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importante

eem-por-TAHN-teh/impoɾˈtante/

“importante” means “important” in Spanish (general significance).

important

Also: significant, prominent, major, considerable
A massive, antique golden key resting prominently on a tall, sturdy stone pedestal, emphasizing its significance and value.

📝 In Action

Es muy importante estudiar.

A1

It's very important to study.

Tengo una reunión importante mañana.

A1

I have an important meeting tomorrow.

Él es una figura importante en la política local.

B1

He is an important figure in local politics.

Hubo un número importante de asistentes al evento.

B2

There was a considerable number of attendees at the event.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • lo más importante – the most important thing
  • papel importante – important role
  • decisión importante – important decision
  • persona importante – important person (VIP)

Idioms & Expressions

  • darse importancia – to act self-important, to put on airs

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "importante" in Spanish:

considerable→important→major→prominent→significant→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: importante

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence is grammatically correct and most natural?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word `importare`, which meant 'to bring in' or 'carry in'. The idea evolved to mean something that 'carries weight' or has significance, something worth bringing in.

First recorded: Around the 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: importantFrench: importantItalian: importantePortuguese: importante

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'importante' sometimes go before the noun and sometimes after?

Great question! 95% of the time, it goes *after*, just like in English (e.g., 'un tema importante'). Putting it *before* ('un importante tema') is less common and is used to add emphasis or make the sentence sound a bit more formal or literary. When you're starting out, it's safest to always place it after.

Do I use 'ser' or 'estar' with 'importante'?

You will almost always use 'ser' with 'importante' because importance is generally seen as a characteristic or a fact. For example, 'La educación es importante' (Education is important). You wouldn't typically use 'estar'.