intimidante
/intimiˈdante/
The English word "intimidating" can be translated into Spanish as intimidante.
Intimidante is used to describe someone or something that is threatening. Depending on the context and social setting, other expressions may be more appropriate, such as saying someone impone respeto to describe a commanding presence or using more casual terms like da miedo or metes miedo.
Meaning: threatening (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective intimidante is invariant in gender, so it remains the same whether describing a masculine or feminine noun. However, you must use the plural form intimidantes to agree with plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/intimiˈdante/
Did you know?
- The phrase metes miedo literally means 'you put fear', but it is a common way to tell someone they are intimidating in an informal setting.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, describing a person as imponente is often a higher compliment than calling them intimidante, as it suggests greatness rather than just fear.
- The suffix -ante in intimidante is a linguistic relative of the English suffix -ant, as both derive from the Latin present participle ending -antem.
Examples in context
- Tom encuentra muy intimidante a la madre de María.Tom finds Mary's mother to be quite intimidating.This sentence shows how to use intimidante to describe a person.Tatoeba #4301830 by mervert1, translation #3941236 by patgfisher
- La gente que usa gramática perfecta en el internet es extremadamente intimidante.People who use perfect grammar on the internet are extremely intimidating.This sentence uses intimidante to describe a type of person or behavior.Tatoeba #11462917 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10531150 by DJ_Saidez
- No temas, al principio puede parecer intimidante, pero él es realmente una persona muy amigable.Don't worry. He may look intimidating at first glance, but he's actually a very friendly person.This sentence illustrates how something can seem intimidante at first glance.Tatoeba #853429 by krash, translation #68117 by Eldad
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new boss at work.
- Alejandro¿Te parece intimidante el nuevo jefe?Do you find the new boss intimidating?
- ElenaSí, su mirada es muy intimidante.Yes, his gaze is very intimidating.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Elena, él es bueno.Don't worry, Elena, he is good.
- ElenaEspero que pronto me sienta cómoda.I hope I feel comfortable soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intimidating” translations and entries intimidante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intimidante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
