autocontrol
/autokontɾol/from spelling rules
In Spanish, self control is autocontrol.
Autocontrol refers to the ability to manage your emotions and desires, especially in difficult situations. If you want to express the idea of losing one's self-control, use the phrase perder el autocontrol.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix auto-, which means self, mirroring the English construction of self-control.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, abstract nouns like autocontrol are typically preceded by the definite article el when used in a sentence, as in el autocontrol.
How do you pronounce it?
/autokontɾol/
Did you know?
- If you lose your 'autocontrol' in a heated argument, you might be described as 'perder los estribos', which literally means 'to lose the stirrups'.
- While 'autocontrol' is a direct way to name the concept, a Spaniard might more colloquially describe someone with great self-control as having 'sangre fría', or 'cold blood'.
- The 'control' part of 'autocontrol' traces back to the Latin 'rotula', meaning a small wheel, which originally referred to a small roll of paper used for keeping accounts.
Examples in context
- Es fundamental mantener el dominio propio en situaciones estresantesIt's essential to maintain self-control in stressful situations
- Si quieres alcanzar tus metas, debes tener fuerza de voluntadIf you want to achieve your goals, you need to have willpower
- Es importante tener autocontrol cuando estás rodeado de tentacionesIt's important to have self-control when you are surrounded by temptations
- Aprender a saber controlarse es esencial para evitar arrepentimientosLearning to know how to control oneself is essential to avoid regrets
- Necesitas más autocontrol para no gritar.You need more self-control to not shout.
- Necesitas tener más autocontrol en el trabajo.You need to have more self control at work.
- Perdió el autocontrol durante la discusión.He lost self control during the argument.
- El autocontrol es fundamental para los atletas.Self control is fundamental for athletes.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a stressful day at work.
- AlejandroCasi grito en la reunión de hoy.I almost screamed in today's meeting.
- ElenaMenos mal que tuviste autocontrol, Alejandro.It's a good thing you had self control, Alejandro.
- AlejandroFue muy difícil mantener la calma.It was very difficult to stay calm.
- ElenaEso demuestra mucha fuerza de voluntad.That shows a lot of willpower.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autocontrol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
