tension
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “tension” mean in English?
strain, tension — a state of mental stress; also conflict or friction between parties
strain, tension — a state of mental stress; also conflict or friction between parties (tensiones diplomáticas; la tensión de; bajo tensión)
Example sentences
Las tensiones diplomáticas entre ambos países escalaron tras el incidente fronterizo.
Diplomatic tensions between both countries escalated following the border incident.
La tensión acumulada durante meses de negociaciones finalmente se resolvió con un acuerdo de última hora.
The tension accumulated over months of negotiations was finally resolved with a last-minute agreement.
El médico le advirtió de que debía controlar la tensión arterial dado el historial de hipertensión familiar.
The doctor warned him that he needed to control his blood pressure given his family history of hypertension.
How to use it
La tensión (noun, feminine) means 'tension, strain, stress' — mental stress or conflict between parties. Core B2 collocations: tensiones diplomáticas/sociales; generar/aumentar/reducir la tensión; la tensión de + infinitive; tensión arterial (blood pressure); en tensión. The adjective is tenso. Distinguish from conflicto (conflict — open disagreement) and presión (pressure — external force).
Common mistake
Tensión arterial = blood pressure — don't confuse with tensión as stress/conflict. Alta/baja tensión = high/low voltage (electrical). 'To ease tensions' = reducir/aliviar las tensiones. Tensión sexual/emotional = sexual/emotional tension.