B2 noun Neutro 3 min de leitura

Ambición

/am.biˈsjon/

Overview

The Spanish word 'Ambición' is a feminine noun that directly translates to 'ambition' in English. It refers to a strong desire to do or achieve something, often involving hard work, determination, and a drive for success. It encompasses aspirations, goals, and the pursuit of excellence.

**Etymology and Usage:**

'Ambición' originates from the Latin word 'ambitio,' which historically referred to the act of canvassing for votes or seeking popularity, and later evolved to mean a desire for honor, power, or advancement. This root highlights the inherent drive towards achieving a desired status or outcome.

In Spanish, 'ambición' can be used in both positive and negative contexts, much like in English.

  • Positive Connotations: When used positively, 'ambición' signifies a healthy and productive drive. For example, 'Tiene la ambición de convertirse en un gran científico' (He has the ambition to become a great scientist) suggests a commendable pursuit of knowledge and achievement. It often implies a desire to improve oneself or one's circumstances, to contribute meaningfully, or to reach a high level of skill or accomplishment.
  • Negative Connotations: On the other hand, 'ambición' can also carry negative connotations, implying an excessive or unscrupulous desire for power, wealth, or status, often at the expense of others. Phrases like 'ciega ambición' (blind ambition) or 'desmedida ambición' (excessive ambition) illustrate this. For instance, 'Su ambición lo llevó a traicionar a sus amigos' (His ambition led him to betray his friends) paints a picture of a destructive pursuit of personal gain. This negative aspect often aligns with greed, ruthlessness, or a disregard for ethical boundaries.

**Cultural Nuances:**

While the core meaning is consistent, cultural interpretations can add subtle layers. In some contexts, particularly in more traditional or collectivist societies, overt displays of 'ambición' might be viewed with a degree of suspicion, as it could be perceived as self-serving rather than community-oriented. However, in professional or academic settings, 'ambición' is generally admired as a crucial trait for innovation and progress.

**Related Terms:**

  • Ambicioso/a (adjective): Ambitious. 'Es una persona muy ambiciosa' (He/She is a very ambitious person).
  • Aspiración (noun): Aspiration, hope, dream. Similar to 'ambición' but can be broader and sometimes less intense in its implication of active pursuit.
  • Meta (noun): Goal, objective. A more concrete and defined target of 'ambición'.
  • Deseo (noun): Desire, wish. A more general term for wanting something.

Understanding 'ambición' involves recognizing its dual nature – a powerful motivator for positive change and a potential catalyst for negative actions, depending on its intensity and the ethical framework within which it operates.

Exemplos

1

Su ambición lo llevó a la cima de su carrera.

His ambition led him to the top of his career.

2

Tiene la ambición de viajar por todo el mundo.

She has the ambition to travel all over the world.

Colocações comuns

gran ambición
pura ambición
sana ambición
ciega ambición
ambición desmedida
ambición de poder
ambición personal

Frequentemente confundido com

Ambición vs w
80+ WORDS

Padrões gramaticais

p1 p2 p3

Como usar

Notas de uso

When using 'Ambición' in Spanish, it's important to consider the context to convey the intended meaning accurately. If you want to express a positive, goal-oriented drive, you might pair it with adjectives like 'sana' (healthy), 'noble' (noble), or 'legítima' (legitimate). For example, 'Tiene una ambición sana de aprender' (He has a healthy ambition to learn). To denote a negative, overly aggressive, or greedy desire, you might use 'ciega' (blind), 'desmedida' (excessive), or 'desenfrenada' (unbridled). For instance, 'Su ambición desmedida lo llevó a traicionar a sus amigos' (His excessive ambition led him to betray his friends). It is also commonly used in phrases like 'tener ambición de poder' (to have an ambition for power) or 'sin ambición' (without ambition, implying a lack of drive). The word is feminine, so it takes feminine articles and adjectives. Understanding these nuances helps in conveying the precise shade of meaning.


Erros comuns

A common mistake might be to confuse 'Ambición' with a word that sounds similar but has a different meaning, or to mispronounce it. For example, some might mistakenly think it relates to 'ambience' due to a slight sound similarity, but the meanings are completely different. Also, ensuring correct pronunciation of the 'ción' ending (similar to 'syawn' in English) is key.

Dicas

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Use it to describe a strong personal drive.

Ambición is often used to describe someone's personal ambition, like their career goals or aspirations for self-improvement. For example, 'Su ambición lo llevó a estudiar día y noche para alcanzar su meta profesional.' (His ambition led him to study day and night to reach his professional goal.)
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Be mindful of its potential negative connotation.

While 'ambición' can be positive, it can also carry a negative connotation, implying greed or an excessive desire for power. For instance, 'Su ambición desmedida arruinó sus relaciones personales.' (His excessive ambition ruined his personal relationships.) Context is key.
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Employ it when discussing collective or national aspirations.

Beyond individual desires, 'ambición' can refer to the collective goals or aspirations of a group, organization, or even a nation. An example: 'La ambición de la empresa es expandirse a nuevos mercados internacionales.' (The company's ambition is to expand into new international markets.)

Origem da palavra

From Latin ambitio, from ambire 'go around' (from amb- 'around' + ire 'to go').

Contexto cultural

In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'Ambición' (ambition) is often viewed as a double-edged sword. While it can be seen as a positive drive towards personal and professional growth, leading to success and innovation, it can also carry negative connotations. Excessive 'ambición' might be perceived as greed, selfishness, or a willingness to step on others to achieve one's goals. This duality is reflected in common sayings; for example, 'La ambición rompe el saco' (Ambition breaks the sack) implies that excessive ambition can lead to ruin, while 'Tener ambición' can simply mean having goals and aspirations. The perception often depends on the individual's approach and whether their ambition is seen as benefiting the community or solely themselves. This cultural nuance suggests a preference for ambition that is balanced with humility, ethics, and social responsibility.

Dica de memorização

Ambi-tio-n (English) sounds like 'ambition' (Spanish). Both words share a similar meaning related to a strong desire to achieve something. This similarity can help you remember the Spanish word.

Perguntas frequentes

4 perguntas
La ambición se define como un fuerte deseo o anhelo de lograr algo significativo, ya sea un objetivo personal, un éxito profesional o una meta a largo plazo. Implica una motivación intrínseca para superarse, alcanzar la excelencia y materializar aspiraciones, a menudo acompañada de esfuerzo, determinación y perseverancia para superar obstáculos y desafíos en el camino hacia la consecución de lo deseado.
Algunos sinónimos de ambición incluyen aspiración, anhelo, deseo, meta, objetivo, afán, empeño, codicia (aunque este último tiene una connotación más negativa y se refiere a un deseo excesivo de riquezas o poder), tenacidad, perseverancia y espíritu de superación. La elección del sinónimo dependerá del matiz específico que se quiera expresar.
La ambición puede ser tanto una cualidad positiva como negativa, dependiendo de su naturaleza y de cómo se manifieste. Una ambición saludable impulsa al crecimiento personal, la innovación y el éxito, beneficiando tanto al individuo como a la sociedad. Sin embargo, una ambición desmedida o sin escrúpulos puede llevar a la codicia, la competencia desleal, el egoísmo y la explotación, causando daño a los demás y al propio individuo a largo plazo.
Cultivar una ambición positiva implica establecer metas realistas y significativas, desarrollar un plan de acción claro, mantener una actitud de aprendizaje constante, ser perseverante ante los obstáculos y celebrar los logros. Además, es fundamental alinear la ambición con valores éticos y buscar el beneficio mutuo, no solo el propio. Rodearse de personas que inspiren y apoyen también es clave para mantener una ambición constructiva.

Teste-se

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Su [______] lo llevó a trabajar incansablemente para alcanzar sus metas.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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Con gran [______], estudió día y noche para obtener una beca.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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La [______] de escalar la montaña más alta del mundo lo motivaba.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

Pontuação: /3

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