poderoso
/podeˈɾoso/
The English word "powerful" is translated into Spanish as poderoso.
poderoso is used to describe someone or something that possesses or is capable of exerting power, potency or influence.
Meaning: having or capable of exerting power, potency or influence (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the noun poder, which means "power".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, poderoso must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the masculine plural form poderosos for masculine plural nouns, the feminine plural form poderosas for feminine plural nouns and the feminine singular form poderosa for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/podeˈɾoso/
Did you know?
- Spanish has the word potente, which also means 'powerful'. While poderoso often implies social or political influence, potente is used for mechanical or physical strength.
- The noun poder can be used as a legal term meaning 'power of attorney', turning a general word for power into a specific legal document.
- In some religious contexts, El Todopoderoso is the standard way to refer to God, meaning 'The Almighty'.
Examples in context
- Es rico y poderoso.He's rich and powerful.This sentence demonstrates the use of poderoso to describe a person.Tatoeba #8651540 by diegohn, translation #1804034 by Spamster
- Tom es rico y poderoso.Tom is rich and powerful.This sentence shows how to use poderoso when referring to a specific person named Tom.Tatoeba #3769334 by hayastan, translation #3410901 by CK
- Él tiene poderosos brazos.He has powerful arms.This sentence illustrates the use of poderoso (in its masculine plural form poderosos) to modify a noun.Tatoeba #1446240 by marcelostockle, translation #304864 by CK
- Un líder poderosoA powerful leader
- Un discurso influyenteAn influential speech
- Un ejército fuerteA strong army
- Una decisión firmeA strong decision
- Un motor potenteA powerful engine
- La tormenta fue realmente intensaThe storm was truly powerful
- Ella es una mujer influyente en el ámbito políticoShe is an influential woman in the political field
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about a politician.
- JavierÉl es un hombre muy poderoso.He is a very powerful man.
- LucíaSí, tiene mucha influencia aquí.Yes, he has a lot of influence here.
- JavierCreo que es demasiado poderoso.I think he is too powerful.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powerful” translations and entries poderoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
