significativo
/siɡnifikaˈtibo/
The Spanish word for major (meaning greater in significance or importance) is significativo. It is also spelled groso. Wiktionary also lists grosso.
Meaning: greater in significance or importance (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| significativo | /siɡnifikaˈtibo/ | |
| groso | /ˈɡɾoso/ | alternative form |
| grosso | /ˈɡɾosso/ | Latin America |
These terms are used to describe something that is significant or of great importance. Note that while these words express importance, they are distinct from the Spanish words mayor or comandante, which refer to military ranks or the phrase mayor de edad, which refers to a person of legal age.
Which one should you use?
While significativo is the standard term for something significant, in certain Latin American contexts, you may encounter grosso or its alternative spelling groso.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The forms grosso and groso are used in Latin America.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/siɡnifikaˈtibo/
Did you know?
- In many parts of Latin America, calling someone a groso is a high compliment, meaning they are a 'great' or 'legendary' person in their field.
- Using grosso in Spain would likely be misunderstood as a reference to thickness or size rather than significance.
- The term groso actually shares its roots with the Italian word grosso, which originally referred to a type of coarse cloth or a large amount of money.
Examples in context
- Este es un cambio significativo para la empresa.This is a significant change for the company.
- Tu apoyo fue muy significativo para mí.Your support was very significant to me.
- Hubo un error significativo en el informe.There was a significant error in the report.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a project update at work.
- Elena¿Viste el nuevo plan de Daniel?Did you see Daniel's new plan?
- DanielSí, es un avance muy significativo.Yes, it is a very significant advancement.
- ElenaMe alegra que su propuesta fuera tan buena.I am glad his proposal was so good.
- DanielTotalmente, él hizo un gran trabajo.Totally, he did a great job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “major” translations and entries significativo, groso, grosso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grosso, significativo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
