poderoso
/podeˈɾoso/
The English word mighty is translated into Spanish as poderoso.
poderoso is used to describe someone or something that is very strong or possesses great might. While fuerte refers to physical strength or durability, poderoso implies a greater sense of authority, influence or overwhelming might.
Meaning: very strong, possessing might (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word poderoso is derived from the noun poder, which means 'power'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term poderoso is widely used as the equivalent for mighty in both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, the term poderío might be used in Spain to emphasize strength or power.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective poderoso must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to poderosa for feminine nouns. The plural form poderosos is used when describing a group of masculine or mixed-gender nouns. The plural form poderosas is used when describing a group of exclusively feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/podeˈɾoso/
Did you know?
- While poderoso means 'mighty', the noun poder is also used as a legal term to describe a 'power of attorney'.
- In some historical and religious Spanish texts, el Poderoso is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to God.
- The suffix '-oso' in poderoso is used to turn nouns into adjectives that imply a quality is possessed in abundance, much like how 'full of' works in English.
Examples in context
- Él es un brujo poderoso.He is a mighty sorcerer.This sentence uses poderoso to describe a mighty sorcerer.Tatoeba #2121115 by hayastan, translation #9815626 by AlanF_US
- Mi nombre es Ozymandias, rey de reyes: ¡Contemplad mis obras, poderosos, y desesperad!My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!This sentence uses poderosos to address the mighty in a poetic or dramatic context.Tatoeba #8097786 by Goatstein, translation #392504 by Scott
- El ejército demostró ser poderoso en la batalla.The army proved to be mighty in the battle.
- La catedral es grandiosa.The cathedral is mighty.
- ¡Eres poderoso como un león en el gimnasio!You're mighty as a lion at the gym!
- La avalancha mostró su fuerza bruta.The avalanche displayed its might.
- Pedro es humilde pero a la vez poderoso.Pedro is humble but also mighty.
- Ese caballero tiene mucho poderío.That knight has a lot of might.
- El león es un animal muy poderoso.The lion is a very mighty animal.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a character in a movie.
- Sofía¿Te gustó el villano de la película?Did you like the villain in the movie?
- DanielSí, era un hombre muy poderoso.Yes, he was a very mighty man.
- SofíaSu ejército también era poderoso.His army was also mighty.
- DanielEs cierto, causaba mucho miedo.That's true, he caused a lot of fear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mighty” translations and entries poderoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
