instinto
nounCEFR B2
What does “instinto” mean in English?
instinct — an innate tendency to behave in a particular way without reasoning
instinct — an innate tendency to behave in a particular way without reasoning (instinto de supervivencia; por instinto)
Example sentences
El instinto de supervivencia lleva a los animales a actuar con rapidez ante situaciones de peligro.
The survival instinct leads animals to act quickly in dangerous situations.
Confió en su instinto y rechazó la oferta, aunque sobre el papel parecía muy atractiva.
She trusted her instinct and turned down the offer, even though on paper it seemed very attractive.
El periodista actuó por instinto al fotografiar la escena antes de que llegara la policía.
The journalist acted on instinct when he photographed the scene before the police arrived.
How to use it
El instinto (noun, masculine) means 'instinct' — an innate drive or tendency to behave in a particular way without conscious reasoning. Key collocations: instinto de supervivencia; instinto maternal/paternal; por instinto; actuar por instinto; instinto asesino (literary/journalism). Distinguish from hábito (acquired behaviour) and impulso (impulse — a sudden urge). The phrase por instinto (instinctively) is a fixed adverbial.
Common mistake
Instinto (innate drive) ≠ hábito (acquired behaviour through repetition). Por instinto is the fixed adverbial — do not say *instintivamente as often (it exists, but por instinto is more conversational). Instintivo/a is the adjective. 'Gut feeling' = corazonada or instinto — both work at B2.