Translation of action – English–Spanish dictionary

action

noun

/ˈæk.ʃən/ us

/ˈæk.ʃən/

DOING SOMETHING

Add to word list Add to word list

B2 [ U ]

the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty

medidas, actuación

This problem calls for swift/prompt action from the government. Este problema exige una actuación rápida por parte del Gobierno.

[ + to infinitive ] Action to prevent the spread of the disease is high on the government's agenda. Las medidas para evitar la propagación de la enfermedad encabezan la agenda del gobierno.

We must take action (= do something) to deal with the problem before it spreads to other areas. Debemos tomar medidas para atajar el problema antes de que se extienda a otras zonas.

So what's the plan of action? (= What are we going to do?) ¿Cuál es el plan de acción?

The complaints system swings into action (= starts to work) as soon as a claim is made.

The committee was spurred into action (= encouraged to do something) by the threat of government cuts. El comité se vio impulsado a actuar por la amenaza de recortes del Gobierno.

More examplesFewer examples

The government is supporting military action.
The richer countries of the world must take action to help the poorer countries.
I hope these arguments have convinced you of the need for action.
The army are said to be ready for action.
It is clear that most women supported this action, from the results of the opinion poll.

SOMETHING DONE

B2 [ C ]

something that you do

acción, acto

She has to accept the consequences of her actions. Tiene que aceptar las consecuencias de sus actos.

I asked him to explain his actions. Le pedí que explicara sus acciones.

C2 [ C ]

a physical movement

movimiento, gesto

I'll say the words and you can mime the actions. Yo digo las palabras y tú puedes hacer los gestos.

It only needs a small wrist action (= movement of the wrist) to start the process. Solo se requiere un pequeño movimiento de muñeca para iniciar el proceso.

More examplesFewer examples

She wrote an angry letter to the paper complaining about the council's action.
The four soldiers received medals for their brave actions.
The defendant was depressed and therefore not fully responsible for her own actions.
We will not allow the violent actions of terrorists to change our way of life.
I'm sorry I punched him, it was a reflex action.

ACTIVITY

B1 [ U ]

things that are happening, especially exciting or important things

acción

I like movies with a lot of action. Me gustan las películas con mucha acción.

In her last novel, the action (= the main events) moves between Greece and southern Spain. En su última novela, la acción se mueve entre Grecia y el sur de España.

[ U ]

a style of film in which a lot of exciting and often violent things happen

acción

His film-making style blends action, horror, and comedy. Su estilo cinematográfico mezcla acción, terror y comedia.

The action genre is often assumed to appeal more to men. Se suele considerar que el género de acción atrae más a los hombres.

See also

action movie

where the action is

at the place where something important or interesting is happening:

A journalist has to be where the action is. Un periodista tiene que estar donde está la noticia.

Translation of action – English–Spanish dictionary

action

DOING SOMETHING

SOMETHING DONE

ACTIVITY

EFFECT

WAR

WAY THING WORKS

LEGAL PROCESS

Idioms

action

Translation of action | GLOBAL English–Spanish Dictionary

Translations of action

Browse

Learn more with +Plus

Learn more with +Plus