potencial
/potenˈθjal/masculine
The English word 'potential' is translated into Spanish as potencial.
Potencial is a masculine noun used to describe a currently unrealized ability. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'existing in possibility'. When you want to highlight someone's future growth, you may use the synonym proyección. In some formal contexts, the idea of potential can also be conveyed using capacidad, which means 'capacity'.
Meaning: currently unrealized ability (noun)
Which one should you use?
While potencial refers to an inherent capacity or latent ability, the word posible is used for things that are merely achievable or capable of happening.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, the masculine form is potencial. When used as an adjective, potencial is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form for both the noun and the adjective is potenciales.
How do you pronounce it?
/potenˈθjal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word potencial shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'power', specifically tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *pótis, meaning 'master' or 'husband'.
- While potencial is used for ability, the related word potencia is used in Spanish to describe the horsepower of a car or the wattage of an appliance.
- In some Spanish dialects, using potencial to describe a person can sound overly clinical or like a performance review, making talento a more natural choice in social settings.
Examples in context
- Todos creen en su propio potencial.Everyone believes in their own potential.This sentence demonstrates the use of potencial as a noun.Tatoeba #3213780 by cueyayotl, translation #276394 by CK
- Tiene el potencial para ser campeón del mundo.He has the potential to become world champion.This sentence shows how potencial describes the ability to achieve a specific status.Tatoeba #5019647 by don_ramon, translation #5019467 by nickyeow
- Yanni está arruinando su propio éxito potencial.Yanni is wrecking his own potential success.This sentence shows potencial being used as an adjective to describe success.Tatoeba #10076988 by manufrutos, translation #10076082 by Amastan
- Este proyecto tiene un gran potencialThis project has great potential
- Esta empresa tiene la capacidad de crecer rápidamenteThis company has the potential to grow rapidly
- Tienes muchas posibilidades de tener éxitoYou have a lot of potential for success
- Este estudiante tiene un gran potencial académicoThis student has great academic potential
- Este negocio tiene un enorme potencial de crecimientoThis business has tremendous growth potential
- Jorge demostró su potencial como líderJorge demonstrated his potential as a leader
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new employee at work.
- Alejandro¿Qué piensas del nuevo empleado?What do you think of the new employee?
- ElenaCreo que tiene un potencial enorme.I think he has enormous potential.
- AlejandroEstoy de acuerdo, es muy inteligente.I agree, he is very intelligent.
- ElenaDebemos ayudarlo a crecer.We must help him grow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “potential” translations and entries potencial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries potencial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
