fama

/FAH-mah/

fame

A person standing center stage under a bright spotlight, receiving enthusiastic applause from an unseen audience, symbolizing their famous status.

Illustrating fama as the state of being famous.

fama(noun)

fA2

fame

state of being famous

celebrity

public recognition

Also:

renown

formal recognition

📝 In Action

La cantante saltó a la fama después de ganar el concurso.

The singer shot to fame after winning the contest.

Mucha gente busca la fama, pero pocos la encuentran.

Many people seek fame, but few find it.

Word Connections

Synonyms

celebridad (celebrity status)
renombre (renown)
popularidad (popularity)

Common Collocations

tener fama – to be famous
alcanzar la fama – to achieve fame
estrella de fama mundial – world-famous star

💡 Grammar Points

A Feminine Noun

'Fama' is always a feminine word, even though it ends in 'a'. Always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong article

Mistake: "El fama"

Correction: La fama. Remember, 'fama' is feminine.

A skilled carpenter confidently handing a perfectly crafted wooden object to another person, who looks at the object with clear trust and admiration, symbolizing a good reputation.

Illustrating fama as a general reputation of character or quality.

fama(noun)

fB1

reputation

general opinion of character or quality

Also:

name

good standing (e.g., to protect one's name)

📝 In Action

Ese hotel tiene fama de tener el mejor servicio de la ciudad.

That hotel has a reputation for having the best service in the city.

Perdió su buena fama después del escándalo.

He lost his good reputation after the scandal.

Word Connections

Synonyms

prestigio (prestige)
crédito (credit/standing)

Antonyms

desprestigio (discredit)
infamia (infamy)

Common Collocations

de buena fama – well-reputed
de mala fama – ill-reputed/notorious
defender su fama – to defend one's reputation

⭐ Usage Tips

Good vs. Bad Reputation

To talk about a good reputation, say 'buena fama'. For a bad reputation, say 'mala fama'. You can also use 'de' (of) to say 'tiene fama de ser...' (it has a reputation for being...).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: fama

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'fama' to mean 'reputation'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

famoso(famous) - adjective

infamia(infamy/bad reputation) - noun

difamar(to defame/slander) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'fama' always positive?

No. While 'fama' often implies positive celebrity, it simply means 'being known.' You need to add an adjective to specify: 'buena fama' (good reputation) or 'mala fama' (bad reputation/notoriety).

How is 'fama' different from 'famoso'?

'Fama' is the noun (the state of being known), like 'fame' in English. 'Famoso/a' is the adjective (the description), meaning 'famous.' If someone has 'fama,' they are 'famoso.'