iniciativa
nounCEFR B2
What does “iniciativa” mean in English?
initiative — an act or proposal that starts a process; also the capacity to act independently
initiative — an act or proposal that starts a process; also the capacity to act independently (tomar la iniciativa; iniciativa legislativa)
Example sentences
El gobierno lanzó una iniciativa para fomentar el emprendimiento entre los jóvenes de zonas rurales.
The government launched an initiative to promote entrepreneurship among young people in rural areas.
Tomar la iniciativa en las negociaciones puede ser una ventaja estratégica si se hace con tacto.
Taking the initiative in negotiations can be a strategic advantage if done tactfully.
La iniciativa popular para reducir la jornada laboral recogió más de medio millón de firmas en tres semanas.
The citizens' initiative to reduce the working week collected over half a million signatures in three weeks.
How to use it
La iniciativa (noun, feminine) means 'initiative' — either a new proposal or action (lanzar una iniciativa; iniciativa legislativa) or the personal capacity to act proactively (tomar la iniciativa; actuar por iniciativa propia). Key collocations: tomar la iniciativa; iniciativa privada/pública; iniciativa legislativa/popular; por iniciativa de. Distinguish from propuesta (proposal — a specific suggestion) and acción (action — what is done). La iniciativa privada vs. la pública is a key B2 economic concept.
Common mistake
Tomar la iniciativa (not *agarrar la iniciativa). Iniciativa privada = private sector enterprise — a key economic term. Iniciativa legislativa = a bill or legislative proposal. Don't confuse iniciativa (broader concept) with propuesta (a specific suggestion on the table). 'On their own initiative' = por iniciativa propia.