surtir efecto
verbCEFR B2
What does “surtir efecto” mean in English?
to take effect, to produce results
to take effect, to produce results (formal; real-world impact; contrast entrar en vigor = legal activation)
Example sentences
El tratamiento tardó varios meses en surtir efecto, pero al final los resultados fueron positivos.
The treatment took several months to take effect, but the results were ultimately positive.
Las nuevas medidas aún no han surtido efecto, pero se espera notar cambios en los próximos trimestres.
The new measures haven't yet taken effect, but changes are expected to be felt in coming quarters.
Para que la política surta efecto, es fundamental que todos los actores implicados colaboren.
For the policy to take effect, it is essential that all parties involved collaborate.
How to use it
Surtir efecto means 'to take effect', 'to work', 'to produce results'. It is a formal collocation describing the moment when a measure, treatment, or action begins producing the intended outcome. Construction: surtir efecto (intransitive; subject = the measure/thing). The timing is often specified: 'tarda en surtir efecto', 'empieza a surtir efecto'. Contrast with funcionar (to work, informal) and dar resultados (to produce results, near synonym).
Common mistake
Surtir efecto ≠ entrar en vigor (to come into force). Entrar en vigor marks the legal moment of activation; surtir efecto means producing actual real-world results — these are often different moments. Don't substitute *producir efecto (not standard) — the verb is always surtir in this collocation.