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B1 noun 11 min read

éxtasis

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips éxtasis in 30 Seconds

Explanation éxtasis in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of éxtasis as a way to say 'super happy.' Imagine the happiest you have ever been—maybe when you got a puppy or when you finished a very hard test. In Spanish, we usually use 'muy feliz' (very happy) or 'muy contento' (very glad) at this level. However, 'éxtasis' is like the 'superhero' version of being happy. It is a masculine word, so you say 'el éxtasis.' Even though it ends in 'is,' it is not a girl word! You can use it to describe a very special moment. For example, 'I am in ecstasy' would be 'Estoy en éxtasis.' It's a big word for big feelings. Just remember that it is a very strong word, so don't use it for small things like eating an apple. Use it for the best moments of your life. When you see it in a book, just think: 'This person is the happiest they can possibly be.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific nouns for feelings. Éxtasis is a noun that describes a 'state' of joy. It is more than just a feeling; it is like being in a different world because you are so happy. You might hear it in songs or read it in stories. A key thing to remember at this level is the grammar: it is 'el éxtasis' (singular) and 'los éxtasis' (plural). It doesn't change its spelling! Also, notice the accent mark on the 'é.' This tells you to emphasize the first part of the word: ÉK-sta-sis. You can use it with the verb 'sentir' (to feel). For example: 'Siento un gran éxtasis cuando viajo.' (I feel a great ecstasy when I travel). It is a good word to use when you want to show that you know more than just the basic word 'felicidad.' It makes your Spanish sound more descriptive and emotional.

As a B1 learner, you should understand that éxtasis is often used in more formal or literary contexts. It describes an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. It is frequently used in art and history. For instance, if you are talking about a famous painting or a beautiful piece of music, you could say it 'provoca éxtasis' (causes ecstasy). You should also be aware of the phrase 'entrar en éxtasis,' which means to enter a trance-like state of joy. At this level, you might also start to notice that the word has a double meaning in modern society, referring to a specific drug. Therefore, you should be careful with the context. If you are talking about your emotions or your reaction to art, it is perfectly fine. It is a 'high-register' word, meaning it sounds a bit more sophisticated than 'alegría.' Using it correctly shows that you can express complex, intense human experiences.

At the B2 level, you can explore the nuances of éxtasis in various domains. In literature, especially Spanish mysticism (like the works of Santa Teresa), 'éxtasis' is a technical term for a soul's union with God. It implies a total detachment from the physical world. In sports or news, it describes a 'frenesí' (frenzy) of collective joy. You should be able to use it with a variety of verbs: 'llegar al éxtasis,' 'sumirse en el éxtasis,' or 'producir éxtasis.' You should also distinguish it from similar words like 'euforia' (which is more high-energy and active) or 'plenitud' (which is more about satisfaction and peace). Understanding that 'éxtasis' is often a 'peak' experience—short-lived but incredibly intense—is crucial. When writing essays or speaking about profound experiences, 'éxtasis' allows you to convey a level of intensity that 'felicidad' simply cannot reach. It is a word of the 'sublime.'

For C1 learners, éxtasis becomes a tool for precise and evocative expression. You should be comfortable using it in academic or critical discussions about art, philosophy, and psychology. In these contexts, it often refers to the 'ekstasis' of the subject—a moment where the boundaries between the self and the object of contemplation dissolve. You should also be aware of its derivative forms, such as the verb 'extasiar' (to entrance/enrapture) and the adjective 'extasiado' (enraptured). For example, 'La multitud contemplaba la obra, extasiada.' You can use the word to discuss the 'estética del éxtasis' in Baroque art or the 'éxtasis colectivo' in sociological phenomena. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the rhythmic qualities of the word in prose and poetry. Its dactylic rhythm (stressed-unstressed-unstressed) gives it a certain musicality that can be used to enhance the tone of your writing. It is a word that signifies not just an emotion, but a profound ontological shift in the person experiencing it.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly grasp of éxtasis, recognizing its historical weight and its varied semiotic applications. You understand its role in the 'mística española,' where it represents the final stage of spiritual ascent. You can use it metaphorically in complex discourse, perhaps discussing the 'éxtasis del consumo' in a critique of late capitalism or the 'éxtasis informativo' in the age of digital saturation. You are aware of the word's etymological journey from the Greek 'displacement' to the modern 'bliss,' and you can use this knowledge to add depth to your analysis. You can effortlessly navigate the word's potential for irony or hyperbole. Furthermore, you can identify how different writers use the concept of éxtasis to explore themes of mortality, desire, and the infinite. Whether you are analyzing a poem by Góngora or a modern political movement, you see 'éxtasis' as a multifaceted concept that captures the human drive to transcend the limitations of everyday existence. Your use of the word is not just accurate; it is strategically chosen for its resonance and historical echo.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

éxtasis in 30 Seconds

Éxtasis is a masculine Spanish noun meaning 'ecstasy' or 'extreme joy.' It is a B1 level word used for peak emotional experiences.
Grammatically, it is invariable in plural (los éxtasis) and always carries a tilde on the first 'e' because it is an esdrújula word.
It has three main contexts: emotional (extreme joy), religious (mystic trance), and pharmaceutical (the drug MDMA). Context determines which meaning is intended.
Common synonyms include 'arrobamiento,' 'euforia,' and 'plenitud,' though 'éxtasis' specifically implies a 'standing outside oneself' due to intense feeling.

The Spanish word éxtasis is a profound term that transcends simple happiness. At its core, it describes a state of being where an individual is so overwhelmed by emotion—typically joy, wonder, or spiritual connection—that they feel as though they have stepped outside of their physical body or their normal state of consciousness. Derived from the Greek ekstasis, which literally means 'standing outside oneself,' it captures that rare, peak human experience where the world seems to fall away, leaving only an intense, vibrating core of bliss. In everyday Spanish, while it is a high-register word, it is used to describe the pinnacle of achievement, the height of romantic love, or the transformative power of a masterpiece of art. It is not a word for a good sandwich or a nice day; it is a word for the birth of a child, the winning goal in a World Cup final, or the moment a soul feels united with the divine.

Emotional Depth: Éxtasis represents the absolute ceiling of human positive emotion, often involving a loss of self-awareness.
Spiritual Context: In Spanish history, particularly within the works of Santa Teresa de Ávila, it refers to a mystical trance or union with God.

Al ver a su hijo por primera vez, María sintió un éxtasis que no pudo describir con palabras.

Beyond the emotional and spiritual, the word also has a secular, almost physiological application in modern psychology, often linked to the 'flow state' where time disappears. However, one must be cautious: in contemporary urban contexts, éxtasis is also the name of the synthetic drug MDMA. Context is key to ensuring your meaning is clear. When used in literature, it often appears alongside verbs like 'llegar al' (to reach) or 'sumirse en' (to sink into), suggesting a journey toward a destination of pure feeling. It is a masculine noun that remains unchanged in the plural, a grammatical quirk that learners should note. Whether you are discussing the works of Bernini or the feeling of standing atop a mountain after a grueling climb, this word provides the linguistic weight necessary to convey something truly extraordinary.

La música de Beethoven llevó a toda la audiencia a un estado de éxtasis colectivo.

Artistic Usage: Critics often use the word to describe the effect of a profound aesthetic experience on the viewer.

El escultor logró plasmar el éxtasis místico en el mármol frío.

In summary, éxtasis is a word that demands respect. It is used sparingly to maintain its power. When a Spanish speaker uses it, they are signaling that the experience was not just 'good' or 'happy,' but life-altering and transcendent. It is the language of poets, saints, and those who have truly lived a moment to its fullest capacity.

Using éxtasis correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its heavy emotional weight. As a masculine noun, it is always accompanied by masculine modifiers. For example, you would say 'un éxtasis profundo' or 'el éxtasis total.' Because it is an abstract concept, it often appears after prepositions like 'en' or 'de.' A very common construction is 'entrar en éxtasis,' which translates to 'to go into a state of ecstasy.' This is frequently used in religious or artistic contexts to describe a person losing touch with their surroundings due to intense focus or revelation.

Cuando el poeta terminó su obra, entró en un éxtasis creativo que duró horas.

Another important aspect is how the word interacts with verbs of perception and sensation. You don't just 'have' éxtasis; you 'feel' it (sentir), 'experience' it (experimentar), or 'reach' it (llegar al). If you want to describe something that causes this state, you can use the verb 'extasiar,' which means 'to entrance' or 'to fill with delight.' For instance, 'La belleza del paisaje me extasió.' This verb form is more common in literary descriptions than in casual conversation, but it adds a level of sophistication to your Spanish.

Verb Pairings: Commonly paired with 'provocar', 'causar', 'sentir', and 'llegar a'.
Prepositional Use: Frequently follows 'en' (en éxtasis) or 'de' (un grito de éxtasis).

Los aficionados gritaron de éxtasis cuando se marcó el gol de la victoria.

In plural contexts, the word does not change its spelling. You would say 'los éxtasis de los santos,' not 'los éxtasises.' This is a common point of confusion for students who expect a suffix change. Furthermore, the word always carries a written accent on the 'é' because it is an 'esdrújula' word (stressed on the third-to-last syllable). Forgetting this accent is a common spelling mistake. When writing, ensure the accent is there to maintain the correct pronunciation and formal integrity of the word.

El éxtasis religioso es un tema recurrente en la literatura del Siglo de Oro.

Finally, consider the tone. Using 'éxtasis' in a very casual setting (like describing a good cup of coffee) can sound hyperbolic or even sarcastic. Use it when the emotion truly warrants a 'peak' description. If you are describing general happiness, 'felicidad' or 'alegría' are safer bets. Reserved for the sublime, 'éxtasis' elevates your speech to a level of poetic intensity.

In the modern Spanish-speaking world, you will encounter éxtasis in several distinct environments. The most traditional is within the realm of art history and religious studies. Spain has a deep history of mysticism, and figures like Santa Teresa de Ávila and San Juan de la Cruz are synonymous with the concept of 'éxtasis místico.' If you visit a museum like the Prado in Madrid, you will see countless paintings depicting saints in this state, their eyes upturned and faces glowing. In these contexts, the word is used with extreme reverence to describe a direct, transcendental communication with the divine.

En el museo, los guías explicaban el éxtasis de la santa capturado por el pintor.

Moving to the contemporary world, you will hear the word frequently in sports commentary. When a team wins a championship after a long drought, or a player scores a miraculous goal, commentators will describe the 'éxtasis en las gradas' (ecstasy in the stands). Here, it loses its religious connotation but retains its sense of a 'peak' experience that unites a large group of people in a singular, overwhelming emotion. It is the language of the 'moment of glory.'

News & Media: Used to describe mass celebrations, lottery wins, or historical triumphs.
Music & Literature: Lyrics often use it to describe the height of passion or the effect of a melody.

La ciudad vivió una noche de éxtasis tras la victoria de su equipo.

However, it is impossible to ignore the pharmaceutical context. In news reports regarding public health or nightlife, 'éxtasis' refers to the drug MDMA. This usage is strictly secular and often carries a negative or clinical connotation. If you hear a news anchor saying 'incautaron grandes cantidades de éxtasis,' they are clearly not talking about spiritual joy. As a learner, being aware of this dual meaning is vital for social awareness. In a club or a late-night street setting, the word might have a very different implication than it does in a cathedral or a stadium.

El documental exploraba los peligros del éxtasis entre los jóvenes.

Finally, in the world of high fashion and luxury marketing, 'éxtasis' is used to describe the sensory overload of beautiful fabrics, scents, and aesthetics. It is a word that sells the idea of an experience that is 'out of this world.' Whether in a sermon, a soccer match, or a perfume ad, the word consistently points to an experience that breaks the boundaries of the mundane.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using éxtasis is assuming it is a feminine noun because it ends in '-is'. While many Spanish nouns ending in '-a' are feminine, words of Greek origin ending in '-is' (like éxtasis, análisis, or parentesis) are almost always masculine. Saying 'la éxtasis' is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake. It must always be 'el éxtasis.' This gender assignment remains consistent regardless of the context, whether religious, emotional, or chemical.

Incorrecto: Sentí una éxtasis increíble. Correcto: Sentí un éxtasis increíble.

Another common pitfall is the pluralization. In English, we might occasionally say 'ecstasies,' but in Spanish, the word éxtasis is invariable. This means the word itself does not change; only the article and accompanying adjectives do. Many learners mistakenly try to say 'éxtasises' or 'éxtasis', which is redundant or incorrect. The correct plural is simply 'los éxtasis.' This is a rule shared with other '-is' ending words like 'crisis' (las crisis).

Spelling Errors: Forgetting the tilde (accent mark) on the 'é'. Without it, the word is technically misspelled and the stress would shift incorrectly.
False Cognate Confusion: Confusing 'éxtasis' with 'estática' (static). They sound slightly similar but have no relation in meaning.

Las diferentes religiones describen varios éxtasis espirituales.

Usage intensity is also a source of error. English speakers sometimes use 'ecstasy' more casually than Spanish speakers use 'éxtasis.' In Spanish, it is a very 'big' word. If you use it to describe enjoying a movie that was just 'pretty good,' it will sound out of place. It's better to use 'maravillado' (amazed) or 'encantado' (delighted) for mid-level positive emotions. Save 'éxtasis' for the moments that truly take your breath away. Overusing it dilutes the power of your vocabulary.

No confundas el éxtasis emocional con la simple alegría pasajera.

Lastly, watch the pronunciation of the 'x'. In Spanish, 'x' before a consonant is often pronounced like an 's' in many dialects (é-stasis), but in formal speech or before a vowel, it's 'ks'. In 'éxtasis', it is followed by a 't', so you will often hear 'é-stasis'. However, for a learner, a clear 'eks-tasis' is perfectly acceptable and often preferred in clear, academic speech. Avoid making the 'x' sound like a 'z' or a 'j'.

While éxtasis is a powerful word, Spanish offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the specific shade of joy or wonder you wish to express. One of the closest synonyms is arrobamiento. This word specifically refers to being 'carried away' by a sight or an emotion, often used in artistic contexts. While 'éxtasis' is the state itself, 'arrobamiento' focuses more on the process of being captivated or spellbound. If you are looking at a beautiful sunset, you might be in a state of 'arrobamiento.'

Euforia vs. Éxtasis: Euforia (Euphoria) is more energetic and outward-facing. Éxtasis is often more internal, contemplative, and profound.
Embeleso: This refers to a state of being completely charmed or fascinated, usually by something visually or aurally beautiful.

Su embeleso era evidente mientras escuchaba la ópera.

Another alternative is delirio. While often meaning 'delirium' in a medical sense, in a poetic context, it describes a feverish, almost irrational state of happiness or passion. 'Un delirio de alegría' is a common phrase for uncontrollable excitement. Contrast this with plenitud, which refers to a calm, deep sense of fulfillment and 'fullness.' While 'éxtasis' is a peak, 'plenitud' is a plateau of high-level satisfaction. Depending on whether your emotion is explosive or steady, you would choose one over the other.

Alcanzó una plenitud espiritual tras años de meditación.

For more common, everyday situations, stick to entusiasmo (enthusiasm) or júbilo (rejoicing). 'Júbilo' is a fantastic word for public celebrations, such as a parade or a wedding. It carries a sense of collective, noisy happiness that 'éxtasis' (which can be very quiet and personal) might not convey. If you are describing a fan's reaction to a goal, 'júbilo' is often more accurate than 'éxtasis,' though commentators love the drama of the latter.

El júbilo popular se desbordó en las calles tras la noticia.

In literary analysis, you might also encounter enajenación. While this can mean 'alienation,' in the context of mysticism, it refers to the soul being 'alienated' or removed from the body to meet the divine. It is a technical synonym for the 'out of body' aspect of éxtasis. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe the human experience with much greater precision and elegance in Spanish.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described a state of insanity or madness in Greek medicine before it became associated with divine joy or mystic trances in religious contexts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈek.stə.si/

US /ˈek.stə.si/

The Spanish 'éxtasis' is an 'esdrújula' word, meaning the stress is on the third-to-last syllable: ÉK-sta-sis.

Rhymes With

énfasis análisis parálisis hipótesis metástasis síntesis diéresis catarsis

Common Errors

Saying 'ex-TA-sis' (stressing the middle).
Dropping the 'k' sound entirely (saying 'estasis').
Pronouncing the 'x' like a 'z'.
Ignoring the tilde in writing.
Treating it as a feminine word (la éxtasis).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate, but requires context to distinguish meanings.

Writing 4/5

Common mistakes with gender (el vs la) and the accent mark (tilde).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'x' and 't' together can be tricky for some.

Listening 2/5

Very clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

alegría felicidad estado místico sentimiento

Learn Next

arrobamiento embeleso euforia plenitud sublime

Advanced

enajenación paroxismo apoteosis epifanía catarsis

Grammar to Know

Nouns of Greek origin ending in -is are usually masculine.

El éxtasis, el análisis, el paréntesis.

Esdrújula words (stressed on the 3rd-to-last syllable) always have a tilde.

Éxtasis, música, pájaro.

Invariable nouns in number (singular and plural are the same).

El éxtasis / Los éxtasis.

Use of 'estar' for temporary emotional states.

Él está en éxtasis ahora mismo.

Abstract nouns often take the definite article in Spanish.

El éxtasis es una emoción poderosa.

Examples by Level

El niño está en éxtasis con su juguete nuevo.

The boy is in ecstasy with his new toy.

Uses 'estar en' to describe a temporary state of intense joy.

Siento un gran éxtasis hoy.

I feel a great ecstasy today.

Uses the masculine article 'un' with the masculine noun 'éxtasis'.

¡Qué éxtasis de alegría!

What an ecstasy of joy!

An exclamation using 'qué' to emphasize the noun.

El perro corre con éxtasis en el parque.

The dog runs with ecstasy in the park.

Use of 'con' to describe the manner of the action.

Es un momento de éxtasis para mí.

It is a moment of ecstasy for me.

Linking 'momento' and 'éxtasis' with the preposition 'de'.

Ella vive en un éxtasis constante.

She lives in a constant ecstasy.

The adjective 'constante' modifies the masculine noun 'éxtasis'.

Vimos el éxtasis en sus ojos.

We saw the ecstasy in her eyes.

Direct object 'el éxtasis' following the verb 'ver'.

El helado me da un pequeño éxtasis.

The ice cream gives me a little ecstasy.

Hyperbolic use of the word for a simple pleasure.

Los músicos sintieron el éxtasis del público.

The musicians felt the ecstasy of the audience.

Plural subject 'músicos' with singular object 'el éxtasis'.

Fue un éxtasis total ganar el partido.

It was a total ecstasy to win the game.

The adjective 'total' agrees with the masculine noun.

No puedo explicar este éxtasis que siento.

I cannot explain this ecstasy that I feel.

Demonstrative adjective 'este' used with 'éxtasis'.

El artista busca el éxtasis en sus pinturas.

The artist seeks ecstasy in his paintings.

Transitive verb 'buscar' with 'éxtasis' as the object.

Entramos en éxtasis al ver las montañas.

We entered into ecstasy upon seeing the mountains.

The common phrase 'entrar en éxtasis'.

Su vida es un éxtasis de aventuras.

His life is an ecstasy of adventures.

Metaphorical use of 'éxtasis' to describe a lifestyle.

La película terminó en un éxtasis de música.

The movie ended in an ecstasy of music.

Prepositional phrase 'en un éxtasis de'.

Bailamos con un éxtasis contagioso.

We danced with a contagious ecstasy.

Adjective 'contagioso' modifying 'éxtasis'.

El éxtasis místico es un tema común en el arte español.

Mystic ecstasy is a common theme in Spanish art.

Specific use of the adjective 'místico' to categorize the noun.

Llegó al éxtasis después de terminar el maratón.

He reached ecstasy after finishing the marathon.

Verb phrase 'llegar al éxtasis' indicating a process/achievement.

La noticia provocó un éxtasis colectivo en la ciudad.

The news caused a collective ecstasy in the city.

Verb 'provocar' showing cause and effect.

Vivir ese momento fue como un éxtasis divino.

Living that moment was like a divine ecstasy.

Simile using 'como' to compare an experience to éxtasis.

El éxtasis puede ser peligroso si es causado por drogas.

Ecstasy can be dangerous if it is caused by drugs.

Reference to the pharmaceutical meaning in a cautionary context.

Ella describió su viaje como un éxtasis para los sentidos.

She described her trip as an ecstasy for the senses.

The phrase 'éxtasis para los sentidos' is a common idiom.

Los poetas suelen escribir sobre el éxtasis del amor.

Poets often write about the ecstasy of love.

Abstract usage in a literary/romantic context.

El silencio del bosque me llevó al éxtasis.

The silence of the forest led me to ecstasy.

Verb 'llevar' (to lead/take) used with 'al éxtasis'.

Santa Teresa de Ávila es famosa por sus visiones y su éxtasis.

Saint Teresa of Avila is famous for her visions and her ecstasy.

Historical/Religious reference.

El director de orquesta parecía estar en pleno éxtasis.

The orchestra conductor seemed to be in full ecstasy.

'Pleno' acts as an intensifier for 'éxtasis'.

No debemos confundir la euforia pasajera con el verdadero éxtasis.

We should not confuse passing euphoria with true ecstasy.

Contrast between two similar emotional states.

La lectura de ese libro me sumergió en un éxtasis intelectual.

Reading that book immersed me in an intellectual ecstasy.

Verb 'sumergir' (to immerse) used metaphorically.

El éxtasis de la victoria borró todo el cansancio previo.

The ecstasy of victory erased all previous fatigue.

'Éxtasis' as the subject of the sentence.

Aquel paisaje le produjo un éxtasis difícil de narrar.

That landscape produced in him an ecstasy difficult to narrate.

Indirect object 'le' with the verb 'producir'.

Sus palabras llevaron a la audiencia a un éxtasis de esperanza.

His words led the audience to an ecstasy of hope.

Abstract combination: 'éxtasis de esperanza'.

El éxtasis, en su sentido etimológico, implica salir de uno mismo.

Ecstasy, in its etymological sense, implies stepping out of oneself.

Formal academic explanation within a sentence.

La obra de Bernini captura el éxtasis con una maestría sin igual.

Bernini's work captures ecstasy with unparalleled mastery.

Art criticism context.

El éxtasis místico trasciende las barreras del lenguaje cotidiano.

Mystic ecstasy transcends the barriers of everyday language.

Philosophical usage.

Se hallaba en un estado de éxtasis tal que no oía las llamadas.

He was in such a state of ecstasy that he did not hear the calls.

Use of 'tal que' to show the intensity of the state.

El éxtasis es a menudo el clímax de una experiencia estética profunda.

Ecstasy is often the climax of a profound aesthetic experience.

Defining 'éxtasis' as a 'clímax'.

La música minimalista busca inducir un tipo de éxtasis contemplativo.

Minimalist music seeks to induce a type of contemplative ecstasy.

Verb 'inducir' (to induce) in a technical musical context.

Aquel éxtasis no era sino el preludio de una gran transformación.

That ecstasy was but the prelude to a great transformation.

Literary construction 'no era sino' (was but).

En la cumbre de su carrera, experimentó un éxtasis de plenitud.

At the height of his career, he experienced an ecstasy of fulfillment.

Combining 'éxtasis' and 'plenitud' for emphasis.

El éxtasis colectivo puede derivar en fenómenos sociales imprevisibles.

Collective ecstasy can lead to unpredictable social phenomena.

Sociological usage.

La fenomenología del éxtasis ha sido objeto de estudio durante siglos.

The phenomenology of ecstasy has been an object of study for centuries.

High-level academic terminology.

El texto destila un éxtasis lírico que conmueve al lector más gélido.

The text distills a lyrical ecstasy that moves even the coldest reader.

Metaphorical verb 'destilar' (to distill).

El éxtasis, lejos de ser una huida, es un encuentro radical con la esencia.

Ecstasy, far from being an escape, is a radical encounter with essence.

Complex sentence structure with 'lejos de ser' (far from being).

Resulta arduo discernir entre el éxtasis genuino y el mero histrionismo.

It is arduous to discern between genuine ecstasy and mere histrionics.

Use of 'discernir' (to discern) and 'histrionismo' (theatrics).

La arquitectura gótica aspiraba a provocar el éxtasis mediante la luz.

Gothic architecture aspired to provoke ecstasy through light.

Historical/Architectural analysis.

Bajo el influjo del éxtasis, el tiempo parece suspender su curso.

Under the influence of ecstasy, time seems to suspend its course.

Temporal metaphor.

El éxtasis barroco se manifiesta en la torsión y el dinamismo de las formas.

Baroque ecstasy manifests itself in the torsion and dynamism of forms.

Specific art history terminology.

No hay éxtasis sin una previa renuncia a las certezas del ego.

There is no ecstasy without a prior renunciation of the ego's certainties.

Philosophical/Psychological assertion.

Common Collocations

Entrar en éxtasis

Éxtasis místico

Llegar al éxtasis

Estado de éxtasis

Éxtasis colectivo

Grito de éxtasis

Éxtasis creativo

Provocar éxtasis

Puro éxtasis

Consumo de éxtasis

Common Phrases

En un éxtasis de...

— In a state of overwhelming [emotion]. Used to specify the cause of the bliss.

Estaba en un éxtasis de agradecimiento.

Al borde del éxtasis

— Almost reaching the peak of joy or excitement. Implies anticipation.

La audiencia estaba al borde del éxtasis antes de la canción final.

Éxtasis para los sentidos

— Something that is incredibly pleasing to see, hear, taste, or touch.

Este postre es un éxtasis para los sentidos.

Vivir en el éxtasis

— To exist in a state of constant, perhaps delusional, happiness.

Parece que vive en el éxtasis y no ve los problemas reales.

Un éxtasis de colores

— A vibrant and overwhelming display of many colors.

El jardín en primavera es un éxtasis de colores.

Caer en éxtasis

— To suddenly be overcome by a feeling of wonder or trance.

Cayó en éxtasis al escuchar la primera nota del violín.

Éxtasis del alma

— A deep, internal joy that affects the very core of a person.

La meditación le proporcionó un éxtasis del alma.

Conducir al éxtasis

— To lead someone or something to a peak experience.

Su oratoria condujo a la multitud al éxtasis.

Éxtasis de la naturaleza

— The overwhelming beauty or power of the natural world.

La tormenta eléctrica era un éxtasis de la naturaleza.

Momento de éxtasis

— A specific, short period of time where one feels peak joy.

Fue un momento de éxtasis que nunca olvidaré.

Often Confused With

éxtasis vs Estática

English speakers might confuse 'static' with 'ecstatic' (extático), and thus 'estática' with 'éxtasis'.

éxtasis vs Estasis

In medical Spanish, 'estasis' refers to the stoppage of flow (stasis), while 'éxtasis' is joy.

éxtasis vs Éxtasi

This is a common misspelling; the word must end in '-is'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar en el séptimo cielo"

— To be extremely happy; similar to being in ecstasy but more colloquial.

Desde que se comprometieron, está en el séptimo cielo.

Informal

"Tocar el cielo con las manos"

— To achieve something great and feel immense joy.

Cuando ganó el premio, sintió que tocaba el cielo con las manos.

General

"No caber de gozo"

— To be bursting with joy.

No cabe de gozo con la noticia de su ascenso.

Formal

"Estar en las nubes"

— To be distracted by happiness or daydreaming.

Está en las nubes desde que conoció a esa persona.

Informal

"Hacer el agosto"

— To have a period of great success or profit (metaphorical ecstasy of business).

Hicieron el agosto vendiendo paraguas durante la lluvia.

Informal

"Saltar de alegría"

— To jump for joy.

Saltó de alegría al ver sus calificaciones.

General

"Estar como un niño con zapatos nuevos"

— To be incredibly happy about something new.

Está como un niño con zapatos nuevos con su coche.

Informal

"Llevarse una alegría"

— To receive a pleasant surprise.

Me llevé una alegría enorme al verte.

General

"Estar de enhorabuena"

— To be in a state of being congratulated/happy.

Estamos de enhorabuena por el nuevo bebé.

Formal

"Radiante de felicidad"

— Beaming with happiness.

La novia estaba radiante de felicidad.

General

Easily Confused

éxtasis vs Euforia

Both describe high happiness.

Euforia is more about energy and excitement; éxtasis is more about depth and transcendence.

La euforia del ganador vs el éxtasis del místico.

éxtasis vs Alegría

General word for joy.

Alegría is a standard emotion; éxtasis is an extreme, peak version.

Siento alegría al verte, pero sentí éxtasis al ver nacer a mi hijo.

éxtasis vs Arrobamiento

Both used in art.

Arrobamiento implies being spellbound by something external; éxtasis is the state of the self.

El arrobamiento ante el cuadro llevó al éxtasis.

éxtasis vs Entusiasmo

Both are positive.

Entusiasmo is keen interest or eagerness; éxtasis is overwhelming bliss.

Tengo entusiasmo por el proyecto, no éxtasis.

éxtasis vs Placer

Both feel good.

Placer is physical or simple satisfaction; éxtasis is emotional or spiritual heights.

El placer de comer vs el éxtasis de la oración.

Sentence Patterns

Yo estoy en éxtasis.

Yo estoy en éxtasis con mi perro.

Sentir un éxtasis [adjetivo].

Siento un éxtasis increíble.

El [sustantivo] provocó un éxtasis colectivo.

El gol provocó un éxtasis colectivo.

Entrar en un estado de éxtasis místico.

La monja entró en un estado de éxtasis místico.

El éxtasis como culminación de [proceso].

El éxtasis como culminación de la experiencia estética.

Bajo el influjo de un éxtasis [adjetivo culto].

Bajo el influjo de un éxtasis inefable.

Mixed

No hay nada como el éxtasis de [verbo infinitivo].

No hay nada como el éxtasis de ganar.

Mixed

Un grito de éxtasis rompió el [sustantivo].

Un grito de éxtasis rompió el silencio.

Word Family

Nouns

el éxtasis (ecstasy)

el extasiado (the enraptured person)

Verbs

extasiar (to enrapture/entrance)

extasiarse (to become enraptured)

Adjectives

extático (ecstatic/related to ecstasy)

extasiado (enraptured/spellbound)

mística

arrobamiento

embeleso

plenitud

euforia

How to Use It

frequency

Medium. It is not an everyday word like 'feliz', but common in specific contexts.

Common Mistakes

La éxtasis → El éxtasis
Learners often assume nouns ending in -is are feminine. However, 'éxtasis' is masculine.
Los éxtasises → Los éxtasis
The word is invariable in plural. You do not add -es to the end.
Extasis (without accent) → Éxtasis
It is an esdrújula word and must have a tilde on the third-to-last syllable.
Using it for minor joy → Using 'felicidad' or 'alegría'
'Éxtasis' is an extreme word. Using it for a good pizza sounds unnaturally dramatic.
Confusing it with 'estática' → Éxtasis (for joy)
'Estática' means static (like on a TV). They are not related.

Tips

Gender Trap

Don't be fooled by the '-is' ending. It's 'EL éxtasis'. Think of other masculine words like 'el análisis' to help you remember.

The First E

Hit the first 'E' hard! Since it's an esdrújula word, the stress is right at the beginning. É-xta-sis.

Use Synonyms

If 'éxtasis' feels too strong, try 'euforia' for excitement or 'plenitud' for deep satisfaction.

Art History

When visiting Spanish museums, look for 'éxtasis' in the descriptions of religious paintings to see the word in its classic context.

Drug Context

Be careful using this word in nightlife settings in Spain or Latin America, as it is the standard name for MDMA.

The Accent Mark

Always write the tilde. In Spanish, missing a tilde on an esdrújula word is considered a significant spelling error.

Intensity

Save 'éxtasis' for the 'top 1%' of your experiences. It makes the word more meaningful when you actually use it.

Seventh Heaven

If you want to say you are in ecstasy more informally, use 'estar en el séptimo cielo'.

Greek Roots

Remember that 'ek' means 'out'. Éxtasis is when your joy is so big it has to come 'out' of you.

Soft X

In many Spanish accents, the 'x' sounds like an 's'. Don't be confused if you hear 'éstasis'—it's the same word!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Exit-Stasis'. When you are in éxtasis, you 'Exit' your normal 'Stasis' (stillness) to reach a higher level of joy.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a mountain peak with a glowing light around them, looking up at the sky. They look like they are 'outside' their own body.

Word Web

Joy Religion Art Peak Trance Music Bliss Greek

Challenge

Try to use 'éxtasis' to describe your favorite song to a friend. Make sure you use the masculine 'el'!

Word Origin

From the Ancient Greek 'ekstasis' (ἔκστασις), which passed into Latin as 'ecstasis' before entering Spanish.

Original meaning: Literally 'standing outside oneself' (ek = out, stasis = standing). It referred to a displacement of the mind or soul.

Indo-European (Greek root).

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'éxtasis' is the primary name for the drug MDMA. Avoid using it in casual work contexts to describe minor successes to prevent misunderstandings.

In English, 'ecstasy' is often used more colloquially for 'very happy,' whereas in Spanish, 'éxtasis' retains a slightly more formal or intense weight.

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa (Sculpture by Bernini) The Ecstasy of Gold (Song by Ennio Morricone, often associated with Spanish-filmed Westerns) Poetry of San Juan de la Cruz

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art History

La representación del éxtasis
El éxtasis en el barroco
Capturar el éxtasis místico
La estética del éxtasis

Sports

Éxtasis en las gradas
Un momento de éxtasis
Llegar al éxtasis final
La afición en éxtasis

Religion

Entrar en éxtasis divino
El éxtasis de la santa
Visiones y éxtasis
Unión en el éxtasis

Daily Life (Hyperbolic)

Puro éxtasis para el paladar
Estar en éxtasis con el viaje
Un éxtasis de alegría
Sentir un pequeño éxtasis

Health/News

Efectos del éxtasis
Tráfico de éxtasis
Consumo recreativo de éxtasis
Peligros del éxtasis

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez has sentido un éxtasis total al ver un paisaje natural?"

"¿Qué tipo de música te hace entrar en un estado de éxtasis?"

"¿Crees que el éxtasis es algo que solo los artistas y santos pueden sentir?"

"¿Cuál ha sido el momento de mayor éxtasis en la historia de tu equipo favorito?"

"¿Has visto alguna vez la escultura del éxtasis de Santa Teresa en Roma?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un momento de tu vida en el que sentiste un éxtasis puro. ¿Qué lo causó?

Escribe sobre una obra de arte o canción que te produzca un sentimiento cercano al éxtasis.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre la felicidad diaria y un momento de éxtasis trascendente.

¿Cómo describirías el éxtasis a alguien que nunca lo ha sentido?

Investiga sobre un personaje histórico famoso por sus momentos de éxtasis y escribe tu opinión.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es siempre masculino. Se dice 'el éxtasis' o 'un éxtasis'. Aunque termine en '-is', sigue la regla de las palabras de origen griego que suelen ser masculinas en español, como 'el análisis' o 'el paréntesis'. Usar el artículo femenino es un error gramatical común.

La palabra es invariable, lo que significa que no cambia en plural. Se dice 'los éxtasis'. Esto ocurre con muchas palabras terminadas en '-is' que tienen el acento en la antepenúltima sílaba. Por ejemplo: 'Los éxtasis de los santos fueron documentados'.

Usa 'felicidad' para un estado general de bienestar. Reserva 'éxtasis' para momentos pico de intensidad extrema, donde la persona parece perder la noción de la realidad. Es un término mucho más fuerte y literario que 'felicidad'.

Generalmente no, es muy positivo. Sin embargo, en el contexto de las noticias sobre salud o delincuencia, se refiere a la droga MDMA, lo cual es negativo. El contexto siempre te indicará si se habla de una emoción o de una sustancia química.

Lleva tilde porque es una palabra esdrújula. En español, todas las palabras cuya sílaba tónica es la antepenúltima (tercera desde el final) deben llevar acento escrito. É-xta-sis. Sin la tilde, la pronunciación correcta se perdería.

Sí, pero es un uso hiperbólico (exagerado). Si dices 'Este pastel es un éxtasis', estás diciendo que es tan bueno que te transporta a otro mundo. Es común en el lenguaje de la publicidad gastronómica.

Proviene del griego 'ekstasis', que significa 'estar fuera de uno mismo'. Esto describe perfectamente la sensación de que el alma o la mente se desplazan del cuerpo durante un momento de alegría o revelación extrema.

Es extremadamente común. Los comentaristas deportivos usan 'éxtasis' para describir la reacción de la afición ante un gol decisivo. Es una forma de enfatizar la locura y la alegría colectiva del momento.

Los más comunes son 'entrar en', 'llegar al', 'sentir', 'provocar' y 'sumergirse en'. Por ejemplo: 'El artista entró en éxtasis al terminar su obra maestra'. Estos verbos ayudan a describir la transición a ese estado emocional.

Sí, existen dos principales: 'extático' (relacionado con el éxtasis) y 'extasiado' (una persona que siente éxtasis). Por ejemplo: 'Ella miraba el mar con ojos extasiados'. Ambos son muy útiles para describir sentimientos profundos.