Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| reacio | /reˈaθjo/ /reˈasjo/ |
|
| renuente | /reˈnwente/ | |
| reluctante | /reluɡtante/ (from spelling rules) | |
| reticente | /retiˈθente/ /retiˈsente/ |
|
| renitente | /renitente/ (from spelling rules) | |
| rezongón | /reθonɡon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /resonɡon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
colloquial |
| rezongador | /reθonɡadoɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /resonɡadoɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
|
| rezonglón | /reθonɡlon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /resonɡlon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
colloquial |
These terms are used to describe someone who is not wanting to take some action.
Which one should you use?
The word reluctante is often used due to English influence, but reacio is the more natural and standard term for expressing reluctance in Spanish. Reticente is a specific type of reluctance that implies a hesitation to speak or a desire to withhold information, whereas reacio implies a reluctance to act or undergo something. Renuente is used to emphasize a strong reluctance and an unwillingness to comply.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Reacio and renuente are considered formal terms. Rezongón and rezonglón are colloquial terms used to describe someone who is reluctant in a way that involves constant complaining or muttering under their breath.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the term desganado/a is commonly used to describe someone who lacks enthusiasm or is unwilling to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, reacio must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, such as becoming reacios for masculine plural or reacia for feminine singular. Additionally, reacio is typically followed by the preposition a before an infinitive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈaθjo/
Did you know?
- The term reluctante shares a root with the Latin word lūctor, which means 'to struggle' or 'to wrestle'.
- In the Southern Cone, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, the word desganado is often used to express reluctance through a lack of energy or spirit.
Examples in context
- Pareces reacio a hacerlo.You seem reluctant to do that.This sentence shows how to use reacio to express how someone seems to feel about an action.Tatoeba #13545157 by Seael, translation #5937942 by CK
- Tom estaba reacio a marcharse.Tom was reluctant to go.This sentence uses reacio to describe someone's reluctance to leave.Tatoeba #1794990 by marcelostockle, translation #1092360 by CK
- Soy reacio a a volverlo a hacer.I'm reluctant to do that again.This sentence uses reacio to express a reluctance to repeat an action.Tatoeba #13545161 by Seael, translation #6664187 by CK
- Me siento reacio a aceptar esta propuestaI feel reluctant to accept this proposal
- El equipo se mostró renuente a aceptar los nuevos cambiosThe team was reluctant to accept the new changes
- El equipo se mostró desganado ante el desafíoThe team was reluctant in the face of the challenge
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a new job offer.
- Daniel¿Vas a aceptar el empleo, María?Are you going to accept the job, María?
- MaríaEstoy un poco reacio a mudarme de ciudad.I am a bit reluctant to move cities.
- DanielEs una gran oportunidad para ti.It is a great opportunity for you.
- MaríaLo sé, pero sigo siendo reacio al cambio.I know, but I am still reluctant to change.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reluctant” translations and entries reacio, renuente, reluctante, reticente, 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 reluctante, renuente, reticente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
