of momentum last month.
- Necesitamos un nuevo impulso para terminar el trabajo.We need a new impetus to finish the work.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a business startup.
- Lucía¿Cómo va el nuevo negocio, Mateo?How is the new business going, Mateo?
- MateoEstamos ganando mucho impulso con las ventas.We are gaining a lot of momentum with sales.
- LucíaQué bueno que el equipo tenga ese impulso.It's good that the team has that momentum.
- MateoSí, seguiremos trabajando así.Yes, we will keep working like this.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry impulso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries impulso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
