importan
“importan” means “matter” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
matter, are important
Also: concern
📝 In Action
Los pequeños detalles siempre importan.
A2The small details always matter.
Para mí, sus palabras no me importan en absoluto.
B1For me, their words don't matter at all.
import
Also: bring in
📝 In Action
Las tiendas grandes importan la mayoría de sus productos.
B1The large stores import the majority of their products.
¿Qué países importan más petróleo a Europa?
B2Which countries import the most oil to Europe?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: importan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'importan' in the sense of 'to matter'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *importare*, meaning 'to carry in' or 'to bring in.' This root gave rise to both the modern Spanish meanings: carrying in goods (to import) and carrying in significance (to matter).
First recorded: 13th century (in Romance languages)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'importan' sometimes mean 'they matter' and sometimes 'they import goods'?
This is a case where one verb has two very different jobs! The meaning is usually clear from the context. If you see 'me/te/le' before it, it means 'to matter.' If you see a product after it, it means 'to bring in goods.'
What is the difference between 'importa' and 'importan'?
'Importa' is used when the subject (the thing that matters or is being imported) is singular (e.g., 'El tiempo importa'). 'Importan' is used when the subject is plural (e.g., 'Los amigos importan').