poderosos
/poh-deh-ROH-sohs/
powerful
When used as an adjective, poderosos means powerful, describing people or forces with great strength.
poderosos(adjective)
powerful
?describing people, organizations, or forces
,strong
?describing effects, sensations, or arguments
mighty
?often used in historical or poetic contexts
,potent
?describing substances or effects
📝 In Action
Los ejércitos eran muy poderosos en aquella época.
B1The armies were very powerful in that era.
Necesitamos motores más poderosos para levantar la carga.
B2We need more powerful engines to lift the load.
Sus argumentos eran tan poderosos que nadie pudo refutarlos.
B2Their arguments were so strong that no one could refute them.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Matching
Since 'poderosos' ends in -os, it must describe a plural group of masculine things or people. If you were describing women or feminine nouns (like 'ideas'), you would use 'poderosas'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Form
Mistake: "Los gobiernos es poderoso."
Correction: Los gobiernos son poderosos. (Remember to match the plural subject 'gobiernos' with the plural adjective 'poderosos'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Physical Strength
While it can mean physically strong, 'poderoso' is most often used for having influence, wealth, or authority, like a powerful company or a powerful decision.
As a noun, los poderosos refers to the group holding authority or power.
poderosos(noun)
the powerful
?the people or group holding authority
the elite
?the ruling class or influential group
,the mighty
?literary or formal reference
📝 In Action
Los poderosos del mundo se reunirán para discutir la crisis.
B2The world's powerful (leaders) will meet to discuss the crisis.
Es difícil luchar contra los intereses de los poderosos.
C1It is difficult to fight against the interests of the powerful.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective as Noun
This happens when you put the definite article ('los' or 'las') right before an adjective. It means 'the [adjective] ones.' Here, 'los poderosos' stands for 'the powerful people' without needing to say the word 'people'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This noun form is usually used in more formal writing, news reports, or academic discussions when referring to governments, wealthy individuals, or influential institutions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: poderosos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'poderosos' as a noun (referring to people)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'poderosos' and 'fuertes'?
'Fuertes' (strong) generally refers to physical strength or resilience (e.g., strong muscles, strong coffee). 'Poderosos' (powerful) usually refers to influence, authority, wealth, or intense capability (e.g., powerful leaders, a powerful argument). They are often interchangeable, but 'poderosos' carries a stronger connotation of control and might.
How do I form the singular version of this word?
The singular masculine form is 'poderoso' (e.g., un hombre poderoso). The singular feminine form is 'poderosa' (e.g., una mujer poderosa).