potente
/poˈtɛn.te/
The English word 'powerful' is translated into Italian as potente.
Potente is used to describe someone or something that has power, potency or influence. In technical contexts, it is also used to describe high intensity, such as a potente motore (powerful engine).
Meaning: having or capable of exerting power, potency or influence (adj)
Which one should you use?
While potente can refer to influence or physical strength, it is also the appropriate term for describing high intensity or potency in technical settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective potente is invariable in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the word plural, use potenti, which is used for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /poˈtɛn.te/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, describing a scent or a flavor as potente suggests an overwhelming intensity that might be perceived as aggressive.
- If you are describing a 'powerful' sound in music, an Italian would more likely use imponente or prepotente depending on whether the sound is grand or unpleasantly loud.
- In Italian, the word potente is often used as a noun to describe a 'power player' or a person with immense political influence, such as i potenti meaning 'the powerful'.
Examples in context
- Tom è potente, vero?Tom is powerful, isn't he?This example is useful for confirming a statement about someone being potente.Tatoeba #5609925 by Guybrush88, translation #3416978 by CK
- È una potente strega.She's a powerful witch.This example shows how to use potente to describe a witch.Tatoeba #4896320 by Guybrush88, translation #1790817 by Spamster
- Questo è un laser potente.This is a powerful laser.This example demonstrates using potente to describe a laser.Tatoeba #5057360 by Guybrush88, translation #4255979 by orcrist
- È un uomo d'affari influenteHe is a powerful businessman
- Una mente potente è la chiave per il successo.A powerful mind is the key to success.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a famous business leader.
- SofiaConosci quel nuovo CEO?Do you know that new CEO?
- LorenzoSì, è un uomo molto potente.Yes, he is a very powerful man.
- SofiaPensi che possa aiutarci?Do you think he can help us?
- LorenzoSicuramente, ha contatti molto potenti.Certainly, he has very powerful contacts.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powerful” translations and entries potente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
