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B1 adjective 9 min read

inspirador

Examples inspirador in 30 Seconds
Explanation inspirador in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Spanish. You might not use the word 'inspirador' very often because it is a longer word, but it is very easy to understand because it looks and sounds a lot like the English word 'inspiring'. This is called a 'cognate'. When you see 'inspirador', you can guess its meaning right away. At this stage, you focus on simple sentences. You can use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe things you like. For example, you can say 'El libro es inspirador' which means 'The book is inspiring'. You also need to learn that adjectives in Spanish change depending on the word they describe. If you are talking about a woman, you say 'Ella es inspiradora'. If you are talking about a man, you say 'Él es inspirador'. This is a great word to practice your masculine and feminine endings. You can also use the word 'muy' (very) to make it stronger: 'muy inspirador'. Even though your vocabulary is small, adding a descriptive word like this helps you express positive feelings about people, movies, or stories you encounter in your daily life.
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At the A2 level, you are becoming more comfortable with building sentences and expressing your opinions in Spanish. The word 'inspirador' becomes a very useful tool in your vocabulary box. You are learning to talk about your hobbies, movies you have watched, and books you have read. Instead of just saying a movie was 'buena' (good), you can now say it was 'inspiradora' (inspiring). This shows that your Spanish is getting better and more descriptive. You should also practice using the plural forms of this word. If you are talking about your parents, you can say 'Mis padres son inspiradores' (My parents are inspiring). If you are talking about two female teachers, you say 'Las profesoras son inspiradoras'. At this level, you can start combining 'inspirador' with phrases like 'Creo que...' (I think that...) or 'Me parece...' (It seems to me...). For example, 'Me parece un mensaje muy inspirador' (It seems like a very inspiring message to me). This helps you have deeper and more interesting conversations with native speakers, showing them that you can express feelings and reactions, not just basic facts.
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At the B1 level, you are an independent user of the Spanish language. You can handle most situations while traveling and can describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions. The word 'inspirador' is officially classified at this level because it allows you to articulate complex emotional reactions and abstract concepts. You are no longer just describing physical objects; you are describing the impact that art, speeches, and actions have on you. You can use 'inspirador' in conjunction with different tenses, such as the past tense. For instance, 'El viaje a Perú fue muy inspirador para mí' (The trip to Peru was very inspiring for me). You also understand the crucial difference between 'inspirador' (the thing causing the feeling) and 'inspirado' (the person feeling it). You can confidently explain *why* something is inspiring using conjunctions like 'porque' (because). For example: 'Esa película es inspiradora porque muestra que todo es posible' (That movie is inspiring because it shows that anything is possible). Mastering this word at B1 means you can actively participate in discussions about motivation, role models, and personal growth, which are common topics in social and professional settings.
At the B2 level, your fluency and spontaneity are significantly higher. You can interact with native speakers without strain for either party. Your use of 'inspirador' becomes more nuanced and sophisticated. You are capable of using it in professional, academic, and formal contexts, not just personal ones. For example, in a business meeting, you might say, 'La nueva estrategia del director es verdaderamente inspiradora' (The director's new strategy is truly inspiring). You can also use it with a wider variety of verbs beyond just 'ser'. You might say, 'Resultó ser una experiencia inspiradora' (It turned out to be an inspiring experience) or 'Encontré su discurso profundamente inspirador' (I found his speech deeply inspiring). At this level, you are also aware of synonyms and can choose the exact right word for the context, knowing when to use 'inspirador' versus 'motivador' or 'estimulante'. You can write essays or detailed reviews using this vocabulary, expressing subtle shades of meaning and demonstrating a strong command of Spanish adjective placement and syntax.
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At the C1 level, you can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Your understanding of 'inspirador' goes beyond its literal translation. You recognize its cultural weight and can use it in idiomatic or literary ways. You might use it in complex sentence structures involving the subjunctive mood. For example, 'No creo que su actitud sea tan inspiradora como dicen' (I don't think his attitude is as inspiring as they say). You can engage in deep philosophical or critical discussions about what makes a piece of art or a historical movement 'inspirador'. You can also play with word order for emphasis, though you know that placing 'inspirador' before the noun is rare and creates a highly poetic or dramatic effect (e.g., 'Aquel inspirador momento cambió la historia'). At C1, you are comfortable reading advanced texts—like literary critiques or political analyses—where this word is used to dissect human motivation and societal shifts, and you can mirror this high-level vocabulary in your own speech and writing.
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At the C2 level, you have achieved near-native proficiency. You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Your use of 'inspirador' is flawless and instinctual. You understand the micro-nuances of the word and can employ it with irony, sarcasm, or profound sincerity, depending on the context. You might say, 'Sí, claro, un esfuerzo muy inspirador' (Yeah, right, a very inspiring effort) with a sarcastic tone to critique a lackluster performance. You are entirely comfortable with the entire word family (inspirar, inspiración, inspirado, inspiradoramente) and can seamlessly transition between them to avoid repetition in complex academic writing or public speaking. You grasp the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other Latin-based concepts in Spanish. At this level, 'inspirador' is just one of many precise tools in your extensive vocabulary arsenal, allowing you to articulate the human experience with the exactitude and grace of an educated native speaker.
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Examples

inspirador in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'inspiring' in English.
  • Used to describe motivating people or things.
  • Changes to 'inspiradora' for feminine nouns.
  • Often used in education, sports, and business.
The Spanish word 'inspirador' is an adjective that translates directly to 'inspiring' in English. It is used to describe a person, an event, a speech, a book, or any other entity that has the power to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative, positive, or profound. To truly understand this word, we must look at its root, which comes from the Latin 'inspirare', meaning 'to breathe into'. When something is 'inspirador', it metaphorically breathes life, motivation, or new ideas into you. In everyday Spanish, you will hear this word used in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual conversations about a good movie to formal discussions about historical figures.
Emotional Impact
It denotes a strong positive emotional response that pushes a person towards action or deep reflection.

El discurso del presidente fue verdaderamente inspirador.

When people use this word, they are usually trying to convey that their perspective has been altered in a beneficial way. For example, if a student attends a lecture and leaves feeling a sudden passion for a subject they previously ignored, they would describe the professor or the lecture as 'inspirador'.
Creative Contexts
Often used in the arts to describe a muse, a piece of music, or a landscape that sparks creativity.

El paisaje de las montañas es muy inspirador.

It is also heavily used in the self-help and professional development industries. You will see it on book covers, in seminar descriptions, and in performance reviews.
Professional Usage
Used to describe leaders, mentors, or successful projects that motivate a team to achieve better results.

Ella es una líder inspiradora para todos nosotros.

The word carries a universally positive connotation. There is rarely a situation where being called 'inspirador' would be considered an insult, unless used sarcastically.

Su historia de superación es un ejemplo inspirador.

Furthermore, it is important to note that while 'inspirador' is common, native speakers might also use verbs like 'inspirar' to express the same idea (e.g., 'Me inspira mucho' instead of 'Es muy inspirador para mí'). Both are perfectly valid and widely understood across all Spanish-speaking regions.

Leer sobre sus viajes resulta muy inspirador.

Mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to express admiration, motivation, and positive feedback in Spanish.
Using 'inspirador' correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Spanish adjective placement and agreement rules. Because it is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes in both gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). This is a fundamental rule in Spanish grammar that English speakers often forget, since English adjectives never change form.
Masculine Singular
Used with masculine, singular nouns. Example: un libro inspirador (an inspiring book).

Ayer vi un documental muy inspirador sobre la naturaleza.

Feminine Singular
Used with feminine, singular nouns. Example: una charla inspiradora (an inspiring talk).

Fue una experiencia inspiradora que cambió mi vida.

Regarding placement, 'inspirador' almost always follows the noun it modifies, which is typical for descriptive adjectives in Spanish. Placing it before the noun is highly unusual and would sound overly poetic or archaic to a native speaker.
Plural Forms
Masculine plural: inspiradores. Feminine plural: inspiradoras. Used when referring to multiple inspiring things or people.

Ellos son maestros inspiradores que aman su trabajo.

You can also use 'inspirador' with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe the inherent characteristic of something, or with 'resultar' (to turn out to be) for a more nuanced expression of how something affected you.

El arte clásico siempre me ha resultado inspirador.

When constructing sentences, it is common to follow 'inspirador' with the preposition 'para' (for) to indicate who is receiving the inspiration. For instance, 'Este libro es inspirador para los jóvenes' (This book is inspiring for young people). Understanding these syntactic structures will help you integrate the word naturally into your spoken and written Spanish.

Las palabras de mi abuela son inspiradoras para toda la familia.

Practice combining 'inspirador' with different nouns and intensifiers to build fluency and confidence.
The word 'inspirador' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, appearing in a wide array of contexts from formal media to everyday conversations. You are highly likely to encounter it in educational settings. Teachers, professors, and educational materials often use it to encourage students or to describe notable historical figures whose lives serve as a model for others.
Education and Academia
Used to describe role models, groundbreaking research, or motivational educators.

El profesor de literatura dio un discurso de graduación muy inspirador.

Another major domain where this word thrives is in sports and athletics. Commentators, coaches, and fans frequently use 'inspirador' to describe an athlete overcoming an injury, an underdog team winning a championship, or a captain rallying their team.
Sports and Athletics
Applied to stories of resilience, teamwork, and extraordinary physical achievements.

La recuperación del jugador tras la lesión fue un proceso inspirador.

The corporate and business world also relies heavily on this vocabulary. In leadership seminars, TED talks (which are widely translated and watched in Spanish), and corporate communications, being an 'inspirador' leader is considered a pinnacle of professional development.
Business and Leadership
Common in discussions about management styles, company vision, and motivational speaking.

Necesitamos un gerente que sea inspirador y sepa guiar al equipo.

Furthermore, in the realm of arts and entertainment, movie reviews, book critiques, and music journalism frequently employ the word to praise works that move the audience emotionally.

La película tiene un mensaje profundamente inspirador sobre la amistad.

Finally, in personal relationships, telling a friend or family member that they are 'inspirador' is a profound compliment. It signifies deep respect and admiration for their character or actions.

Amiga, tu dedicación a tus hijos es realmente inspiradora.

Recognizing these contexts will help you not only understand the word when you hear it, but also know exactly when it is culturally appropriate to use it yourself.
When learning the word 'inspirador', English speakers often make a few predictable mistakes, primarily related to the distinction between causing an emotion and feeling an emotion. The most frequent error is confusing 'inspirador' (inspiring) with 'inspirado' (inspired). This is a classic active vs. passive adjective confusion.
Inspirador vs. Inspirado
'Inspirador' is the source of inspiration (the movie, the leader). 'Inspirado' is the person who feels the inspiration.

El libro es inspirador, por lo tanto, yo me siento inspirado.

A learner might incorrectly say 'Estoy muy inspirador hoy' when they mean 'I am very inspired today'. Saying 'Estoy muy inspirador' actually means 'I am being very inspiring today' (meaning you are inspiring others), which sounds arrogant if unintended.
Gender Agreement Errors
Failing to change the ending to '-a' when modifying feminine nouns, e.g., saying 'una persona inspirador' instead of 'una persona inspiradora'.

Mi madre es una mujer inspiradora.

Another common mistake is pronunciation. English speakers often stress the wrong syllable. In Spanish, words ending in a consonant other than 'n' or 's' are stressed on the last syllable unless there is a written accent. Therefore, 'inspirador' is stressed on the final syllable: in-spi-ra-DOR. Pronouncing it like the English word with the stress on the second syllable (in-SPIRE-a-dor) will sound unnatural.
Overuse as a Noun
Using 'inspirador' as a noun to mean 'an inspiration'. While technically possible (el inspirador), it is much more natural to say 'una inspiración'.

Ese evento fue verdaderamente inspirador para la comunidad.

Lastly, be careful not to confuse it with 'respirador' (ventilator/respirator), as they sound somewhat similar but have vastly different meanings.

El ambiente en la conferencia fue sumamente inspirador.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—especially the active/passive distinction and gender agreement—you will sound much more proficient and natural when using this powerful adjective.
While 'inspirador' is a fantastic and highly useful word, expanding your vocabulary to include synonyms and related terms will make your Spanish much richer and more expressive. Depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey, there are several excellent alternatives.
Motivador (Motivating)
This is perhaps the closest synonym. While 'inspirador' often implies a deep, almost spiritual or creative awakening, 'motivador' is more action-oriented, pushing you to get things done.

El entrenador dio un discurso muy motivador antes del partido.

Another great alternative is 'estimulante' (stimulating). This word is often used when talking about intellectual inspiration or things that provoke thought and mental energy.
Estimulante (Stimulating)
Best used for intellectual conversations, challenging books, or environments that keep your brain active.

Tuvimos una conversación muy estimulante sobre filosofía.

If you want to describe something that moves you emotionally, you might use 'conmovedor' (moving/touching). This is less about being inspired to take action and more about feeling deep empathy or emotional resonance.
Conmovedor (Moving)
Use this when a story or event brings you to tears or touches your heart deeply.

El final de la película fue increíblemente conmovedor.

On the flip side, if you need to express the opposite of 'inspirador', you would use antonyms like 'desalentador' (discouraging) or 'deprimente' (depressing).

Las noticias de hoy fueron bastante desalentadoras.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can communicate your feelings and reactions with much greater precision and fluency.

Su valentía es un acto alentador para todos.

Practice substituting these words in sentences to see how the tone shifts slightly with each choice.
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Examples by Level

1

El libro es muy inspirador.

The book is very inspiring.

Uses 'ser' (es) for description.

2

Ella es una mujer inspiradora.

She is an inspiring woman.

Feminine singular agreement (-a).

3

El maestro es inspirador.

The teacher is inspiring.

Masculine singular agreement.

4

Es un mensaje inspirador.

It is an inspiring message.

Adjective follows the noun 'mensaje'.

5

La música es inspiradora.

The music is inspiring.

Feminine agreement with 'música'.

6

Ellos son inspiradores.

They are inspiring.

Masculine plural agreement (-es).

7

El arte es inspirador.

Art is inspiring.

Masculine agreement with 'arte'.

8

Una historia muy inspiradora.

A very inspiring story.

Use of 'muy' to intensify.

1

Ayer vi una película muy inspiradora.

Yesterday I saw a very inspiring movie.

Used with past tense 'vi'.

2

Mis abuelos son personas inspiradoras.

My grandparents are inspiring people.

Plural feminine agreement with 'personas'.

3

Me parece un discurso inspirador.

It seems like an inspiring speech to me.

Uses 'me parece' to express opinion.

4

Su trabajo con los animales es inspirador.

His work with animals is inspiring.

Describing an action/job.

5

Creo que tu idea es muy inspiradora.

I think your idea is very inspiring.

Used with 'creo que'.

6

Leímos un poema inspirador en clase.

We read an inspiring poem in class.

Poema is masculine, so it takes 'inspirador'.

7

Ese cantante tiene una voz inspiradora.

That singer has an inspiring voice.

Voz is feminine, takes 'inspiradora'.

8

Fue un viaje inspirador para toda la familia.

It was an inspiring trip for the whole family.

Preterite tense 'fue'.

1

El documental sobre el océano resultó ser muy inspirador.

The documentary about the ocean turned out to be very inspiring.

Uses 'resultó ser' (turned out to be).

2

Necesitamos un líder inspirador para este proyecto.

We need an inspiring leader for this project.

Used to express a requirement/need.

3

La forma en que superó su enfermedad es verdaderamente inspiradora.

The way she overcame her illness is truly inspiring.

Adverb 'verdaderamente' used for emphasis.

4

Muchos jóvenes encuentran sus videos bastante inspiradores.

Many young people find his videos quite inspiring.

Uses 'encontrar' to express opinion.

5

Escribió una novela inspiradora basada en hechos reales.

She wrote an inspiring novel based on true events.

Complex sentence structure.

6

Es inspirador ver cómo la comunidad se ayuda mutuamente.

It is inspiring to see how the community helps each other.

'Es inspirador ver' - Adjective + infinitive.

7

No hay nada más inspirador que la naturaleza.

There is nothing more inspiring than nature.

Comparative structure 'nada más... que'.

8

Su dedicación al estudio es un ejemplo inspirador.

His dedication to studying is an inspiring example.

Noun phrase 'un ejemplo inspirador'.

1

La conferencia inaugural fue profundamente inspiradora para los asistentes.

The opening keynote was deeply inspiring for the attendees.

Adverb 'profundamente' and preposition 'para'.

2

Buscan crear un entorno de trabajo que sea inspirador y colaborativo.

They seek to create a work environment that is inspiring and collaborative.

Subjunctive 'sea' after relative pronoun 'que'.

3

A pesar de las críticas, su actitud siguió siendo inspiradora.

Despite the criticism, her attitude remained inspiring.

Gerund 'siguió siendo'.

4

El legado de Nelson Mandela es considerado universalmente inspirador.

Nelson Mandela's legacy is considered universally inspiring.

Passive voice construction 'es considerado'.

5

Resulta inspirador comprobar cómo la tecnología puede mejorar vidas.

It is inspiring to verify how technology can improve lives.

'Resulta' as a linking verb.

6

Una figura tan inspiradora merece ser recordada por las futuras generaciones.

Such an inspiring figure deserves to be remembered by future generations.

'Tan' used as an intensifier.

7

El artículo ofrece una perspectiva inspiradora sobre el cambio climático.

The article offers an inspiring perspective on climate change.

Advanced vocabulary integration.

8

Me parece fascinante e inspirador el modo en que aborda los problemas.

I find the way he tackles problems fascinating and inspiring.

Multiple adjectives modifying a concept.

1

Es imperativo que los líderes políticos adopten un tono más inspirador.

It is imperative that political leaders adopt a more inspiring tone.

Subjunctive 'adopten' triggered by 'Es imperativo que'.

2

El autor teje una narrativa inspiradora que desafía las convenciones sociales.

The author weaves an inspiring narrative that challenges social conventions.

Advanced literary vocabulary ('teje una narrativa').

3

Su retórica, lejos de ser demagógica, resultó ser genuinamente inspiradora.

His rhetoric, far from being demagogic, turned out to be genuinely inspiring.

Contrastive clause 'lejos de ser'.

4

No considero que su enfoque punitivo sea en absoluto inspirador.

I do not consider his punitive approach to be inspiring at all.

Negative opinion triggering subjunctive 'sea'.

5

Se erigió como una figura inspiradora en medio de la desolación de la posguerra.

She emerged as an inspiring figure amidst the desolation of the postwar period.

Pronominal verb 'erigirse como'.

6

La sinfonía culmina en un clímax que es tan desgarrador como inspirador.

The symphony culminates in a climax that is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.

Correlative comparative 'tan... como'.

7

Su capacidad para transformar la adversidad en arte es sumamente inspiradora.

His ability to transform adversity into art is highly inspiring.

Infinitive phrase acting as the subject.

8

Aquel inspirador amanecer en los Andes se grabó en mi memoria para siempre.

That inspiring sunrise in the Andes was etched in my memory forever.

Poetic placement of adjective before noun.

1

La elocuencia de su alegato final fue de un carácter tan inspirador que conmovió al jurado.

The eloquence of his closing argument was of such an inspiring nature that it moved the jury.

Complex noun phrase 'de un carácter tan...'.

2

Tildar su obra de meramente 'inspiradora' sería subestimar su profundo impacto filosófico.

To label his work as merely 'inspiring' would be to underestimate its profound philosophical impact.

Infinitive as subject 'Tildar'.

3

En retrospectiva, el fracaso inicial resultó ser el catalizador más inspirador de su carrera.

In retrospect, the initial failure turned out to be the most inspiring catalyst of his career.

Superlative 'el catalizador más inspirador'.

4

Su estoicismo ante la tragedia constituye un paradigma inspirador de resiliencia humana.

His stoicism in the face of tragedy constitutes an inspiring paradigm of human resilience.

Highly formal vocabulary ('paradigma', 'constituye').

5

Acaso no haya nada más inspirador que la tenacidad de un espíritu inquebrantable.

Perhaps there is nothing more inspiring than the tenacity of an unbreakable spirit.

Subjunctive 'haya' with adverb of doubt 'Acaso'.

6

El ensayo desentraña los motivos subyacentes que hacen de este movimiento algo tan inspirador.

The essay unravels the underlying motives that make this movement so inspiring.

'Hacer de algo' construction.

7

Se valió de una retórica inspiradora para galvanizar a las masas apáticas.

He made use of inspiring rhetoric to galvanize the apathetic masses.

Pronominal verb 'valerse de'.

8

Esa chispa inspiradora, otrora brillante, parecía haberse extinguido con el paso de los años.

That inspiring spark, once bright, seemed to have extinguished with the passing of the years.

Use of archaic/literary adverb 'otrora'.

Common Collocations

un líder inspirador
un discurso inspirador
una historia inspiradora
un mensaje inspirador
un ejemplo inspirador
una charla inspiradora
resultar inspirador
profundamente inspirador
una cita inspiradora
un maestro inspirador

Common Phrases

servir de inspiración

— To serve as an inspiration. Used as an alternative way to express that something is 'inspirador'.

Su valentía sirve de inspiración para nosotros.

fuente inspiradora

— An inspiring source. Used to describe where one gets their ideas or motivation.

La naturaleza es mi principal fuente inspiradora.

altamente inspirador

— Highly inspiring. Used in formal contexts to emphasize the level of inspiration.

El seminario fue altamente inspirador.

un entorno inspirador

— An inspiring environment. Often used in workplace or educational contexts.

Buscamos crear un entorno inspirador.

figura inspiradora

— Inspiring figure. Used to refer to historical or public figures who motivate others.

Gandhi es una figura inspiradora.

poder inspirador

— Inspiring power. The ability of something to cause inspiration.

El poder inspirador de la música es innegable.

lectura inspiradora

— Inspiring reading. Used to describe books or articles.

Te recomiendo esta lectura inspiradora.

viaje inspirador

— Inspiring journey. Can refer to a physical trip or a metaphorical life journey.

Su recuperación fue un viaje inspirador.

ser muy inspirador

— To be very inspiring. The most common way to use the word in daily conversation.

Ese video es muy inspirador.

resulta inspirador ver

— It is inspiring to see. Used to comment on an action or event taking place.

Resulta inspirador ver a los jóvenes protestar.

Idioms & Expressions

"dar alas"

— Literally 'to give wings'. Means to inspire or encourage someone to achieve their potential.

Tus palabras me dieron alas para seguir intentándolo.

informal
"levantar el ánimo"

— To lift the spirits. Used when something inspiring makes you feel better.

Esa canción siempre me levanta el ánimo.

neutral
"llenar de energía"

— To fill with energy. Used when an inspiring event makes you want to take action.

La conferencia me llenó de energía.

neutral
"abrir los ojos"

— To open one's eyes. Used when an inspiring thought gives you a new, positive perspective.

Ese libro me abrió los ojos a nuevas posibilidades.

neutral
"tocar la fibra sensible"

— To touch a nerve/heartstring. Used when something is emotionally inspiring or moving.

Su historia realmente me tocó la fibra sensible.

neutral
"dar un empujón"

— To give a push. Used when something inspires you to finally do something you were hesitating about.

Necesitaba un empujón para empezar el proyecto.

informal
"ser un faro de luz"

— To be a beacon of light. Used to describe a very inspiring person in dark times.

En tiempos difíciles, ella fue un faro de luz.

poetic
"encender la chispa"

— To ignite the spark. Used when something inspires the beginning of a creative process.

Ese viaje encendió la chispa de mi creatividad.

neutral
"soplar viento a favor"

— To blow wind in favor. Used to describe an inspiring situation that makes progress easier.

Ahora siento que sopla viento a favor

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

inspirador Portuguese
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