importan
/eem-por-TAHN/
matter
When things matter (importan), they stand out and are given significance.
importan(verb)
matter
?when talking about significance
,are important
?when describing things that count
concern
?as in 'they affect me'
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Gustar' Structure
When using 'importar' to mean 'to matter,' the item that matters is the grammatical subject. Since 'importan' is plural, the thing(s) that matter must be plural: 'Los regalos (subject) importan (verb) a ella (indirect object).'
Directly Addressing People
This form 'importan' is used when speaking formally (Ustedes) or about a group of people (Ellos/Ellas) in the present tense: 'Ustedes importan la paz.' (You all value peace.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Subject
Mistake: "Yo importan la opinión. (I matter the opinion.)"
Correction: La opinión me importa. (The opinion matters to me.) Remember, the thing that matters is the subject, and the person affected is the object (me/te/le/nos/os/les).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Plural Subject
Since this word ends in '-an,' the subject must be plural (e.g., 'ideas,' 'amigos,' 'sentimientos'). If only one thing matters, you must use 'importa' (singular).
Importing (importan) means bringing goods from one country into another, often via large cargo ships.
importan(verb)
import
?to bring goods into a country
bring in
?general sense of moving goods
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'importan' is used simply, like 'they buy' or 'they sell.' The goods being imported are the direct object: 'Ellos importan (verb) tecnología (object).'
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you see 'importan' followed by a type of product (cars, food, electronics), it almost certainly means 'they import' (the goods). If it's followed by 'me/te/le,' it means 'to matter.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: importan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'importan' in the sense of 'to matter'?
📚 More Resources
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').