emocionado
Lemma Details
Translation: excited; moved; emotional; thrilled; touched
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the past participle of the verb 'emocionar' (to move emotionally), which comes from 'emoción' (emotion). The root traces back to Latin 'emotio' (a moving out, stirring up), from 'emovere' (to move out, remove, agitate) - combining 'e-' (out) and 'movere' (to move). The English cognate 'emotion' shares this same Latin origin, making the connection between physical movement and feelings that 'move' us emotionally.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estoy muy emocionado por la fiesta de mañana.
I'm very excited about tomorrow's party.
El público estaba emocionado después del concierto.
The audience was moved after the concert.
Se quedó emocionada al recibir la noticia.
She became emotional upon receiving the news.
Los padres estaban emocionados viendo a su hija graduarse.
The parents were touched watching their daughter graduate.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'emotion' + '-ado' (the past participle ending) = 'emocionado' (in a state of emotion)
- Picture someone being 'emotionally moved' to remember 'emocionado'
- The '-ado' ending suggests a state that has been achieved, like someone who has been filled with emotion
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing emotions openly is generally more accepted than in some English-speaking cultures. 'Emocionado' is frequently used to describe positive emotional states in both everyday and significant life events. It's common in social media, personal conversations, and formal announcements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Emocionado' describes a person feeling emotion (excited, moved), while 'emocionante' describes something that causes emotion (exciting, moving).
Confused word:
La película es emocionante.
The movie is exciting.
Notes: The distinction follows the pattern of many Spanish adjectives where '-ado' forms describe a state and '-ante' forms describe something that causes that state.
Mnemonic: 'Emocionado' ends in '-ado' like 'excited' ends in '-ed' (both describing a state someone is in). 'Emocionante' ends in '-ante' like 'exciting' ends in '-ing' (both describing something that causes a feeling).
Explanation: While both mean 'moved' emotionally, 'emocionado' is broader and can indicate excitement or anticipation, while 'conmovido' specifically suggests being deeply touched or moved to compassion.
This word:
Estaba emocionado por comenzar su nuevo trabajo.
He was excited about starting his new job.
Confused word:
Estaba conmovido por la historia del niño huérfano.
He was moved by the story of the orphaned child.
Notes: 'Emocionado' is more frequently used for positive anticipation, while 'conmovido' often implies an emotional response to something touching or sad.
Mnemonic: Think of 'conmovido' as 'con' (with) + 'moved' = moved with compassion or sympathy.